The Travel Agents Association of India’s (TAAI) 69th Convention & Exhibition – Indian Travel Congress 2026 concludes in Kolkata tonight, bringing together travel agents, airlines, hotel groups, tourism boards and technology providers to discuss the changing dynamics of India’s travel and tourism industry.
Held at ITC Royal Bengal from October 25 to 27, the convention coincides with TAAI’s 75th anniversary and marks its return to Kolkata after 22 years. Under the theme ‘Empowering Evolution’, the three-day gathering has focused on technology adoption, artificial intelligence (AI), changing business models and opportunities for travel intermediaries to strengthen their market position.
Sunil Kumar, President, TAAI, said the convention was intended to help travel businesses remain relevant in an industry undergoing rapid transformation.
“The theme of this year’s convention is Empowering Evolution. It is about encouraging our member companies and stakeholders to remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry. Staying relevant requires us to change our habits, rethink our approaches and embrace new technologies, including artificial intelligence,” Kumar said.
The convention’s knowledge sessions, B2B meetings and networking platforms have sought to translate these priorities into practical insights for travel businesses, while strengthening partnerships across the industry.
AI adoption gains urgency
AI has emerged as a key area of focus, with discussions centred on its potential to improve productivity, accelerate itinerary development, support customer service and enable more personalised travel recommendations.
For travel agencies operating under pressure on margins and facing rising customer expectations, technology offers opportunities to reduce turnaround times and streamline routine tasks. AI-powered tools can support itinerary creation, destination research, fare comparisons and customer query management, allowing agents to devote more time to consultation and relationship-building.
Kumar believes the industry should view AI as an opportunity rather than solely as a competitive threat.
“AI is a tool and a process developed by human beings. If we learn to work alongside it rather than view it solely as a competitor, the results can be highly rewarding,” he said, emphasising the value of combining technology with human expertise, judgement and relationships.
The convention’s sessions have encouraged travel professionals to examine how AI and other digital tools can be integrated into daily operations, alongside customer relationship management, social media and business differentiation strategies.
For the trade, the objective is not simply to adopt new technology but to use it to improve service delivery, enhance productivity and develop stronger value propositions. Human intervention will remain important in complex itineraries, disruption management and specialised travel planning, where experience and personal advice can distinguish an agency from automated booking platforms.
Protecting trade interests
Alongside technology, TAAI’s industry advocacy remains a priority. Travel intermediaries continue to navigate challenges involving airline distribution, operational disruptions, credit balances, passenger refunds, agency debit memos (ADMs), fare parity and regulatory compliance.
The association has been engaging with industry stakeholders and policy-makers on matters affecting its members’ commercial interests and operational stability.
The changing business environment has also reinforced the need for continuous learning and stronger collaboration between travel agents, airlines, hospitality companies and tourism boards.
TAAI’s wider agenda includes professional development, technology awareness, expanding membership and creating opportunities for younger professionals to participate in industry leadership.
As the role of travel agents evolves from booking intermediaries to trusted advisors and experience designers, the association is seeking to ensure that its members have access to the knowledge, tools and partnerships required to remain competitive.