KUCHING: Sarawak will host the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) Convention for the first time from Sept 20-23, and is expecting over 700 delegates.
The convention is a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Tourism Malaysia, Sarawak Tourism Board and Business Events Sarawak.
“Themed ‘Build Back Better’ to strengthen the tourism industry and moving towards a resilient economic recovery, the convention will highlight sustainability, advanced greening efforts, conservation and responsible tourism during its sessions,” according to a press statement on Wednesday (July 13).
The managing committee of TAFI visited Kuching to do multiple site inspections and also paid a courtesy call on Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
During the meeting, Abdul Karim expressed hope that the convention would be a catalyst to entice more visitors from India to Sarawak in the near future.
“The convention’s theme is very much aligned with our post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.
“We look forward to organising this event together with TAFI with the sustainability factor being the heart of the convention,” he said.
Meanwhile, TAFI president Ajay Prakah said: “The Indian market is growing, and we are constantly looking for newer destinations, products and experiences, and Sarawak has great potential to become a popular destination in the Indian market.”
“This is because today’s generation is concerned about the planet, conservation and sustainability. With the support of Tourism Malaysia, Sarawak Tourism Board and Business Events Sarawak, I think we are going to have a wonderful convention and we are looking forward to it,” he added.
TAFI is a progressive and vibrant association with a nationwide membership base of 1,400 members and growing.
The majority of TAFI members are IATA Accredited agents and contribute to more than 75 per cent of the outbound business in India.
