The 69th convention of the Travel Agents Association of India is being held in Kolkata (AI image)
Around 650 delegates from across the country have arrived for the convention, along with 75 members from Kolkata. More than 20 airlines and over 20 hotel chains are participating. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in Kolkata Stay updated with the latest Kolkata news.
TAAI vice-president Bettaiah Lokesh said international delegates were also attending too. Download the TOI App.
Being hosted in Kolkata after 22 years, the convention will examine how travel agents can use AI to remain competitive in a marketplace shaped by faster service expectations, thinner margins and changing customer behaviour.
TAAI president Sunil Kumar Rumalla said technology adoption was no longer optional for agencies that wanted to deliver speed, accuracy and personalised service. A special session will be held to explain how to effectively use AI and efficiently deliver services to customers,” he said. Anjani Dhanuka, chairman of TAAI eastern region, said AI was already changing everyday operations for agencies. For travel agencies that are finding it difficult to get knowledgeable manpower, AI is a blessing,” he said.
KOLKATA: The travel trade community is set to place Artificial Intelligence at the centre of industry deliberations as the 69th convention of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) opens in the city, coinciding with the organisation’s 75th year. “AI is a stand out point that will be discussed at the convention. The discussions are expected to address both the promise and pressure AI brings to the sector. For travel agents, AI tools can shorten response times, generate smart itineraries, compare fares and hotel options, translate destination data into customer-ready formats, and support round-the-clock query handling. At the same time, agencies will have to confront concerns around data accuracy, overdependence on automated tools, customer privacy, staff reskilling and the need to preserve human judgement in complex travel planning. Now, that happens within minutes. Speakers at the convention are expected to stress that AI should strengthen, not replace, the role of travel agents. agents can use AI to add value through curated advice, disruption management, visa and documentation support, destination expertise and personalised service for families, corporates and high-value travellers While customers increasingly have access to online booking platforms.
“Earlier, our staff used to take four-five days to chalk out an itinerary.