• Committee - 2022
  • Judges - 2022

MR. HITANK SHAH

Honorary National Member of TAFI
It was the unwavering focus, in-depth study and hard work put-in by Mr. Hitank Shah coupled with his client friendly approach since 1980, which played a major role in the success of the Travel Agency. With him at the helm, the industry grew not only in stature, but also branched out into the field of all travel related services. Mr. Shah, a highly respected man in the travel trade is also the Honorary Chapter Chairman- Gujarat, of TAFI (Travel Agents Federation of India) for the second consecutive term. He has contributed as a judge in the judges’ panel in Tourism Awards 2017. This year also it’s a pride for the Tourism Awards 2019 for his contribution in the Judges Panel.

Mr. Jigar M. Dudakiya

Chapter Chairman- Travel Agents Federation of India

Jigar M. Dudakiya is a young and dynamic visionary businessman who employs his tremendous knowledge and fine tuned sensibilities to unique packages.

With a bachelors of Business Administration, Travel & Tourism Management, IATA, his contribution to Shakti Travels, a family owned company since 1977, consists of a unique style of business which combines traditional methods with new management techniques from last 15 Years.

He is currently The Chapter Chairman of ‘Travel Agents Federation of India’ – Gujarat Chapter for the term 2018 – 2020 after serving as Secretary for 2 Years.

Mr. Dilip Masrani

Co-opted committee member of TAFI
The first person to run chartered trains to Goa from Rajkot (one of the supreme achievements in Leisure Tourism), Dilip Masrani, is one of the most experienced, dynamic and enthusiastic soul of the Travel and Tourism, with an aim to build a sustainable and responsible future for the Travel and Tourism industry. He was the past Secretary and committee member of TAAI Saurashtra Kutch, Chapter. The co-opted committee member of TAFI, Gujarat Chapter is also one of the pioneers of Tourism in Saurashtra region. He also is a blogger on tourism in reputed weekly.

Mr. Bimal Mehta

Chapter Chairman of ADTOI for Gujarat
A Plastic Engineer by qualification, he got into the business to follow his one true love; travel. His curious, adventurous and welcoming personality has shaped Travel Designer into its present avatar. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of travel destinations across the world, Bimal Mehta is juggernaut in the travel industry of Gujarat. He headed “Tour Operators & Travel Agents Association of Gujarat (TAG) from 2002 to 2008 as President. Currently (2010 onwards) is the Chapter Chairman of ADTOI (Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India) for Gujarat. He has held lectures on various trade topics like ASSOCHEM 2013, Glorious Gujarat (FICCI), Jammu & Kashmir tourism, West Bengal Tourism, etc. He is also the winner of the prestigious OTM – India’s Top 100 travel Producer, WelcomeHeritage – Outstanding Contribution, Fairfest Media Limited – Contribution In Tourism…. awards for excellence in the field of travel is the Chapter Chairman of ADTOI for Gujarat.

Dilip Thakkar

Core Committee Member- Food Entrepreneur Association (FEA)
From an extremely humble beginning to a successful multi-millionaire entrepreneur, Dilip Thakkar is the living proof of the wisdom. He boosted his vast hands-on-knowledge of business with advanced courses in management at IHM and IIM, Ahmedabad. He also has a degree in TQM (Total Quality Management) through the American Hotel & Motel Association at Taj Mumbai. Dilip believes in a mission of “lifetime learning”. He visualizes himself as an immense contributor to the hospitality industry in India down the line, delivering quality service at an affordable price. He sees the hospitality business as a growth area where he wishes to develop facilities to reach out and provide health and hospitality services to all classes of society. He has often been of great service to upcoming hoteliers. He has helped in setting up the entire project of the various heritage hotels like Garden Palace - Balasinor, Old Bell Guest House – Sayla, Royal Oasis – Wankaner and Rann Riders – Dasada.

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MR. ASHOK DHOOT

CHAPTER CHAIRMAN ADTOI – GUJARAT
He Have Started Harsh Travels in 2003 on a Very Small Scale but by God Grace, Support From the Family and My Whole Team Who Worked as a Engine to My Organization, Owing to That Only Today Harsh Travels Is One of the Renowned Destination Management Company of Gujarat. By His Excellent Knowledge & Experience Harsh Travels Uniquely Placed to Provide the Strength, Stability and Consistency of Service Quality Needed From a Premier Destination and Travel Management Company. Harsh Travels Therefore Provides One-stop Solution Delivering Unique Travel, Leisure and Tours Management Services to Our Clients. Currently He Is Holding the Position of Chapter Chairman of Association of Domestic Tour Operator of India. Also, He Is National Executive Committee Member of Indian Association of Tour Operators of India. Mr. Ashok Dhoot Is Very Active in Social Activity as Well. He Is Member of Akhil Bharitya Maheshwari Mahasabha Karyakari Mandal. He Is Life Time Trustee of Gopal Gau Shala Barmar, Rajasthan.

MR. HITANK SHAH

Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI)
It was the unwavering focus, in-depth study and hard work put-in by Mr. Hitank Shah coupled with his client friendly approach since 1980, which played a major role in the success of the Travel Agency. With him at the helm, the industry grew not only in stature, but also branched out into the field of all travel related services. Mr. Shah, a highly respected man in the travel trade is also the Honorary Chapter Chairman- Gujarat, of TAFI (Travel Agents Federation of India) for the second consecutive term. He has contributed as a judge in the judges’ panel in Tourism Awards 2017. This year also it’s a pride for the Tourism Awards 2019 for his contribution in the Judges Panel.

HON. SHRI VARUN MAIRA

Former IAS – Additional Chief Secretary, Gujarat
Hon. Shri Varun Maira - IAS, 1975 batch and he was allotted Gujarat cadre. He superannuated as Additional Chief Secretary at the end of October, 2012. He retired as Additional Chief Secretary (Planning) after having served in the Planning Department for more than four and half years when he was closely connected with the Gujarat Model of Development. He served as Secretary, Culture and Tourism for several years. He has written three coffee table books on the World Heritage Site of Champaner, Dholavira and on Early Hindu Temples of Gujarat. His book on Dholavira was released by Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It’s an honor that he would be happy to participate in Judges Panel again for “Tourism Awards 2017”.

ANOOP SHUKLA

IFS – FORMER. MANAGING DIRECTOR – TCGL
Public administrator with more than 30 years of background in managing public relations and having experience across various Government divisions. Ability to thrive in working both independently and in a collaborative environment. He has developed the Hub theory for creation of 8 Tourism hubs for better management of incoming tourists. Acclaimed for organizing exhibitions based on Hub theory during participation in national and international events. He has introduced private partnership in the Rann Utsav in Kutch desert and provided the necessary support for initial increase in the tenure of the Utsav from 3 days to 45 days. His expertise & experience towards the tourism service and contribution in Gujarat Government will helpful to the concrete evaluation of the Tourism Awards 2017 nominees.

MS. MEENAKSHI JAN

Business Development Gujarat ResBird Technologies Pvt. Ltd (Amadeus)
Ms. Meenakshi Jani is Business Development Manager of Gujarat in Resbird Technologies Pvt Ltd serving in this high tech tourism industries by promoting the user friendly reservation system technologies to the entire tourism business industry. She has built the strong and healthy relationship to entire travel fraternity today, and therefore her expertise in the tourism industry will gives the direction to Tourism Awards 2017 for being a part of Judges Panel.

KIRTI THAKAR

Tourism Consultant & Advisor
Kirti Thakar has served Gujarat tourism for over 35 years in various capacities since 1979 .He won several accolades for his innovative promotional efforts in tourism. He was closely associated with international kite festival, and other events in tourism. "Khushboo Gujarat Ki" Tourism promotion campaign under the renowned creative Director Mr. Piyush Pandey of Ogilvy, he acquired training in Rural tourism from Israel, and visited canes film festival twice 2012 & 2013, to promote Gujarat as film location presently running shoot in Gujarat frame at start up stage as location adviser and tourism consultant. He contributed as a judge in the judges panel in Tourism Awards 2017, we heartily thankful to him for again his contribution in Tourism Awards 2017, second season.

ANUJ PATHAK

TAG (TOUR OPERATORS & TRAVEL AGENTS ASSOCIATION OF GUJARAT)
As a secretary of tour operators & travel agents association of Gujarat since last 7 years Mr. Anuj Pathak gives views & ideas for development of tourism industry. He always takes initiatives for benefits of travel agents & build healthy relationship between agents & hoteliers. We heartily thankful for his contribution in the judges panel of Tourism Awards 2017.

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MR. ASHOK DHOOT

CHAPTER CHAIRMAN ADTOI – GUJARAT
He Have Started Harsh Travels in 2003 on a Very Small Scale but by God Grace, Support From the Family and My Whole Team Who Worked as a Engine to My Organization, Owing to That Only Today Harsh Travels Is One of the Renowned Destination Management Company of Gujarat. By His Excellent Knowledge & Experience Harsh Travels Uniquely Placed to Provide the Strength, Stability and Consistency of Service Quality Needed From a Premier Destination and Travel Management Company. Harsh Travels Therefore Provides One-stop Solution Delivering Unique Travel, Leisure and Tours Management Services to Our Clients. Currently He Is Holding the Position of Chapter Chairman of Association of Domestic Tour Operator of India. Also, He Is National Executive Committee Member of Indian Association of Tour Operators of India. Mr. Ashok Dhoot Is Very Active in Social Activity as Well. He Is Member of Akhil Bharitya Maheshwari Mahasabha Karyakari Mandal. He Is Life Time Trustee of Gopal Gau Shala Barmar, Rajasthan.

Dilip Thakkar

Core Committee Member- Food Entrepreneur Association (FEA)
From an extremely humble beginning to a successful multi-millionaire entrepreneur, Dilip Thakkar is the living proof of the wisdom. He boosted his vast hands-on-knowledge of business with advanced courses in management at IHM and IIM, Ahmedabad. He also has a degree in TQM (Total Quality Management) through the American Hotel & Motel Association at Taj Mumbai. Dilip believes in a mission of “lifetime learning”. He visualizes himself as an immense contributor to the hospitality industry in India down the line, delivering quality service at an affordable price. He sees the hospitality business as a growth area where he wishes to develop facilities to reach out and provide health and hospitality services to all classes of society. He has often been of great service to upcoming hoteliers. He has helped in setting up the entire project of the various heritage hotels like Garden Palace - Balasinor, Old Bell Guest House – Sayla, Royal Oasis – Wankaner and Rann Riders – Dasada.

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Randhirsingh Vaghela

Chapter Chairman IATO – Gujarat & Diu
Director at Garha Tours & Travels –Ahmedabad are leading Tours Operators of Gujarat in handling Inbound Tours ( Only foreigners ) in Gujarat from 1995 & we are specialized for handling Inbound Tours in Gujarat for foreigner clients / groups having special interest in Textiles, Architectures, Wildlife, Buddhist , Indus Valley Civilization, Gandhi circuit, Festivals of Gujarat etc.