As TAAI gears up for its 2024–2026 elections, Sunil Kumar Rumalla and his team, ‘Positive for Change,’ aim to revitalise the association with a focus on member-centric initiatives. With a track record of impactful leadership and a commitment to addressing current industry challenges, Sunil Kumar is poised to guide TAAI into a new era of growth and relevance.
The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) is at a pivotal moment as it prepares for the 2024–2026 elections, scheduled to coincide with its Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is expected towards the end of September. This election is not just another routine event; it represents a crucial opportunity for TAAI to chart a new course amidst the rapidly changing landscape of the travel industry. As TAAI members look ahead to the future, the stakes have never been higher, and the promise of impactful leadership is more vital than ever.
A Legacy of Leadership
Among the prominent candidates is Sunil Kumar Rumalla, a familiar face in the industry and a respected leader with a distinguished history within TAAI. Sunil Kumar served as President of TAAI from 2015 to 2019 and has been an active member of the association’s Managing Committee for two decades (1999-2019). His extensive experience and deep understanding of the challenges facing the travel industry make him a formidable candidate in this election.
The Call to Return: Why Sunil Kumar is Running for President Again
Having served as the President, till 2019, Sunil Kumar, passed on his succession to the new team. Persistent encouragement from friends and industry peers, asking him to come back to boost TAAI to a new level and bring back the programs he had launched during 2015-2019, which will address members’ expectations. Having spent a long time with TAAI and having contributed to its massive development, identifying the need to come back and revamp TAAI Sunil Kumar is back again. His primary motivation is MEMBERS FIRST – a program that addresses the needs of the members effectively.
Revamping TAAI: The ‘Member First’ Initiative
Sunil’s goal and dream have always been to educate, update, and prepare members for the future. “During 2014, when TAAI faced significant challenges, including legal issues, I had to step in as acting president. It was a demanding period, but we successfully elevated TAAI to a prominent position.
I have heard concerns from members about the perceived lack of benefits and a growing sense of disillusionment, leading some to leave the association. This feedback has been a significant concern for me. Over the past year and a half, many friends and colleagues have urged me to return. I have decided to come back with a clear agenda: to revamp TAAI and address these critical issues. My focus will be on ensuring that our members receive tangible benefits and restoring the positive impact of our association.”
Meet Team ‘Positive for Change’
Sunil Kumar is not alone in his mission to lead TAAI into a new era. He is backed by a dedicated team that shares his vision of positive change. The team, aptly named ‘Team Positive for Change,’ includes Lokesh Bettaiah, the current Secretary General, who will move up to Vice President; Shreeram Patel, an outstanding Treasurer known for his transparency, who will become Secretary General; and Imtiaz Qureshi, a seasoned professional, who will take on the role of Treasurer. Together, they form a strong leadership group committed to driving meaningful change within TAAI.
Navigating Challenges: Sunil Kumar’s Vision for TAAI
Sunil Kumar’s experience in handling crises and challenges during his previous tenure as President is a key aspect of his leadership. He recalls stepping in as acting President during a particularly tumultuous period for TAAI, where legal issues and other significant challenges threatened the association. His leadership helped elevate TAAI to a prominent position, and he is now focused on addressing the current concerns of the members. His vision for TAAI includes creating a more member-centric approach, ensuring that the association provides real value to its members.
Sunil Kumar adds, “If our program is truly ‘Member First,’ then we must have a comprehensive agenda focused entirely on our members. Without that, members may choose to leave TAAI. We aim to prioritise ‘Member First’ by supporting all members, including our younger and newer ones. They require guidance and insight to navigate future opportunities effectively.”
The Importance of Experience in TAAI Leadership
Addressing the influx of candidates for the presidency, with possibly four members contesting, Sunil Kumar notes, “There is a significant push for change, with many people feeling that fresh perspectives are needed. This has led to an open field of candidates. However, it is crucial to have someone who is deeply connected with TAAI and has been actively involved with the managing committee. When I became President, I was already well-acquainted with the committee’s workings, the challenges we faced, and the issues related to IATA, airlines, and government. This experience is essential for effective leadership. A President needs to have a clear agenda and an in-depth understanding of the organisation, which comes from being intimately involved in its operations.”
Sunil Kumar is not concerned about the competition. He explains, “Everyone has the right to contest if they are qualified. However, it is crucial to have someone who is deeply connected with TAAI, IATA, and airline matters, and who understands the current challenges we face. It’s essential to have a leader who can effectively navigate these issues while supporting both airlines and agencies.”
A Manifesto for Change: ‘Member First’ and Beyond
Regarding whether his manifesto will differ from his previous presidency, Sunil Kumar explains, “My manifesto this time emphasises ‘Member First,’ focussing on member education, updates, and upgrades. The industry is evolving rapidly, especially with emerging concepts like air retailing, which many agents are not yet familiar with. It is essential for our members to stay informed and empowered to navigate these changes effectively. Empowering members is my top priority. Additionally, we need to address financial securities with IATA. In the past, we successfully fought to secure insurance coverage, overcoming significant challenges. However, we currently face a situation where there is no insurance available, despite the global understanding of insurance evolving from India. Ensuring that our members have access to proper insurance remains a critical issue that we need to resolve.”
Tackling Industry Issues: IATA, Insurance, and More
Sunil Kumar raises concerns about the IATA Joint Bank Guarantee, stating, “The IATA Joint Bank Guarantee, which began in 1998, was discontinued in 2013. I fought hard to reinstate it, and it has since become an accepted norm and part of our resolutions. This achievement must be protected and advanced with careful management. We need to create more teams and groups to make the system risk-free, as a single member’s default can jeopardise everyone involved. It’s a critical issue that requires immediate attention to prevent serious consequences. Many may not fully grasp the complexity of this situation, but I have been actively managing it from 2008 to 2019, ensuring that TAAI’s bank guarantee was never a liability. We made profits and were able to return funds to our members. However, since 2019, progress has stalled, with only renewals and additions occurring. This process needs to be revitalised and managed effectively to safeguard our interests.”
Sunil Kumar also expresses concerns about the GoLite agents, noting, “For the past four to five years, there has been a lack of attention to GoLite agents.” He says we must support this GoLite program and grant them special care.
Additionally, TCS has become a significant challenge, with penalties potentially becoming substantial once enforcement begins. Also, the government has been neglecting the travel industry, making it crucial for associations to actively raise their voices and collectively attend these meetings as a unified and well-prepared delegation. It’s equally important to consult with members about their grievances and inform authorities in advance to address these issues effectively. We need to create a roundtable of travel agents and associations to present a unified front to the government.”
According to Sunil, effective leadership is not just about someone new taking over or an incumbent seeking re-election. It requires a deep understanding of how things operate. He says, “In the past, we held a series of meetings with all the airlines, where we openly shared our challenges and listened to their concerns. These meetings were conducted by teams of four to six people, rather than a single individual, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. We meticulously documented these discussions and communicated the outcomes to our members. This level of transparency and education is crucial. Members need to be informed about what was discussed, what actions were taken, and how the communication was handled. It’s important for members to engage by asking questions about initiatives or reports, including financial reports. This approach ensures that everyone is informed and actively involved in addressing the key issues.”
Rekindling the Spirit of the Indian Travel Congress
During his tenure, Sunil chaired six popular TAAI Conventions (Indian Travel Congress) in Sri Lanka, Dubai, Bali, Abu Dhabi, Srinagar, and Kunming, China. On this, he elaborates, “We are known for hosting outstanding conventions, and it’s time to rekindle that excitement and pride among our members. Our goal is to rejuvenate the experience by delivering a truly standout convention. We want to reignite the enthusiasm that once made members say, ‘Give me one great convention, and I will be a loyal TAAI member for life.’ It’s crucial to bring back the joy of the Indian Travel Congress, which was the pinnacle of all conventions, offering invaluable networking and business opportunities. We won’t settle for small events or nearby destinations. I am committed to restoring that high level of excitement and engagement for our members.”
Technology and Innovation: The Future of TAAI
As President of TAAI, Sunil also initiated ‘TAAI Connect,’ the concept of ‘Online for All,’ without major investment by travel agents. “Today, technology and artificial intelligence are at the forefront of our industry. Yet, where does TAAI stand in embracing these advancements? We launched the TAAI Connect program to help members engage online, but there are many pressing issues that need to be addressed to prevent members from leaving. We must integrate social media and artificial intelligence into our operations and innovate our travel agency management. TAAI has a long-standing reputation in the industry and is globally recognised. It’s crucial that we adapt to technological advancements to maintain our relevance and continue supporting our members effectively,” asserts Sunil Kumar.
Empowering Members: The Core of Sunil Kumar’s Vision
At the heart of Sunil Kumar’s campaign is a commitment to empowering TAAI members. He says, “The significant decrease in our number of active members highlights an urgent need for action. Despite our past achievements, we are still making only small, incremental progress. We need leaders who are genuinely committed to the welfare of our members, not those who occupy positions for the sake of status. We seek individuals who can make a meaningful impact through their contributions, rather than merely holding decorative titles.”
Sunil Kumar feels that members join an association to gain access to resources and support they cannot achieve on their own. If the association fails to provide this assistance, it undermines its very purpose. “Membership should empower individuals, enhancing their skills, knowledge, and perspective. This is particularly important for the 15 per cent of young TAAI members who are in the early stages of their careers and need guidance. Additionally, TAAI’s diverse member categories, including GoLite agents, those with joint bank guarantees, and those interested in insurance programs, have specific needs that must be addressed. Meeting these needs is crucial for maintaining a thriving and effective association,” he asserts.
Sunil is confident that his team will receive nationwide support, regardless of regional divisions. He mentions, “Our agents are increasingly demanding more from TAAI, seeking tangible benefits such as upgrades, technology, handholding, government support, and airline assistance. They are looking for people who can help them strengthen their membership with TAAI. Membership will be strengthened when members feel they are receiving real value. We need to address these needs comprehensively to ensure broad support. My track record shows that my elections have always been won with support from across the country, not just the South, where I am from.”
A Transparent Leadership: No Personal Agenda
On a final note, when asked about any personal agenda in his election bid, Sunil Kumar confidently responds, “History speaks for itself. I have never had a conflict of interest or my own personal agenda, as I was leading TAAI. My business operates independently. I do not require a position in TAAI to drive my business or my livelihood. My goal is to offer to TAAI and its members, enhanced collective experience and support members sustain in this growing industry. I have no personal agenda. When discussing TAAI leadership, it is crucial to separate your business interests from TAAI. Leadership should be transparent and dedicated solely to the members, without any conflict of interest. This is non-negotiable.”
