Tag Archives: OTOAI

The Outbound Tour Operators of India (OTOAI) conducted a presentation to educate its members on GST and its effects on their businesses. The event had in attendance Aseem Arora, Senior Manager, Tax & Regulatory Services, Ernst & Young, informing the members about GST. Speaking at the event, Guldeep Singh Sahni, President, OTOAI, said, “We wanted to introduce the GST system to members who are unaware. We knew it would be a very ugly situation for service providers, both inbound and outbound, as well as for tourism industry. It is going to impact us in a big way. Right now we are suffering from 4.5 per cent tax. And with 18 per cent of GST, which the government is thinking of implementing, the industry is going in ruins. We want to go to the government with our issues, so that they consider it before implementing it.”

Indonesia-based travel company Panorama Destination has joined hands with Outbound Konnections Reps to establish a partnership in India and launch a range of products and organise Fam trips for Indian travel agents. Anjum Lokhandwala, Founder & Director, Outbound Konnections, said “We are happy to be appointed as the India office for Panorama Destination Indonesia and Bali. Panorama Destination is the leader in providing competitive packages and quality of services for all travel segments and we are keen to develop and multiply their market share in India. Indonesia has a lot to offer in terms of culture, scenic beauty, adventure and spas.” Panorama Destination has recently joined OTOAI (Outbound Tour Operators Association of India). There will be a range of new, diverse and competitive products created specifically for the Indian market by Panorama Destination in the coming months and a Director of Business Development will also be appointed specifically for the Indian market. The company specialises in inbound services and offering tailored tours. It has its own fleet of air-conditioned vehicles.

Guldeep Singh Sahni, President, Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) says, “The terror attacks are a sad incident and will impact tourism in Europe temporarily. This will not be a long term effect if precautionary measures are taken and the damage is contained timely. Travellers will continue to travel despite fear and worry regarding Europe. As this is the beginning of the season and Europe is one of the most popular destinations amongst Indians, challenges may be faced by agents in terms of FIT and group movements.”

Bali has recorded a growth of almost 87.69 per cent in Indian arrivals in January 2016 as compared to the same period last year. This was revealed by Vineet Gopal, who heads New Delhi-based Representation World LLP – the India representative of Bali Tourism Promotion Board, on the sidelines of the OTOAI Convention that concluded in Bali recently. “We expect the same growth rate to continue after this convention, which gave the Indian travel trade a chance to get familiar with the destination. We welcomed more than 150 active members at the convention of the total 240,” he said.

OTOAI has signed an MoU with Turkish Indian Tourism Council (TITC) for bilateral tourism promotion between India and Turkey on the sidelines of the 2nd OTOAI Convention in Bali. The MoU was signed between OTOAI President Guldeep Singh Sahni and TITC Chairman Emin Cakmak. Through this MoU, OTOAI will form an Indo-Turkish Tourism Council with its members who can coordinate with members of TITC to promote tourism between the two countries. Both sides will meet regularly to discuss ways in which this an be done.

Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) is all geared up for its Convention to be held from March 17-21, 2016 in Bali, Indonesia. Riaz Munshi, Convention Chairman, OTOAI, says, “We are expecting around 240 delegates. We have booked close to 220 tickets from India and we also have people coming from Singapore, The Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.” Though the names of the panelists at the Convention have not been disclosed yet, Munshi informs that the business sessions are going to be informative with panel discussions on the current scenario of the market and the dynamic changes taking place in it.

Guldeep Singh Sahni, President, Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), says the only positive point in the Budget is making non-functional airports operational. “It is a very neutral budget, and there is nothing in it for the tourism industry. The only positive point is that the government is considering making non-functional airports operational, which would give a boost to inbound tourism. However, nothing substantial is there for the travel industry,” he says.

Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) offers early bird discount of Rs 3500 + GST till Feb 20. Packages for Active Members – Rs 39,900 ++ Allied Members – Rs 49,900 ++ Non Members – Rs 59,900 ++ On spot registration for local delegates – USD 100 OTOAI has released its registration form for their 2nd Mega Convention scheduled from March 17–21, 2016, at Bali, Indonesia. “All registrations fees are waived for early bird registrations till February 20, 2016 by 1700 hours,” informed Riaz Munshi, Vice President and Convention Chairman, OTOAI. Registration charges under Package A for OTOAI Active Members is Rs 3,500 (plus GST), with cost per person on twin sharing is Rs 39,900 (plus GST) and single occupancy is Rs 49,900 (plus GST). Registration charges under Package B for Allied Members is Rs 3,500 (plus GST), with cost per person on twin sharing is Rs 49,900 and for single occupancy is Rs 59,900 exclusive of GST. Registration cost for Package C for Non Members is Rs 3500 (plus GST), with cost per person on twin sharing is Rs 59,900 and for single occupancy is Rs 69,900 exclusive of GST. Under Package D for local delegates without hotel stay and air tickets registration cost per person is USD 100. For Media Members under Package E for Media Package, cost per person on twin sharing is Rs 24,900 and single occupancy is Rs 34,900 excluding GST. Detailed information on the packages is mentioned in the registration form.

Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) announced its 2nd mega convention from March 17-21, 2016 in Bali, Indonesia. Riaz Munshi, Vice President, OTOAI, was announced as the Convention Chairman. He revealed, “the venue of the convention will be Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort and around 300 delegates are expected to attend the convention.” The theme of the convention is ‘India Outbound: The Game Changer.’ The three-day convention will be followed by a day trip to Ubud. OTOAI will be working on the convention with their local partners PACTO.