Association strengthens national leadership with Rishi Deepak Budhadev as National President and Suresh Nair as Acting Vice President
India, August 2026: In a notable beginning for a newly established industry association, the Professional Travel Agents and Hotels Association (PTAHA) has crossed the 100-member mark within just 27 days, signalling strong early support from professionals across India’s travel, tourism and hospitality sector.
Alongside this milestone, PTAHA has announced a strengthened national leadership structure with the appointment of Mr. Rishi Deepak Budhadev as National President and Mr. Suresh Nair as Acting Vice President.
The rapid growth comes at a time when travel agents, tour operators, hotels, DMCs and other tourism businesses are increasingly seeking stronger professional networks, business opportunities, knowledge-sharing platforms and collective industry engagement.
A Fast Start for a New Industry Platform
PTAHA was established as a Section 8 not-for-profit organisation with the objective of bringing different segments of the travel and hospitality industry onto a common professional platform.
Reaching more than 100 members in 27 days has given the association a strong foundation for its national expansion plans. PTAHA sees the milestone as an endorsement of its member-focused approach and its objective of creating practical value for tourism professionals.
Rather than functioning only as a networking body, PTAHA aims to provide members with opportunities for business promotion, industry interaction, education, networking and participation in major tourism events.
The association is also working towards creating greater engagement between its members and tourism boards, destinations, hotels, trade fair organisers and other stakeholders.
Rishi Deepak Budhadev to Lead National Expansion
As part of the association’s next phase, Mr. Rishi Deepak Budhadev has been appointed National President of PTAHA.
His responsibilities will include guiding the organisation’s national growth, strengthening its regional presence and developing initiatives that deliver greater value to members.
Under his leadership, PTAHA plans to expand its network through regional chapters and increase its participation across India’s travel trade ecosystem.
The association also intends to use major tourism trade fairs and industry platforms to provide its members with greater visibility and opportunities to promote their businesses.
Suresh Nair Joins National Leadership
PTAHA has appointed Mr. Suresh Nair as Acting Vice President, adding further depth to its national leadership team.
Mr. Nair will support the association in member engagement, organisational development and expansion of its professional network. His role will also involve working closely with the national leadership to strengthen PTAHA’s presence among travel and hospitality professionals in different parts of the country.
From Membership to Industry Community
PTAHA’s leadership believes that the association’s growth should ultimately be measured by the value it creates for its members.
Its initiatives include trade-fair participation, branding and promotional opportunities, networking, webinars, educational programmes, FAM and educational trips, member marketing initiatives and industry interactions.
The association is also focused on creating opportunities where members can promote their businesses while building relationships with fellow professionals and potential business partners.
The 100+ membership milestone therefore represents more than a numerical achievement. For PTAHA, it marks the beginning of a wider professional community that aims to work collectively for the growth of India’s tourism industry.
Leadership Message
Mr. Rishi Deepak Budhadev, National President, PTAHA, expressed his appreciation to the association’s members and supporters for placing their trust in the organisation within such a short period.
He said the achievement belongs to the entire PTAHA family and that the association’s immediate priority will be to convert this early momentum into meaningful opportunities, stronger industry relationships and long-term benefits for its members.
With its membership crossing 100 in just 27 days and its national leadership now strengthened, PTAHA is preparing for a broader phase of expansion across India.
The association aims to build a professional community where travel agents, hotels and tourism businesses can connect, collaborate, promote and grow together, while contributing collectively to a stronger and more organised Indian tourism industry.
About PTAHA
Professional Travel Agents and Hotels Association (PTAHA) is a Section 8 not-for-profit organisation representing professionals from India’s travel, tourism and hospitality sector.
PTAHA works towards professional networking, business promotion, education, industry engagement, trade-fair participation and creating growth opportunities for its members.
Website: www.ptaha.org.in
Email: ptahaindia@gmail.com
Contact: +91 78078 75757
