Saturday, August 24, 2024 The Kazakhstan Tourism Board hosted a vibrant roadshow in Mumbai on August 22, 2024. The event featured a delegation of seven key representatives from Kazakhstan’s tourism sector, who showcased the country’s diverse travel offerings and introduced specially curated tour packages to Indian tour operators and leading members of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI). This initiative was spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan and was backed by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in India.
The event also included B2B meetings between Indian and Kazakh tour operators, fostering collaboration and exchange. Kazakhstan, an expansive and culturally rich country in Central Asia, is rapidly gaining popularity among Indian travelers. The nation offers a unique blend of adventure, cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural scenery.
From the dynamic cities of Almaty and Astana to the pristine national parks and tranquil landscapes, Kazakhstan provides a travel experience that appeals to a wide range of interests. Tourism data indicates a dramatic increase in Indian visitors to Kazakhstan, with numbers tripling by the close of 2023. The number of Indian tourists staying in Kazakh accommodations rose significantly, from 19,000 in 2022 to an impressive 54,000 in 2023.
This surge in tourism can be attributed to several key developments, including the availability of regular direct flights between India and Kazakhstan every day, the implementation of a 14-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens in 2022, and the growing appeal of Kazakhstan as an exciting travel destination. The Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) proudly held its first-ever roadshow in Mumbai on August 20, 2024, at the IMC, Churchgate. This landmark event gathered an impressive array of 25 exhibitors from across the travel and tourism industry, creating a vibrant atmosphere where over 100 Travel Agents and Tour Operators engaged in fruitful exchanges.
The exhibitors represented a broad spectrum of the industry, including Domestic and International Destination Management Companies (DMCs), Tourism Boards, Visa Experts, Hotels, Loan Advisors, Insurance Partners, and Airlines, showcasing the dynamic and interconnected nature of the travel sector. Leading the initiative, the Mumbai Board Team played a pivotal role in organizing the roadshow. The team included prominent figures such as Mr.
Jagat Mehta, National Director; Mr. Abhijit Khadilkar, National Director & Membership Head; Mrs. Dipti Pradhan Thakoor, National Director & Event Head; and Mr.
Dharmesh Advani, National Director. Their efforts were strongly supported by the ETAA Coordinators and the ETAA Mumbai Committee, who worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. The roadshow, being the first of its kind for the ETAA, was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, marking a significant milestone for the association.
Adding immense value to the event, sponsored presentations by AVNI MICE and RupeeBoss Financial Services Pvt Ltd. provided participants with insights and opportunities that enriched their professional knowledge. The event also saw a notable presence from India Tourism, further emphasizing the importance of the gathering.
Complimentary hotel packages offered by Tourism Malaysia and Qatar Tourism added an extra layer of excitement, while hampers sponsored by Oman Air and Indigo contributed to the lively atmosphere. One of the highlights of the roadshow was the series of lucky draws, which were held every 30 minutes. Sponsored by various exhibitors, these draws created a buzz of anticipation among the participants, with many walking away with delightful prizes.
The excitement and energy of the event were palpable, as travel agents and exhibitors alike seized the opportunity to build new connections and explore fresh avenues for collaboration. The ETAA Business Partners Meet 2024 not only set a new standard for industry collaboration but also energized the travel community with a renewed sense of purpose and shared vision for the future. The roadshow served as a platform for travel professionals to come together, exchange ideas, and forge new partnerships that will undoubtedly shape the future of travel.
Overall, the success of this inaugural roadshow in Mumbai underscored the importance of such events in fostering collaboration and innovation within the travel industry. The ETAA has set a strong foundation for future events, demonstrating its commitment to supporting and advancing the interests of travel agents and tour operators across the country..
