TAAI announces Convention in Colombo from July 6

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI, May 26: Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) on the invitation from the Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Board (SLTPB) will be holding its 67th Convention and Exhibition in Colombo, Sri Lanka from July 6 – 9, 2023 in Association with Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO).

TAAI, which was supposed to host its Convention in Sri Lanka last year, is sticking to its commitment and taking a good-size delegation to the Island Country, which is recovering well from its economic crisis experienced last year. The Convention, will have post tours, offering people a good chance to experience all that Sri Lanka has to offer.

TAAI President Jyoti Mayal says, “We have been waiting for almost a year to host our Convention in Sri Lanka and we are really glad that this is finally happening. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, and we are positive that our members will create good synergy with the local tour operators in Sri Lanka and collectively we will be able to increase the tourist traffic between the two countries that are already bound by the Spiritual thread."

She said "SLTPB wants India Tourism Industry to be part of its growth story and witness the revival of the island country. Sri Lanka has already welcomed around 75,000 Indian visitors this year (up till April 30) making India its biggest source market. They are excited to roll out the red carpet for around 500 Indian delegates, including media, who would be attending the Convention. With the focus to formulate a Vision Plan for the future of TAAI, the Convention will witness meaningful discussions and debates that will help our members become stronger in their business area.”

TAAI Mananging Committee Member Amish Desai disclosed the theme of the Convention as – Transcending Borders – Transforming Lives.

TAAI Vice President Jay Bhatia shared the schedule of the Convention with the media. “As per the tentative schedule, delegates will arrive in Colombo on July 6 and there will be a media briefing between 3 – 5 pm for the local as well as Indian media.

He said "The opening ceremony will take place at 7 pm at BMICH. On July 7 and 8, there will be Business Sessions and Knowledge Discussions from 10am – 1pm. From 2 – 5pm, there will be B2B Meetings for around 200 delegates while the balance of delegates will go on city tour and sightseeing on both days. A theme Dinner is planned for July 7 at Temple Trees, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and on July 8, a Gala evening is planned at the Heritance Negombo Hotel, which is a beautiful property, where delegates will be able to enjoy a fun evening on the beach.

He said "on July 9 the delegates can opt for day excursions from Colombo to Bentota / Kandy / Galle. They can also go for an overnight tour to the said places. 50 delegates per excursion/ post tours shall be accommodated on first-cum-fist basis. More details on Speakers and Sessions will be shared as and when will be decided.”

TAAI Hon. Secretary General Lokesh Bettaiah sharing details of the Convention registration said that it is mandatory for all delegates to register online for this Convention.

“We have made the process extremely user-friendly with all details regarding hotels and airlines clearly listed on the website along with all payment gateways. The Online Registrations will start from May 28 (Sunday) and we encourage you all to register in good numbers,” he said.

TAAI Mananging Committee Member Paras Lakhia will be handling the airline’s bookings and shared that they have negotiated the pricing with four partner airlines – Sri Lankan Airlines, Air India, IndiGo, and Air Vistara.

“There is no Convention Hotel as such this time. The Inauguration is at BMICH, Day 2 Sessions are at Cinnamon Grand and Day 3 Sessions are at Shangri–La, followed by the B2B sessions in the respective hotels. Sri Lankan Tourism Ministry along with TAAI has made a request to the President of Sri Lanka for Free Visa for all Convention delegates and further going for all Indian Tourists. We are awaiting confirmation on the same,” said Mayal, adding, that she has seen a heart-warming dedication and commitment by the young and dynamic Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Harin Fernando along with the very committed & hospitable team of SLAITO to host TAAI for a successful convention.

“Meanwhile, let’s not disclose all details and let there be some surprise elements for the delegates also,” concluded Mayal.

Tourists Caught Damaging Monuments To Be Fined ₹ 54 Lakh In Italy

ROME, April 13: Italy is proposing a fine between 10,000 euros (Rs 9 lakh) and up to 60,000 euros (Rs 54 lakh) to be charged from offenders who are caught damaging monuments or other cultural sites. The proposed law, which was promoted by Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, would utilise these collected fines to pay for repairs and clean-up, as per a report in the Independent.

On April 11, the Italian cabinet approved the plans and it is anticipated that the legislation would be adopted and signed into law.

According to Italy's Culture Minister, the government spent 40,000 euros (Rs 36 lakh) cleaning the front area of the vandalised 15th-century Palazzo Madama, which houses the Italian Senate. At the base of the Spanish Steps, a massive fountain that Bernini created was recently dyed black by campaigners calling for greater climate change action.

"The attacks on monuments and artistic sites produce economic damage to all," Sangiuliano said in a statement.

He further added, "To clean it up, the intervention of highly specialised personnel and the use of very costly machines are needed. Whoever carries out these acts must assume also the financial responsibility."

In June 2022, two American tourists were fined after one of them was caught on camera hurling an electric scooter down the Spanish Steps in Rome and causing damage of more than $26,000 (Rs 21 lakh) to the world-famous landmark.

The 28-year-old was arrested by police and was fined $430 (Rs 35,000) along with her 29-year-old male companion who had wheeled his e-scooter down the 18th-century marble steps. Authorities said that the 16th and 29th steps had been cracked and other sections were chipped by the e-scooter.