Pratik Bijlani –
On February 8th, ATPI and Qatar Airways joined forces to host a sophisticated soiree at the esteemed Gallops Restaurant, nestled within the scenic Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai. As guests mingled and forged new relationships, the event served as a testament to ATPI’s ongoing commitment to innovation and growth, marking a notable milestone in the company’s journey. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie, making for a truly unforgettable night of celebration and networking.
Mr. Ali Hussain, Regional Managing Director of ATPI Asia, shared his perspective on the evolving challenges in global travel, particularly within the maritime sector. “The shipping industry should actively seek to leverage opportunities such as new immigration policies and touchless travel procedures to
streamline crew entry and exit processes,” said Mr. Hussain. “Consider the adoption of pre-travel authorisation by many countries and the adoption of passport-free immigration using facial recognition technology – this is a model of efficiency the maritime sector should collectively advocate for in crew travel. Yet, despite global technological advancements, maritime travel especially of crew from nationalities like India, continues to require extensive supporting documentation. In a world of increasing digital identity, this presents an opportunity for the industry.”
To address these challenges, Mr. Hussain emphasised the need for collaborative advocacy and digital transformation within the maritime sector. “Industry stakeholders must work closely with regulatory authorities to push for policy reforms that embrace digital solutions, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for crew movements,” he stated. “By leveraging partnerships with technology providers, the shipping industry can adopt secure, digitised crew identification systems similar to those used in aviation. Additionally, standardising immigration requirements across key maritime hubs would facilitate smoother crew transfers and enhance operational efficiency.
Mr Hussain also delved into ATPI’s ambitious growth strategy, highlighting the company’s deliberate efforts to form and foster key partnerships that fuel its expansion. He specifically mentioned the company’s deepened alliance with Direct Travel, a strategic partner that enables ATPI to remain at the forefront of technological advancements and innovative solutions.
“ATPI is expanding across India while leveraging the country’s growing expertise in advanced technology, including artificial intelligence and next-generation booking tools,” he stated, underscoring ATPI’s commitment to harnessing innovative solutions to enhance its services. “We draw insights from the multitude of high-performance sectors ATPI serves, subsequently crafting bespoke solutions precisely calibrated for specialist industries such as shipping. Our deep maritime travel expertise enables us to develop tailored systems that directly address the unique challenges shipping companies face. As ATPI India approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, we take pride in our enduring partnership with our customers throughout this three-decade journey—an enduring testament to our reliability and deep-rooted commitment to the maritime sector.
Mr Hussain further outlined ATPI’s ambitious expansion strategy, highlighting new subsidiaries in several key regions, including South Korea, Taiwan, the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, and Africa. This significant investment in global growth underscores the company’s commitment to building a robust presence in strategic markets and reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for the maritime and travel industries.
The event served as a poignant reminder that, even in a rapidly evolving industry, the power of personal relationships and connections remains a vital catalyst for growth, collaboration, and success. As attendees laughed, learned, and celebrated together, the evening became a testament to the enduring importance of human connection in the business landscape.
Marex Media