In the national elections of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), held on September 30 at ITC Maratha, Mumbai, Sunil Kumar is elected as President for the 2024-26 term. He garnered 306 votes, triumphing in a closely contested election. Joining him in the leadership team is Lokesh Bettaiah, who has been elected as Vice President.
Alongside Kumar’s election, the newly-formed Managing Committee members for the upcoming term include P Lalith Kumar Jain, Hema RV Chander, Sameer Karnani, Rajan Sehgal, Manav Soni, Gopal Unadkat, and Amish Desai.
Sunil Kumar is a distinguished industry leader with over 35 years of hands-on experience in aviation and tourism. His expertise has not only shaped the Indian travel industry but has also had a global impact. During his previous tenure as TAAI President from 2014 to 2019, Kumar worked tirelessly to address travel agency concerns at national and international levels, representing the industry with unparalleled dedication.
In addition to his new role at TAAI, Sunil is the current Global President of the United Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA), where he continues to advocate for travel agents worldwide. His involvement in global discussions and decision-making processes has solidified his reputation as a highly specialized travel and tourism consultant, with a focus on bilateral tourism between nations.
He is also the Co-Founder of Air Retailer, an innovative IATA NDC-based corporate booking tool and expense management system. His deep understanding of emerging industry trends and his vision for the future of travel has positioned him as a key figure in shaping the industry’s way forward.
In his leadership role, Sunil serves on IATA’s Passenger Agency Program Global Joint Council (PAPGJC), representing UFTAA. This body, which meets regularly, plays a pivotal role in debating and governing resolutions concerning the agency program. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, PAPGJC shifted to monthly virtual meetings, focusing on addressing member challenges and adapting to the changing landscape of global travel.
With over 30 years as a qualified global trainer, Kumar has conducted approximately 1,200 training programs, nurturing talent across the industry through Train the Trainer initiatives. His expertise in developing corporate leaders and building in-house training systems has made him a sought-after consultant for large and medium-sized corporations.
As Sunil Kumar begins with his new term as TAAI President, the travel industry looks forward to his visionary leadership, which promises to continue elevating the status of travel agencies in India and on the global stage.
