April 15, 2025 | Press Release

In a high-energy gathering that brought the pulse of the travel industry to life, the TAFI Western India Chapter hosted its much-anticipated Stakeholders Showcase 2025, uniting over 160 travel professionals from Mumbai and Pune with 13 leading brands from across the tourism spectrum. Held recently in Mumbai, the showcase proved to be a powerhouse evening of networking, knowledge-sharing, and future-forward thinking.

The event opened with a warm welcome by Jay Kantawala, Chairman of TAFI Western India, who set an upbeat tone for the evening by emphasising the importance of community and collaboration in today’s fast-evolving travel landscape. Arun Iyer, Secretary of the Chapter, formalised the agenda and introduced key industry partners, paving the way for an evening of engaging presentations and masterclasses.

One of the evening’s standout moments was a presentation by Sharad Gowani, Head – West & South India at VFS Global, joined by Anahita Avari, Head Sales – South Asia. The duo unveiled exclusive, value-added propositions designed specifically for TAFI members, offering a sneak peek into the future of streamlined visa solutions and enhanced service support for travel professionals.

This was followed by a much-applauded masterclass from Sudhir Patil, Founder of Veena World, who captivated the audience with his insights on scaling travel businesses in a post-pandemic era. Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey, Patil offered actionable strategies and sustainable growth models—striking a chord with both veteran agents and emerging professionals.

TAFI President Ajay Prakash also took the stage, commending the vibrancy in the room and reinforcing the association’s commitment to evolution and inclusivity. Echoing sentiments shared by Committee Member Satbir Narula, Prakash urged the industry to embrace change and actively encouraged younger professionals to engage with TAFI as part of a growing, future-focused community.

The event wasn’t just about talks—it delivered real business value. A dynamic lineup of participating brands, including leading hotels, DMCs, consolidators, travel tech providers, and insurance firms, transformed the venue into a buzzing hub of collaboration and opportunity. From product showcases to B2B conversations, the room thrummed with energy.

Adding to the evening’s celebratory mood were raffle draws featuring everything from free airline tickets and luxury hotel stays to curated hampers. Attendees enjoyed an entertainment program that seamlessly blended with networking over cocktails and dinner.

The feedback was unanimous—this wasn’t just an industry event, but a reminder of the power of togetherness, innovation, and shared vision. With its resounding success, the TAFI Western India Stakeholders Showcase 2025 set a high benchmark for future events.