Veteran travel industry professional Vijay Mohan Raj has been unanimously elected Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), AP & Telangana Chapter, marking his return to the association’s leadership after a gap of 20 years. The election comes as TAAI celebrates its 75th year of representing and strengthening India’s travel trade.
Raj brings more than four decades of experience in the travel and tourism industry, with leadership experience across national and international tourism organisations. His return to TAAI leadership is expected to bring extensive industry knowledge and a global perspective to the AP & Telangana Chapter.
A former Hyderabad Ranji cricketer and member of the 1987 Ranji Trophy-winning team, Raj has also held several leadership positions within the international travel and tourism community. He served as President of SKÅL Hyderabad from 2014 to 2018 and played a key role as Chairman of the SKÅL World Congress held in Hyderabad.
Raj also holds the distinction of having been elected an International Director of SKÅL International, becoming only the third Indian to hold the prestigious position. SKÅL International represents travel and tourism professionals across nearly 90 countries.
Speaking on his unanimous election, Vijay Mohan Raj said he was deeply honoured by the confidence placed in him by members of TAAI AP & Telangana. He described returning to the association’s leadership after 20 years, particularly during its 75th year, as both a privilege and a responsibility.
Raj said that the travel and tourism industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technology, changing traveller preferences, increased connectivity and the emergence of new tourism segments. He emphasised the importance of collective efforts to strengthen the travel trade and make it more united and future-ready.
The new leadership also sees significant opportunities for tourism growth across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Hyderabad, in particular, continues to strengthen its position as an important hub for business travel, MICE, leisure, medical tourism and international connectivity.
As Chairman, Raj is expected to focus on strengthening engagement among travel agents, creating new business opportunities, supporting professional development, advocating for industry interests and promoting tourism across the region.
The chapter will also look to strengthen engagement with government authorities, airlines, tourism organisations and other stakeholders to create a more collaborative environment for the travel trade.
Raj’s extensive experience with both TAAI and SKÅL International is expected to provide the AP & Telangana Chapter with a broader national and international outlook as the region’s travel and tourism sector continues to evolve.
The new leadership team of the TAAI AP & Telangana Chapter also includes Hemant T Pandya of R K Tours and Travels as Honorary Secretary and Taher Ali of Platinum Tours and Travels as Treasurer.
The unanimous election of Vijay Mohan Raj marks a significant moment for the AP & Telangana travel trade and comes at a landmark stage in TAAI’s 75-year journey. His return to leadership is expected to strengthen the association’s engagement with industry stakeholders while supporting the growth and development of the region’s travel and tourism ecosystem.
