The Tourism Committee of FTCCI (THMMICEE—Tourism Hospitality Media MICE Events 2024-2025 Committee) recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of two trailblazing travel professionals from the city. The honorees, R. Sunil Kumar and Hari Kishan Valmiki, were recognized for their exceptional contributions and international acclaim in the travel and tourism industry.
Spotlight on R. Sunil Kumar
A luminary in the travel sector, R. Sunil Kumar has been elected as the National President of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) for the second time. Previously serving in this role from 2015 to 2019, Sunil brings over 35 years of experience in the Travel, Tourism, and MICE industries. Known for his visionary leadership, he has addressed global seminars, contributed to people development, and led skill-building initiatives to cultivate future industry leaders.
In his acceptance remarks, Sunil highlighted the significance of heading TAAI during its 75th year. He reflected on India’s growing prominence in global tourism, stating that the country ranks as the 22nd most visited destination worldwide and 8th in the Asia-Pacific region. Despite challenges following the pandemic, Sunil expressed optimism about the industry’s dynamic future, citing India's burgeoning demand for aviation infrastructure, with plans to add 530 aircraft in the next decade.
The Journey of Hari Kishan Valmiki
Hari Kishan Valmiki, the founder of Valmiki Travel and Tourism Solutions, has achieved a milestone by being elected as the Deputy Auditor of SKÅL International, a prestigious global association of travel and tourism professionals. Scheduled to assume office in 2025, Hari’s extensive career includes traveling to over 75 countries and serving as a past Chairman of FTCCI’s Tourism Committee. SKÅL, with a 92-year history, unites professionals from 83 countries and promotes friendship and collaboration within the industry.
Speaking at the felicitation, Hari emphasized the transformational power of travel, describing it as a journey from self-centeredness to empathy and compassion. He reinforced the role of tourism in fostering cross-cultural understanding and personal growth.
Key Insights from the Event
R. Ravi Kumar, Senior Vice President of FTCCI, opened the event by underscoring the committee’s commitment to excellence in tourism.Mr. Vijay Mohan Raj, Co-Chair of THMMICEE, advocated for unifying the travel industry, emphasizing the need to organize the sector, with only 4,500 of India’s 93,000 travel agents currently recognized.
Mr. Ashish Goyal, Additional Director General of the National Museum and Director of Salar Jung Museum, highlighted the symbiotic relationship between culture and tourism. He cited festivals like Telangana’s Bathukamma and Bonalu as prime examples of cultural events that attract international visitors.
Ashish Kumar, Executive Vice President of GMR Hyderabad International Airport, stressed the critical role of airports in promoting inbound tourism. Highlighting Hyderabad’s vibrant growth, he noted the city’s impressive 15% growth in passenger traffic, making it a hub for tourism and economic activity.
Closing Remarks
K K Maheshwari, Vice President of FTCCI, delivered a vote of thanks, emphasizing collaboration to advance tourism’s role in economic development. Chairperson
Rakhi Kankaria and other distinguished travel professionals attended the event, reaffirming their dedication to elevating the tourism industry.
The felicitation ceremony underscored the importance of recognizing leaders who drive innovation, growth, and excellence in travel and tourism. Through their achievements, R. Sunil Kumar and Hari Kishan Valmiki have set inspiring benchmarks for the industry’s future.
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