Mariyamma Jose, Chairperson, TAAI Kerala Chapter
Initiatives
We regularly meet once every sixty days. We recently had a campaign for ‘Say No to Drugs’ where the city commissioner was the chief guest and almost 150 members from other organizations and hoteliers were present. We have regular interaction with VFS to sort out the issues faced by our members. We participated in the IITM travel mart held in Cochin.
Challenges
Most of our challenges are related to VFS facilities, and delays in consulates. The matters which have to be taken up with TAAI –Managing Committee are being forwarded to them.
Getting new members is a challenge because many of the agents are already members of multiple organizations and they don’t want to spend more for taking multiple memberships. We have been telling them the benefit of networking opportunities at all India levels.
The new TCS of 20% has come as a dampener for outbound travel. We are educating travellers with the facts and hoping they will understand the larger purpose of the new rules.
The high airfares continue to be a deterrent to promote group travel and holidaymakers. We are requesting the Kerala Government to take up this issue with the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Our Challenges Related to VFS Facilities & Delays in Consulates: Mariyamma Jose
