The Kazakhstan Tourism Board made a significant splash in Mumbai on August 22nd, 2024, hosting a vibrant roadshow that attracted the attention of leading Indian tour operators and members of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI). This event showcased the diverse travel offerings of Kazakhstan, a culturally rich and expansive country in Central Asia, rapidly gaining popularity among Indian travelers.
The roadshow, supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in India, featured a delegation of seven prominent representatives from the Kazakh tourism sector. These representatives highlighted the unique blend of adventure, cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes that Kazakhstan offers, appealing to a wide range of travelers. From the bustling cities of Almaty and Astana to pristine national parks and tranquil countryside, Kazakhstan promises a truly memorable travel experience.
The event also included valuable B2B meetings between Indian and Kazakh tour operators, fostering collaboration and exchange. This initiative underscores the growing interest in Kazakhstan as a travel destination. Statistics reveal a dramatic increase in Indian visitors to Kazakhstan, with visitor numbers tripling by the end of 2023. This surge can be attributed to several key factors: the availability of daily direct flights between India and Kazakhstan, the implementation of a 14-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens in 2022, and the growing appeal of Kazakhstan as an exciting and unique travel destination.
On August 20th, 2024, the Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) held its first-ever roadshow in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone for the organization. Held at the IMC, Churchgate, this landmark event brought together an impressive array of 25 exhibitors from various segments of the travel and tourism industry. Over 100 travel agents and tour operators engaged in fruitful exchanges, creating a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and exploration.
The exhibitors represented a diverse cross-section of the industry, including Domestic and International Destination Management Companies (DMCs), Tourism Boards, Visa Experts, Hotels, Loan Advisors, Insurance Partners, and Airlines, showcasing the interconnected nature of the travel sector. The Mumbai Board Team, led by prominent figures such as Mr. Jagat Mehta, Mr. Abhijit Khadilkar, Mrs. Dipti Pradhan Thakoor, and Mr. Dharmesh Advani, played a pivotal role in organizing the successful event. Their efforts were strongly supported by the ETAA Coordinators and the ETAA Mumbai Committee.
The event’s success was further enhanced by sponsored presentations from AVNI MICE and RupeeBoss Financial Services Pvt Ltd., providing valuable insights and opportunities for professional growth. The presence of India Tourism at the roadshow underscored the importance of collaboration within the travel industry.
The roadshow’s energetic atmosphere was further enhanced by complimentary hotel packages offered by Tourism Malaysia and Qatar Tourism, as well as hampers sponsored by Oman Air and Indigo. A series of lucky draws held every 30 minutes, sponsored by various exhibitors, added excitement and anticipation, with many participants walking away with prizes.
This inaugural roadshow served as a platform for travel professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and forge new partnerships. The event successfully energized the travel community with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared vision for the future of travel. The ETAA’s commitment to supporting and advancing the interests of travel agents and tour operators across the country was evident in the success of this event, setting a strong foundation for future endeavors.
