Hyderabad: The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Chapter, has unanimously elected Mr. Vijay Mohan Raj as its Chairman, marking a pivotal leadership transition for one of India’s most storied tourism regions. The appointment arrives as TAAI— India’s oldest and largest travel trade body, founded in 1951—commemorates its platinum 75th anniversary.
Mr. Raj, a veteran with over four decades in the travel industry, returns to the helm of TAAI after a 20‑year hiatus, bringing with him a wealth of national and international experience. His re‑entry into TAAI leadership coincides with a rare global distinction: Mr. Raj was recently elected as an International Director of SKÅL International, the world’s largest organisation of travel professionals, joining an elite group of only three Indians ever to hold this position.
Before his elevation to the SKÅL International board, Mr. Raj served as President of SKÅL Hyderabad (2014–2018) and chaired the prestigious SKÅL World Congress when it was hosted in Hyderabad, underscoring his standing in global tourism circles.
In his first remarks following the election, Mr. Raj stated: “I am deeply honoured by the unanimous confidence placed in me by the members of TAAI AP & Telangana. Returning to TAAI leadership after two decades—especially in its milestone 75th year—is both a privilege and a profound responsibility. I look forward to working collectively with our members and stakeholders to build a stronger, more united and future‑ready travel trade.”
He emphasised that the industry is navigating a period of accelerated transformation, shaped by technology, evolving traveller expectations, expanded connectivity and emerging tourism segments. Against this backdrop, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana present substantial growth potential across domestic and international tourism, with Hyderabad consolidating its position as a key hub for business travel, MICE, leisure, medical tourism and global connectivity.
As Chairman, Mr. Raj is expected to prioritise unifying travel agents, fostering new business avenues, advancing professional development, championing industry advocacy, promoting regional tourism, and deepening engagement with government bodies, airlines, tourism boards and allied stakeholders.
His dual expertise—rooted in TAAI’s domestic framework and SKÅL’s worldwide network—promises to infuse the AP & Telangana chapter with a uniquely blended national‑global perspective.
The unanimous election not only reaffirms Mr. Raj’s standing within the travel fraternity but also aligns with a historic juncture for TAAI, recognising a leader whose career has spanned both the association’s rich legacy and the dynamic future of India’s travel trade.