BROCHURE SPONSORED BY Pre Convention FAM Tours : 19 - 22 February 2015 TAFI Convention 2015 : 22 - 25 February 2015 Post Convention FAM Tours : 25 - 28 February 2015 01 Messages Dear TAFI’ites Be that as it may, the people of Israel are warm, sincere and friendly. TAFI has received ‘THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE’ letters of endorsement and support from the ho would have Israel tourist board, the Mayor of Jerusalem, Wever imagined that the Indian Ambassador to Israel, assuring us Travel Agent Federation and promising a heartfelt welcome. of India would have The Israeli authorities have also put together ever organised its a comprehensive pre and post tours annual convention in programme, so that delegates can explore Jerusalem, Israel. But its exotic and diverse charms. The dead sea, such is the enormous power of change, which is the lowest point on the earth’s surface at 1300 that what earlier seemed impossible, has feet below sea level, and therefore famous for its health, today become a reality. wellness and recuperative powers, Haifa and the multi- The Travel Agents Federation of India has always believed faceted Jerusalem, besides the international gateway city in being a path breaker and it is under this guiding principle of Tel Aviv are some of the destinations lined up for Indian that it has scheduled its annual convention, February travellers. In addition, several day tours to local attractions 22-25, 2015 in Jerusalem, which has for long been a are on offer for Jerusalem itself. historical, spiritual and cultural international hub. Religious As regards the Visas, Israeli authorities have sanctioned tourism is very significant to Israel because of its immense group Visas and member delegates have to submit their importance as a holy site for three religions, Christianity, passport copies to TAFI for processing of the same. Judaism and Islam. Individual submissions will not be entertained by them, And though Indians, have in the past, travelled in fewer under this scheme. numbers to Israel, for TAFI, sincerely it is a destination Due to the limited flights to Israel, AFT I will be taking waiting to be explored by Indians, because it has such only 500 delegates and that is why I strongly urge you to diverse attractions and charm. Admittedly also it is common register early so that there is no subsequent disappointment to find some Indians who have moved to Israel and made it and frustration. TAFI has strict limits for registration and their permanent home. It is a small country but at the same therefore overflow delegates will not be accepted. Kindly time it is in international limelight. cooperate with the Convention Committee on this matter. Talking about the theme of the Convention, ‘The Challenge of All the details about the convention are mentioned in this Change’, we have to accept that change is the only constant brochure. Please go through them and acquaint yourself in life. Our industry is facing changes on a regular basis with the same to maximise the benefits to yourself. and therefore it is of utmost importance that we develop a mechanism for coping with these swinging changes. Zakkir Ahmed Kalarikkal TAFI has lined up eminent speakers for its convention to President decode these wild swings for its membership in order to TAFI enable them to stay ahead of the competition. Because this is indeed the key to survival. 02 Messages Dear TAFI’ites Indian tourism and hospitality industry. It is expected that the contribution of ishing you all a very happy and prosperous new year. tourism sector to the country’s GDP will WWe at TAFI are very careful while selecting a partner grow at the rate of 7% to 8% in the country for tourism exchange. For this Convention, we have period 2014 – 2023. selected a brand new destination-Jerusalem in Israel. As We are sure that you all will come you may be aware, this destination is one of the oldest cities back from this Convention as a heavy in the world. It is believed that at the hill of Golgotha in this weight loaded with many innovative city, Jesus was crucified. It is at this spot that the Church of ideas resulting in manifold growth of the Holy Sepulcher stands. your business. We promise to give you an extraordinary Travel and Tourism is the largest service industry in India. experience in this Convention. It offers heritage, cultural, medical, business and sports Do not miss this Golden Opportunity to visit the holy city of tourism to visitors. The Indian tourism sector has been Jerusalem and be a part of the Grand Assembly of TAFI’ites flourishing in recent years due to improved connectivity at the forthcoming Convention. to and from the country. The policies such as Swachh Bharat, strengthening of infrastructure, safety and security Looking forward to welcoming you all in Jerusalem. of tourists, development of tourist circuits, introduction Praveen Chugh of e-visas, etc., implemented by the Tourism Ministry will Vice President be instrumental in providing the necessary boost to the TAFI Dear TAFI’ites Each venue for the gala dinners and entertainment has been hand-picked to offer the delegates a unique experience. reetings. Its convention time once Gagain, that time of the year when The theme “THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE” has been we explore new destinations, network selected after much deliberation to represent the quickly amongst ourselves and deliberate on changing business environment, and the challenges, which the happenings in our businesses-the the change comes with. Eminent speakers and experts will largest economy churner in the world. help steer the delegates into the future. Our destination this time is Jerusalem, Israel. The Convention Committee and I would be delighted with Contrary to general perception Israel besides being the your presence and look forward to greet you in “i Travel cradle of three great religions, ancient history and culture is Jerusalem”. also a country which offers exotic beaches, a pulsating night Bharat Shah life and the lowest points on Earth— The Dead Sea. Chairman The ICC Jerusalem is the prime venue for the convention and TAFI Convention Committee will be abuzz with activity from the 22nd to 25th Feb. 2015. Dear TAFI’ites continue to change along with changing times, and to win over the challenges. The Business sessions reetings !!! TAFI has been organising its annual have been carefully designed to focus on core convention in various countries across the G issues and to create avenues to augment the world. We have chosen destinations which stand earnings of our members. out. Israel already has a large number of tourists from across the world, and even large numbers The warm and friendly people of Jerusalem are of Indians travelling for “Holy land”, however we waiting with open arms to welcome all delegates. wish to show the other side of Israel – the side for the I wish all the delegates a wonderful Convention leisure and luxury travellers. Experience and a memorable trip to Israel. Conventions are birth place of ideas, discussions and Rajat Bagaria debates, and what better a place than Israel – The Land Co-Chairman of Creation to discuss on “THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE”. Change is the only constant, and its important for us to TAFI Convention Committee 03 Messages am glad to know that Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) I am sure TAFI Convention will take up various I is going to organize its forthcoming Convention at Jerusalem, crucial issues facing the industry in its Israel from 22nd to 25th February, 2015. Business Sessions with a view to arriving at logical solutions. It is well known that tourist industry has great economic potential and many countries around the world have recognized it as an I wish TAFI Convention all the best. important activity contributing to the economic, cultural and social Dr. Mahesh Sharma upliftment. As a result of economic development, the profile of Minister of State (Independent Charge) of tourists is undergoing a sea change with each passing year. Having Tourism & Culture and established its regional chapters far and wide throughout India, TAFI Minister of State of Civil Aviation plays an important role in propagating incredible tourism products Government of India, New Delhi in India and abroad. am happy to learn that Travel Agents Given the intense competition in this sector among most of the I Federation of India (TAFI) is holding its countries, we have accentuated the process of improving the next Convention at Jerusalem, Israel from existing infrastructure so as to enable us to enhance the flow of the 22nd to 25th February, 2015. foreign tourists to India and give them a memorable experience. The Travel Agent Industry in India is Furthermore, a comprehensive Civil Aviation Policy is on the growing rapidly and is economically very anvil, which amongst other issues, seeks to promote a robust and important. It goes hand in hand with Tourism. complementary role between the tourism and aviation sectors. The revenue earned through it not only adds I wish TAFI Convention grand success. to the GDP of the country but also generates significant potential for employment. P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju Minister Of Civil Aviation However, there are challenges too which needs to be addressed. Government Of India I understand that with an ever expanding membership base, TAFI follows a pragmatic approach to help its members get over conflicting issues. was happy to learn that the Travel Agents Federation of India popular tourist destination. I hope that the I (TAFI) is holding its Convention this year in Jerusalem from 22- deliberations at the Convention will generate 25 February 2015. new ideas to make India the most favoured tourist destination for visitors from Israel Relations between India and Israel have been growing in strength and the world.