The travel trade in Jammu & Kashmir is steadily embracing knowledge-led growth, with industry forums increasingly blending networking with learning. TAFI’s latest chapter meeting reflected this shift, placing equal emphasis on technology, collaboration and recognition.
The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), J&K Chapter held its 3rd bi-monthly meeting on April 16, 2026, at Hotel Palm Spring, Srinagar, with full-house participation from members and industry stakeholders.
Focus on knowledge and technology
A key highlight of the meeting was a series of knowledge sessions, including an AI Masterclass conducted by Aman Kaushik, alongside presentations by Asego Global Insurance and GRN Connect.
The AI session, tailored for travel professionals, focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the travel sector and was widely appreciated by attendees.
Recognising leadership and legacy
The event featured a felicitation ceremony honouring former chairmen of the J&K Chapter, including Founder Chairman Manzoor Pakhtoon and Immediate Past Chairman Shamim Shah, now a National Managing Committee Member. Their contributions were acknowledged as instrumental in shaping the chapter’s growth.
Honouring industry veterans
The “Torch Bearer Award” was presented to long-standing members Mohd Akram Siah and Zahoor Ahmad Qari for their continued commitment to the association.
A special honour was conferred on Nasir Shah for his 48 years of contribution to the tourism industry, recognising his role as a senior voice within the trade.
Celebrating contributions across the ecosystem
Faiz A. Bakshi was recognised as “Green Ambassador of Kashmir” for his work in environmental conservation, while Abroo Ratta of Honeygold was honoured as the “First Woman Entrepreneur of the Kashmir Tourism Industry” for her contribution over two decades.
Industry partners including IndiGo and Air India were also felicitated, along with Asego Global Insurance, GRN Connect and Aman Kaushik for their role in knowledge sharing.
Strengthening industry engagement
Participation certificates for the AI Masterclass were distributed to non-TAFI members, encouraging wider industry involvement and adoption of emerging technologies.
The meeting concluded with a networking session over a traditional Wazwan dinner, reinforcing the chapter’s focus on collaboration, learning and community building.
Through initiatives like these, the TAFI J&K Chapter continues to promote knowledge exchange and recognise excellence, while supporting the evolving needs of the region’s tourism industry.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.