As the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) prepares for its upcoming 2024–2026 elections, change is on the horizon. Sunil Kumar Rumalla, a former TAAI president, is leading the charge with his ‘Team Positive for Change,’ aiming to reshape the organization’s future. Kumar’s focus is on a member-first strategy that responds to the rapidly shifting dynamics of the travel industry, positioning TAAI to better serve its members in a more competitive and evolving market.
Kumar, a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience on TAAI’s Managing Committee and a former president from 2015 to 2019, is returning to the forefront to lead TAAI into a new era. His mission is clear: to make TAAI more member-centric, forward-thinking, and responsive to the rapidly changing landscape of the travel industry. “The travel industry is evolving, and so must TAAI,” says Kumar. “We need to focus on empowering our members, offering real value, and ensuring they are prepared for future challenges.”
At the heart of Sunil Kumar’s campaign is his ‘Member First’ initiative. This program directly addresses concerns from members who feel underserved by the association. By focusing on education, transparency, and delivering tangible benefits, Sunil and his team aim to strengthen the bond between TAAI and its members. “Many members have expressed their dissatisfaction, feeling like they are no longer receiving the benefits they once did. Our goal is to change that by making sure every member feels supported and valued,” he explains.
“The industry is also 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, “ he added.
Kumar is also COO at AirRetailer, an innovative corporate travel booking platform that provides access to content from NDC channels, low-cost carriers, and GDS-integrated systems. AirRetailer is among the first companies to achieve Dual New Distribution Capability (NDC) certification on schema version 21.1 from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Supporting Sunil Kumar in his mission is ‘Team Positive for Change,’ a dedicated group of professionals with shared goals. Lokesh Bettaiah is set to take on the role of Vice President, Shreeram Patel will become Secretary General, and Imtiaz Qureshi will step in as Treasurer. Together, this team is committed to driving meaningful change within TAAI and restoring confidence among its members.
During his previous tenure as president, Sunil Kumar successfully navigated challenges like the IATA Joint Bank Guarantee and implemented financial security programs for members. His future plans include revisiting these initiatives while addressing new issues, such as the lack of insurance coverage and the need for stronger support for GoLite agents. “The travel industry faces many challenges, but with the right leadership, we can overcome them. I am committed to ensuring that TAAI continues to be a powerful advocate for its members,” says Sunil.
Another key aspect of Sunil Kumar’s vision is restoring the Indian Travel Congress to its former glory. Known for hosting some of the most successful conventions in the travel industry, Sunil aims to rekindle that excitement and pride among TAAI members. “Our conventions were once the highlight of the year, offering unmatched networking and business opportunities. It’s time to bring that energy back and give our members something to look forward to.”
Sunil also emphasizes the importance of embracing technology and innovation. As president, he introduced ‘TAAI Connect,’ a program designed to help members integrate online operations seamlessly. Now, he plans to take this further by incorporating artificial intelligence and digital tools to help travel agents stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. “TAAI must be at the forefront of technological advancements to ensure our members are equipped to succeed in the digital age,” he asserts.
Ultimately, Sunil Kumar’s leadership is marked by a transparent, member-centric approach. He is committed to ensuring that TAAI operates with integrity and that its leadership is focused solely on the well-being of its members. “This isn’t about personal agendas—it’s about serving the community and making sure that TAAI remains a powerful, supportive force for its members,” he concludes.
With ‘Team Positive for Change,’ Sunil Kumar is ready to guide TAAI into a new chapter of growth, inclusivity, and relevance. His vision for a stronger, more member-focused TAAI is clear, and his experience and dedication make him the leader to take the association forward.
