TPConnects inks deal with TAAI to bring platform to 10,000 Indian agents

The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has partnered with TPConnects to help Indian agents become “online and visible” in the next two years. The deal means its IATA NDC standard platform will be rolled out to more than 10,000 … Continue reading →

The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has partnered with TPConnects to help Indian agents become “online and visible” in the next two years.

The deal means its IATA NDC standard platform will be rolled out to more than 10,000 travel agents in India via TAAI-Connect in a bid to help them compete in the global marketplace.

Through the TAAI initiative, India’s travel agencies will be provided with their own websites, mobile applications, corporate booking tool and B2B platform, powered by TPConnects’ NDC-standard back-end, internet booking engine and payment gateway.

TPConnects will also provide technical support and charge a per passenger transaction fee.

TPConnects says travellers will be able to have their preferences recognised when shopping via an online travel site in the same way they are on an airline’s website – which it says is rare for travel agencies “owing to technology limitations”.

Sunil Kumar R, president of the TAAI, said “Many travel agencies currently lack a proper website and mobile application. This partnership will enable them to be online and visible within the next two years, with tailor-made travel offers providing more choices to end-customers.

“The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) share the vision of the government of India to transform India into a digitally-empowered society and knowledge economy. We believe that this initiative will empower travel agencies and help drive creativity and choice, resulting in a smooth transaction for the customer. It will create global opportunities for travel agencies and more inbound, outbound travellers. India’s travel agents will be fully equipped to compete on a global scale.”

Rajendran Vellapalath, CEO of TPConnects, added: “This partnership will create a wealth of new opportunities for India’s travel agents. To compete in today’s market, travel agencies need to have access to the advantages that a digital operation provides. This initiative will create those opportunities for travel agencies, not just locally but on a global scale.  We will see big changes in India’s travel industry over the next two years.”