After the success of its first edition, the Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA) hosted the second edition of its Business Partners Meet on the evening of July 11, 2025, at IMC, Churchgate, Mumbai. The event brought together 27 diverse exhibitors from across India’s travel fraternity. Over 100 B2C travel agents, ETAA members, and industry leaders attended the roadshow, making it a dynamic platform for business generation and professional networking.
Strong Leadership and Seamless Execution
The event was conceptualised and driven by the ETAA National Board, including Jagat Mehta (National Director and Board Member), Dipti Pradhan Thakoor (National Director, Board Member, and Event Head), Dharmesh Advani (National Director and Board Member), and Abhijit Khadilkar (National Director, Board Member, and Membership Head). The event was strongly supported by the ETAA Mumbai Committee and dedicated ETAA coordinators, who ensured a seamless and successful experience for all participants.
ETAA Pune Members Boost Roadshow Energy
One of the key highlights this year was the active participation of ETAA’s Pune members, which contributed significantly to the roadshow’s vibrancy. For the first time, ETAA Mumbai arranged a special coach to bring travel agents from Pune. Jeevan Hendre (Board Member and Regional Director – Western India) attended the event along with 15+ Pune-based ETAA members. The goal was to bring together a more regionally diverse group of members and encourage broader business interactions.
Robust Industry Participation
Prominent participants included Tourism Malaysia, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism, and a mix of DMCs representing both domestic destinations such as Odisha, Kerala, and Rajasthan, and international hotspots like Europe, Bali, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Kailash Mansarovar, and Bhutan. Companies such as SATTE and ITB India, along with forex, insurance, and other travel service providers, added further value to the exhibition. Heads and representatives from IndiGo, Oman Air, and Vietnam Airlines also attended the event, providing valuable opportunities for direct engagement and dialogue with travel agents.
Engaging Presentations Inform and Inspire
Global Destinations brought a special dimension to the event by organising a destination presentation on Zimbabwe. Pranav Kapadia, Founder, Global Destinations, along with his team, was also present. The presentation was delivered by Sophia Hope T. Chimba, Minister Counsellor – Tourism, Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe, New Delhi, leaving a strong impression on the attending travel professionals.
Additional presentations were made by Asego Travel Insurance and VFS Global, adding further depth and industry relevance to the event.
Strategic Inclusion of B2C Agents
In a significant move, this year’s event was open to both B2B and B2C travel agents, thereby expanding its reach and value proposition. Explaining the decision, Dipti Thakoor stated, “This year, the event is open to B2C because we want our sponsors and exhibitors to receive maximum value, and we want to be truthful with them about the type of event they are participating in. We are committed to maintaining their trust in us.”
Buzzing with New Insights
The event’s lively atmosphere, driven by enthusiastic exhibitors and engaged buyers, made this edition a resounding success. Jagat Mehta shared, “We are very happy with the way this event is going. Next year, we will need a bigger room.”
The platform proved highly effective in generating new business leads. Sajith Soman, Director of Brian Holidays (DMC for Sri Lanka), noted, “The uniqueness of this roadshow lies in its ability to foresee business potential.” Buyers were equally appreciative. Khyati from Dream Holidays said, “This event goes beyond regular roadshows by including travel ancillary services like tech support, remittance, and forex.”
Priyanka Verma from Memories World Wide Tours and Travel, Pune, described the event as “a chance to learn, upgrade, and expand business horizons.”
Exciting Giveaways and Generous Sponsors
Adding to the excitement were lucky draws, vouchers, hamper bags, and the felicitation of event partners and associates, making the event engaging and memorable for all attendees. Welcome bags were sponsored by Asego Travel Insurance. Hourly lucky draws kept the energy high, with goodie bags sponsored by VFS Global, Oman Air, Vietnam Airlines, and IndiGo Airlines. Tourism Malaysia added a special touch by including hotel night vouchers in their giveaways. GRN Connect was a generous co-sponsor for the high tea, closing the evening on a warm and hospitable note. TTJ was the official media partner for the event.
 hosted the second edition of its Business Partners Meet on the evening of July 11, 2025, at IMC, Churchgate, Mumbai. The event brought together 27 diverse exhibitors from across India’s travel fraternity. Over 100 B2C travel agents, ETAA members, and industry leaders attended the roadshow, making it a dynamic platform for business generation and professional networking.){kind=link}