The 75 Years Celebrations of TAAI, alongside the 69th TAAI Convention & Exhibition – Indian Travel Congress 2026, will be remembered as a defining milestone in the history of the Association. It elevated TAAI’s image and standing, generated tremendous excitement across the travel and tourism fraternity, delivered the largest-ever B2B platform at a TAAI Convention, and brought together three extraordinary days of knowledge, business, networking, celebration and hospitality. With two days of focused knowledge sessions, a vibrant India Travel and Tourism Expo, prestigious commemorative awards, and three spectacular evenings, the Convention surpassed expectations on every front. There were over 750 attendees, including delegates, guests and exhibitors.
This convention was delivered at a LEVEL ABOVE and in a record time of less than 5 weeks. It made the entire TAAI fraternity proud and earned the admiration of our esteemed industry leaders, media and delegates alike. In its scale, presentation, engagement and execution, it established itself as an event of the decade and set a formidable new benchmark for future industry conventions.
25 OCTOBER 2026 – THE OPENING CEREMONY
An Opening That Set the Stage for Excellence The Opening Ceremony delivered the first major surprise, astonishing delegates with the quality, uncompromising top-class setup and grandeur of the entire decor. The spectacular presentation, meticulous production and pulsating entertainment immediately established the extraordinary character of the Convention. The Band at the opening – Sajda Boys were simply incredible, captivating the audience with their energetic musical performance, while the charming dance performers of Bengal Beauty added colour, grace and cultural splendour to the evening. The opening night was a powerful statement of intent: TAAI’s 75-year milestone would be celebrated on a scale worthy of its remarkable legacy.
26 OCTOBER 2026 – THE 75 YEARS CELEBRATION
Seventy-Five Years. Seventy-Five Cakes. One Unforgettable Celebration.
The 75 Years Celebration exceeded every expectation. It was far more than a conventional anniversary event; it was an emotional, exhilarating and unforgettable celebration of the people and partnerships that have shaped TAAI over seven and a half decades. In a unique expression of togetherness, 75 cakes were cut by the delegates, transforming the occasion into a memorable spectacle of music, dance, camaraderie and collective pride. The magnificent Sundarban Lawns at ITC Sonar provided a breathtaking setting, while the grand arrangements and electrifying atmosphere reflected the importance of this historic milestone.
The large band – The Calcutta Choir, rocked the evening with pulsating music, adding another dimension to an already spectacular celebration. The festivities continued well into the night, followed by a midnight after-party that drew hundreds of delegates together. It was a celebration that brought generations of travel professionals closer, strengthened friendships and created memories that will endure for years. The evening belonged to TAAI, its members, its partners and everyone who has contributed to its extraordinary journey.
27 OCTOBER 2026 – THE FAREWELL GALA
Three Days of Excellence. One Grand Finale.
The Farewell Gala built magnificently on the excitement of the preceding two evenings, bringing the Convention to a spectacular close. It offered delegates one more opportunity to reconnect, strengthen business relationships, reinforce partnerships and celebrate three days of meaningful engagement and memorable experiences.
The eclectic rock band Anarkyst kept the excitement alive throughout the evening, splendidly supported by the energetic dance performances of Bengal Beauty and BAD Salsa. An incredible DJ added to the celebratory atmosphere, ensuring that the final evening was every bit as vibrant as the opening and anniversary celebrations. It was a fitting finale to a Convention that seamlessly combined business, knowledge, relationships and entertainment and sent delegates home with renewed enthusiasm and lasting memories.
TAAI KNOWLEDGE SESSIONS
Ideas That Inspire. Knowledge That Empowers. Perspectives That Look Ahead.
The two days of Knowledge Sessions were among the most substantive highlights of the Convention. Carefully focused on emerging trends, growing opportunities, changing business dynamics, a lot on Artificial Intelligence and the evolving demands of the travel and tourism industry, the sessions brought delegates face-to-face with ideas and perspectives relevant to the future of their businesses.
The programme featured distinguished speakers and thought leaders through individual presentations, engaging panel discussions and virtual presentations from Israel, South Africa and the USA. This innovative approach enabled TAAI to bring international perspectives and expertise into the Convention, expanding the horizons of delegates beyond geographical boundaries.
The diversity of subjects, the quality of the speakers and the relevance of the discussions ensured that the sessions were not merely informative but genuinely thought-provoking. They encouraged travel professionals to embrace change, explore new approaches, leverage technology and prepare for emerging opportunities.
In recognition of their valuable contributions, most impressive Thought Leader Awards were presented to the speakers. The Knowledge Sessions reinforced TAAI’s commitment to continuous learning, professional development and preparing its members for the future of travel and tourism.
TAAI B2B – INDIA TRAVEL AND TOURISM EXPO
Where the Industry Connected, Collaborated and Created Opportunities
The TAAI B2B – India Travel and Tourism Expo emerged as a defining business highlight of the Convention, creating the largest-ever B2B platform at a TAAI Convention. It brought the spirit of Connect – Collaborate – Celebrate to life by providing a vibrant meeting ground for travel professionals, tourism stakeholders and industry partners.
The Expo offered delegates a valuable opportunity to build new business relationships, strengthen existing partnerships, exchange ideas and explore opportunities across India’s diverse tourism landscape and the wider international travel market. It placed business engagement at the heart of the Convention, enabling participants to move beyond conversations towards meaningful professional connections. The scale and energy of the B2B platform reflected the growing importance of collaboration in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving industry. It demonstrated TAAI’s ability to bring stakeholders together, facilitate engagement and create an environment in which partnerships can flourish.
The Expo was more than a business gathering; it was an expression of TAAI’s continuing role in strengthening the travel trade and opening new avenues for growth. The Exhibitors expressed their happiness with the large number of footfalls and partnerships that had taken place. This is a huge success that TAAI’s B2B, as always offers huge value.
TAAI 75 YEARS COMMEMORATIVE AWARDS
Honouring the Legacy. Recognising Excellence.
Celebrating the People Who Built Our Industry.
The 75 Years Celebrations provided a fitting occasion to recognise the distinguished individuals, institutions, member companies and industry partners whose contributions have helped shape TAAI and the wider travel and tourism industry. The commemorative awards reflected the Association’s gratitude to those who have led, supported, strengthened and inspired its journey across generations.
3TAAI Legends of Excellence Awards honoured exceptional industry leaders whose remarkable careers and enduring contributions have earned them admiration and respect. Their journeys represented the values of perseverance, leadership and professional excellence that continue to inspire the travel fraternity.
The prestigious Global Visionary Leadership Award was presented to Mr Zubin Karkaria , Founder and CEO of VFS Global, recognising his visionary leadership and an outstanding contribution to the global travel ecosystem. Through a unique program, TAAI Pillars of Progress, TAAI acknowledged the vital role played by its partners and principals over 75 years, during which One Pillar is TAAI and the second is the Partner. A specially created video paid tribute to the airline partners, hospitality partners, including hotels and media partners whose support has been integral to the Association’s journey.
A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr Subhash Goyal, Managing Director, STIC Travels, in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the travel and tourism industry. The TAAI Legacy Awards honoured TAAI members whose association with the organisation spans 20 years and beyond. Particularly moving were the accounts shared by members whose companies have been associated with TAAI for over 50 years. Their recollections brought alive the history, friendships, challenges an achievements that have shaped the Association. The occasion was a heartfelt tribute to the enduring bond between TAAI and its members.
The Pride of TAAI Awards celebrated member companies for their distinctive achievements and contributions, who responded to call from TAAI. The recognition also reflected the importance of third-generation leadership and the need to encourage younger professionals, particularly those below 40, to assume greater responsibilities within the Association. This vision underscores the importance of preparing a new generation of leaders who will carry TAAI’s legacy forward with fresh ideas, energy and ambition.
Together, these awards transformed the 75 Years Celebrations into an occasion of gratitude and recognition, honouring the past, appreciating the present and inspiring the future.
RECOGNISING LEADERSHIP IN TOURISM
Acknowledging Those Who Strengthen the Industry
The Convention was enriched by the presence and participation of government leaders, tourism officials, State Tourism Boards and overseas tourism authorities. Their engagement reinforced the importance of collaboration between the travel trade and public institutions in advancing India’s tourism ambitions. Dr Shankar Ghosh, Minister for Tourism, Government of West Bengal, delivered a memorable address and was presented with the TAAI Award of Excellence for his outstanding contribution.
4Shri Kandula Durgesh, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, delivered an impactful address. His humility and message to delegates were deeply appreciated, and he was presented with the TAAI Award for Excellence in Tourism Leadership.
Shri Bhuvanesh Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Tourism, Government of India, delivered the keynote address, offering an eloquent and inspiring perspective that touched the audience. He was presented with the TAAI Award to acknowledge his leadership and contribution to the travel and tourism industry.
The Convention also recognised six states for their outstanding contribution to tourism promotion. The Most Outstanding States for Tourism Promotion awards were presented to (Alphabetical Order)
Andhra Pradesh
Gujarat
Karnataka
Kerala
Madhya Pradesh
West Bengal
These recognitions celebrated the states’ efforts to promote tourism, strengthen destination appeal and create opportunities for travel trade engagement. TAAI was honoured with the participation of various International Tourism authorities including Sri Lanka Tourism & Promotion Bureau; Singapore Tourism Board; Tourism Malaysia; Israel Tourism and DMCs representing other countries.
DISCOVERING WEST BENGAL AND THE NORTH EAST
Beyond the Convention. Into the Heart of Incredible India.
The delegate tours across West Bengal and the North East added a distinctive dimension to the Convention experience. They gave participants an opportunity to discover the beauty of the region’s landscapes, its cultural richness and its immense tourism potential, destinations that may remain unfamiliar to many travel professionals despite their extraordinary appeal.
These experiences extended the Convention beyond the meeting rooms, exhibition spaces and gala evenings. They encouraged destination discovery, strengthened awareness of emerging tourism opportunities and opened possibilities for new itineraries, products and business partnerships.
The tours also highlighted the value of bringing the travel trade closer to destinations. By experiencing their attractions first-hand, delegates could appreciate the potential to promote these regions to a wider domestic and international audience.
THANK YOU, SPONSORS, PARTNERS AND MEDIA
Your Support is truly invaluable. TAAI extends its sincere gratitude to all sponsors, participating governments, tourism authorities, industry partners and media organisations whose support contributed to the success of this historic Convention. 5The commitment and confidence of our sponsors and partners enabled TAAI to present an event of exceptional scale and quality. The participation of government bodies and tourism authorities added substance to the Convention, strengthening the relationship between the travel trade and the institutions working to advance tourism.
Our esteemed media partners deserve special appreciation for the outstanding role they played in bringing the Convention and the 75 Years Celebrations to a wider audience. Their valuable presence and coverage helped communicate the significance of this milestone, showcase the achievements of TAAI and amplify the collective pride of the travel and tourism fraternity. TAAI deeply values every partnership that helped make this celebration memorable. Our gratitude extends to everyone who stood with us, supported our vision and contributed to this historic achievement.
TEAM TAAI 2024–2026.
The TEAM that Scored! The Team That Dreamed Big.
The Team that worked Tirelessly and Delivered Beyond Expectations. At the heart of this extraordinary achievement stood TEAM TAAI 2024–2026. While the Office Bearers of TAAI were buzzing with assignments and responsibilities, the most energetic members of the TAAI Managing Committee and our dynamic Chairpersons, joined the active stream and helped a smooth flow. The team presented themselves exceedingly well and reflected a great TEAM in Action. Be is the B2B or the Knowledge Sessions or the Tours or the Registration or the overall management of the Convention, it was not an easy task to deliver which was done most meticulously. An excellent KIT and a GIFT from TAAI to every delegate was another gesture of generosity and affection.
Delivering a milestone event of this scale demanded vision, determination, meticulous planning, creativity, coordination and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The team rose to the occasion, bringing together multiple elements of a complex Convention and transforming them into a cohesive, memorable and truly exceptional experience.
From the grandeur of the Opening Ceremony and the emotional high of the 75 Years Celebration to the spectacular Farewell Gala, the focused Knowledge Sessions, the large , and highly engaging Convention B2B platform, the commemorative awards and the destination experiences, every element reflected the team’s determination to raise the benchmark. The entertainment, hospitality, production quality and attention to detail demonstrated a collective effort to deliver an experience that would make every delegate proud to be associated with TAAI.
The achievement was not simply about organising three successful days. It was about honouring 75 years of institutional legacy, respecting the contributions of generations of members, strengthening the Association’s standing and creating an experience worthy of this historic milestone. It was about demonstrating that when vision is matched by teamwork and commitment, extraordinary results are possible. 6TEAM TAAI 2024–2026 spared no effort in delivering this historic celebration. The pride felt by delegates, the appreciation of industry leaders and the enthusiasm generated across the fraternity stand as a powerful testament to the team’s achievement.
This Convention will remain a defining chapter in TAAI’s history, not only for what it delivered, but for what it represented: leadership, unity, ambition and the determination to keep moving forward.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TO TAAI EASTERN REGION
The Convention in Kolkata, was not as easy task. It took a lot of local support as well. TAAI Eastern Region led by Chairperson Mr Anjani Dhanuka and MC Mr Manav Soni, were of tremendous help and played a big role in ensuring the success of this historic event. Our sincere gratitude to the leadership and members of TAAI EASTERN REGION for their active participation, hospitality and support extended. We are proud of Chairperson Mr Anjani Dhanuka, who apart from various tasks to be handled managed all transfers most professionally. The role of Mr Manav Soni, who had several tasks to manage, in the expansion of TAAI B2B to its current level, is commendable. Both of them had worked tirelessly during these days along with their teams and their coordination with the West Bengal Government is much appreciated.
A LEGACY CELEBRATED. A NEW BENCHMARK ESTABLISHED.
The 69th TAAI Convention & Exhibition – Indian Travel Congress 2026 was far more than a Convention. It was a celebration of 75 years of leadership, service, resilience and achievement. It brought the industry together through business, knowledge, partnerships, recognition and unforgettable experiences. It honoured those who built the Association, celebrated those who sustain it today and encouraged the next generation to carry its legacy into the future.
For TAAI, it was a moment of immense pride. For the delegates, it was an experience to remember. For the industry, it was a demonstration of what collective vision and commitment can accomplish.
75 YEARS OF LEGACY. THREE DAYS OF EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES.
ONE CONVENTION THAT SET A NEW BENCHMARK.
TAAI — CONNECT. COLLABORATE. CELEBRATE.
