Tag Archives: OTOAI

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), in collaboration with OTOAI, hosted the Korea Tourism Roadshow in Mumbai on 14 February, 2025, reinforcing its commitment to the Indian travel trade and presenting programmes aimed at further boosting Indian tourist arrivals to South Korea. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director, India & SAARC Countries, KTO, said, “South Korea’s growing popularity among Indian travellers is a testament to the strong partnership we share with the Indian travel trade. With evolving traveller preferences and increasing demand for unique experiences, we are committed to providing our partners with tailored support, from exclusive training programmes to performance-based incentives.” Talking about the Roadshow in Mumbai, Himanshu Patil, President, OTOAI, said, “This partnership between OTOAI and KTO has the potential to significantly boost outbound tourism from India to Korea, unlocking opportunities for both travel operators and tourists. With the rising popularity of Korean entertainment in India and the increasing awareness of the country’s rich cultural heritage and unique culinary experiences, Indian tourists are showing greater interest in visiting Korea. Additionally, the growing popularity of Korean beauty products in the Indian market has led to an increase in enquiries for tours that include beauty experiences, further highlighting the diverse interests of Indian travellers. This roadshow was a great opportunity for our members to gain in-depth knowledge of Korea and enhancing their ability to create seamless travel experiences for their clients.” In addition to the MICE Support and Korea Premium Travel Consultant (KPTC) Programme, KTO has unveiled the Designated Travel Agency Programme, a strategic initiative under the K-Incentive Scheme 3.0, designed to recognise and support travel agencies actively promoting South Korea. Under this programme, participating agencies will develop Korea-specific travel packages incorporating at …

Himanshu Patil, Director, Kesari Tours Kesari Tours Private Limited , takes the charge as new OTOAI President. Speaking about the first steps in his new role, he shared, “The aim is to change the perception and to grow the association pan-India, especially in the Western region and the Southern side. The way OTOAI is working, we will do well in both these areas.”

OTOAI had a follow-up meeting with Suman Billa, Addl. Secretary, Tourism after heads of travel trade associations met new Union Minister of Tourism. “We have been assured that the ministry will take our issues. We will meet again to discuss how outbound tourism is benefiting inbound tourism,” said Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI.

Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI said, “People are more mature; we have seen a 20-30 per cent increase in experience and luxury travel, which is a significant number. We anticipate these numbers will continue to grow, making experience and luxury travel the most rapidly growing segment in the travel industry.”

Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency announces its partnership with the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India to organise a mega familiarisation (FAM) trip for its members from 30 June to 6 July. The initiative is dedicated to highlighting the myriad attractions of Türkiye to Indian travel agents. A total of 40 OTOAI members from across India will be participating in this exciting endeavour, representing diverse regions and tourism interests.

After a halt of 4 years, OTOAI plans to conduct its 5th convention in Sarova Hotels, in Nairobi, Kenya from 24 to 27 November. Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, “We are holding convention in Kenya as it is getting important for Indian market. We will diclose the theme soon.”

Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI believes that policy contradicts the government’s slogan of “ease of doing business” in India. “It is relief now, but situation is complicated. If such policies continue to emerge, it will be difficult to conduct business.

In the Union Budget 2023, it was announced that the government has increased Tax Collection at Source (TCS) for overseas packages from 5%to 20%. Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, says that instead of reducing the TCS, it has been increased and it will hamper the business. Rajeev Sabharwal  (CA), Chief Executive, Gaurav Travels, says outbound industry should oppose this move.

Riaz Munshi was re-elected as the President of OTOAI Managing Committee for the term 2022-24. Shravan Bhalla was elected as Vice President, Sidharth Khanna as Gen. Secretary, Gurdeep Gujral as Treasurer, and Monia Kapoor as Joint Secretary were selected respectively. 

Britain has unveiled a £10 million global tourism campaign, called the GREAT tourism campaign, at Expo 2020 Dubai in a bid to strengthen close trade ties with the UAE. The global initiative is aimed to drive inbound tourism to the UK, as the country gears up for a year of big events including Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee celebrations and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The launch event was hosted by Visit Britain, and was held before UK National Day at Dubai Expo 2020. The tourism campaign will highlight major British events this year, set to be global visitor draws, especially the queen’s platinum jubilee, the Commonwealth Games and ‘Unboxed’, a UK-wide celebration of creativity. VisitBritain also hosted senior trade delegation from India in Dubai at a roundtable with Dame Judith Macgregor, Chairperson, VisitBritain, along with West Midlands Growth Company in the afternoon before the launch of new GREAT tourism campaign. The delegates included Sunil Suresh, Chief Marketing Officer, MakeMyTrip; Anoop Kanuga – Chairman, Tourism Services Committee at TAAI; Jitul Mehta, Chairman, Western Chapter, TAAI and Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI.