The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Kerala Chapter, will host the second edition of its flagship knowledge-sharing initiative, TAAI Pathshala, on 17th August 2026 at the Gokulam Park Hotel and Convention Center, Kaloor, Ernakulam. The day-long tourism conclave will be graced by Mr. V.D. Satheesan, Chief Minister of Kerala, who will inaugurate the event.
Themed around the “TAAI 75 Years Knowledge Series – Strengthening Tourism, Empowering the Next Generation,” the event marks a significant milestone for the association, which represents a national fraternity of over 2,000 authorised members across the country. TAAI Kerala Chapter Chairperson Mrs. Mariyamma Jose and Hon. Secretary Mr. Asharaf Nellikunnan has extended an invitation to members and friends of the tourism fraternity to join the celebration of the association’s legacy and its vision for the future of Indian travel and tourism.
Morning Session: Policy, Purpose and Knowledge Sharing
The morning programme, scheduled from 11.30 AM to 2.00 PM, opens with a welcome and presidential address by Mrs. Mariyamma Jose, followed by the inauguration by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. A key highlight of the session will be the handover of funds to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) by Mr. R. Sunil Kumar, National President of TAAI.
The event will also see felicitations by Mr. T.J. Vinod, MLA, and Mr. Mohammad Shiyas, MLA. Among the sessions planned, Mr. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar IPS, IG of Police and City Police Commissioner, will speak on “A Safer Kerala – A Drug-Free Future,” while Mr. D. Venkatesan, Regional Director (South), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, will address the gathering on the “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative.
Shri Sunil Kumar R., National President of TAAI, will speak on “Empowering Excellence in Travel Professionals,” and Dr. T. Anantha Krishnan, Principal of the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Trivandrum, will present on the “Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Tourism Industry.” The morning session concludes with a Q&A with all speakers, a vote of thanks by Shri Asharaf Nellikunnan, and a networking lunch.
Evening Session: Recognition, Celebration and Sponsors
The evening programme, running from 7.30 PM to 11.00 PM, begins with a welcome address by Smt. Mariyamma Jose and a presidential address by Shri R. Sunil Kumar. Shri Hibi George Eden, Member of Parliament, will be the Chief Guest for the evening.
The centrepiece of the evening will be an Award Function to honour and acknowledge the contributions of industry leaders in the fields of travel, tourism and hospitality, followed by acceptance speeches from the recipients. The evening concludes with a vote of thanks by Shri Asharaf Nellikunnan, followed by cocktails and dinner.
The event is supported by a wide roster of industry sponsors, including Safiya Travels, SafiyaGo, Wizz Holidays, GoSama, Best Asia, Fortune Tours, LuLu Holidays, Destination Captures, Jet Travels, Kerala Travels Interserve, Joanna Holidays and ICL Tours & Travels.
A Milestone Year for TAAI
The event coincides with TAAI’s 75th anniversary celebrations nationally, positioning TAAI Pathshala – Edition II as both a knowledge-sharing platform and a tribute to the association’s decades-long contribution to Indian tourism. With the presence of the Kerala Chief Minister, senior police and tourism officials, MLAs and a Member of Parliament, the conclave underscores the growing convergence between government, policy and the travel trade in shaping the next phase of Kerala’s – and India’s – tourism growth story.
