TAAI returns to Abu Dhabi for convention after 9 years with ‘Business with Goodness’ theme
Sunil Kumar, TAAI President
The three-day programme would open with a grand inaugural function at the Emirates Palace. Delegates will stay at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, the convention’s headquarters. Notably, the convention aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to welcome 39.3 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.
The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) will host its 68th annual convention in Abu Dhabi from September 17–19, marking its return to the UAE capital after nearly a decade. The event, themed “Business with Goodness”, will combine high-powered business sessions with immersive experiences aimed at deepening members’ understanding of Abu Dhabi’s evolving tourism landscape.
Speaking during a press conference in Delhi, TAAI President Sunil Kumar said the choice of Abu Dhabi was driven by the city’s transformation since the association last met there. “So much has changed in Abu Dhabi. The travel industry must learn more about it. Arrivals have multiplied, and India can make a big difference,” he noted, adding that TAAI is committed to promoting the destination beyond the convention dates.
Notably, the convention aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to welcome 39.3 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.
“India continues to be a key priority market for us, not only in terms of visitor volume but also in long-term strategic collaboration. We are honoured to welcome TAAl's esteemed members to Abu Dhabi and look forward to showcasing our destination’s remarkable evolution. This convention is an opportunity to build shared value and lasting partnerships across both our markets,” said Abdulla Yousuf, Director of international Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, in a press statement.
The Convention will revolve around the theme "Business with Goodness", urging industry executives to loudly declare that the good in the world is most required as we seek to enlarge the travel and tourism potential. Kumar emphasised that the theme aims to inspire industry leaders to pair commercial success with empathy, quality, and social responsibility, adding that the focus will be on the business techniques and improvements needed that may aid in increasing the goodness that we are actively engaged in.
Kumar also declared that the three-day programme would open with an inaugural function at the Emirates Palace. Delegates will stay at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, the convention’s headquarters, which will also host business sessions for around 300 participants. An India Travel Tourism Expo (ITTE) will run alongside the convention, connecting Indian agents with regional stakeholders. The setup, Kumar explained, will ensure sessions start on time and maximise networking.
Two days, September 18 and 19, will be dedicated to knowledge sessions, covering topics on the “Rally for Valley” campaign, regional tourism trends, MICE & Wedding opportunities, and the role of tourism as a “harbinger of peace”, Kumar shared with T3, assuring that the prominent speaker names shall be revealed soon.
Beyond the meeting rooms, delegates will explore Abu Dhabi’s attractions, including the newly opened Qasr Al Watan palace, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the immersive digital art experience teamLab. A special visit to the BAPS Hindu Mandir, including an address by Swamiji, is also on the agenda.
Evening networking events will also feature standout venues such as SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, where a special Dinner will take place against a 360-degree multimedia backdrop, he shared.
Notably, the convention has already seen overwhelming demand, with delegate slots selling out in just 48 hours. “We initially have planned for 350 people, but the response may exceed expectations,” Kumar said.
The convention will be supported by airline partners like IndiGo, Etihad, Air Arabia, Emirates, among others, with generous discounted airfares on offer during the event dates.
