Tag Archives: Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI)

The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) successfully concluded its elections on 5th December 2024, marking the end of the 2022-2024 term. The association introduced its new team for the term 2024-2026. Working committee members President: Himanshu Kesari Patil, Kesari Tours and Travels Vice President: Shravan Bhalla, High Flyer General Secretary: Sidharth Khanna, Khanna Enterprises (Regd.) Joint Secretary: Monia Kapoor, Travel O Holidays Treasurer: Gurdeep Singh Gujral, Gujral Tours and Travels The new leadership team is well-positioned to guide OTOAI with vision, dynamism, and a commitment to propelling growth in the outbound tourism sector. The election process was managed by Sanjay Datta, Managing Director, Airborne Holiday, who served as the Election Officer for the OTOAI elections. Executive Committee Members To strengthen the governance structure, the Executive Committee (EC) comprises both retained and nominated members. The EC members for the term 2024-2026 include: Riaz Munshi, N. Chirag Travels Adl Abdul Karim, Flycreative Online Ankush Nijhawan, Travel Boutique A Unit of Lap Travels Rohit Shorey, Destination Travel Services Vineet Gopal, Engee Holidays Vinayak Laud, Vinaayak Holidays The new team will officially commence their duties on 6 December, 2024. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and member engagement, the 2024-2026 team is dedicated to advancing OTOAI’s goals and promoting outbound tourism both domestically and internationally. OTOAI extended gratitude to the outgoing OTOAI team for their remarkable contributions, which included hosting impactful events, forming strategic collaborations, and signing numerous MOUs that enhanced the association’s footprint.  

The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) orchestrated a spectacular Members Meet Evening on 12 September, 2024, at the prestigious Lyla Bombay in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This event was held in collaboration with Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO Travel Insurance, and it drew an impressive gathering of over 80+ members. The evening served as a dynamic platform for OTOAI members to explore new horizons and opportunities within the outbound tourism landscape. This soirée garnered tremendous support from Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO, highlighting the immense potential to attract tourists. Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, emphasised the association’s unwavering commitment to enhancing members’ knowledge and expertise. He expressed satisfaction with the exposure provided to emerging outbound destinations from India, noting the success of the event as a testament to the fruitful collaboration with Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO Travel Insurance. “The event was well-supported by Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO, highlighting their immense potential to attract tourists,” Munshi remarked. “We are delighted with our partnership with Tourism Western Australia and ASEGO, and the resounding success of the evening underscores its mutual benefit.” The Members Meet Evening not only fostered knowledge exchange but also showcased the collective enthusiasm of OTOAI, Tourism Western Australia, and ASEGO in shaping the future of outbound tourism from India. As the association continues to strive for excellence, such collaborative efforts pave the way for industry growth and innovation. OTOAI is a leading association representing India’s outbound tour operators and travel agents. With a focus on member growth, education, and industry partnerships, OTOAI aims to promote ethical standards, foster collaboration, and contribute to the development of the outbound tourism sector in India.

In a significant development for the Indian and Iranian tourism sectors, the Iranian Tour Operators Association (ITOA) and the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 11 September, 2024, at the ITB India 2024 in Mumbai. The MoU, signed by Mostafa Shafie Shakib, Chairman, ITOA, and Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, aims to strengthen tourism ties between the two nations. The signing ceremony was witnessed by distinguished members of both associations, including Shravan Bhalla, Vice President, OTOAI, and Monia Kapoor, Joint Secretary, OTOAI. The presence of Mostafa Shafie Shakib as the primary signatory from the Iranian delegation highlighted the significance of this initiative. Other esteemed members of the Iranian delegation were also in attendance, further reinforcing the importance of the agreement. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in fostering tourism growth, exploring new opportunities, and creating sustainable partnerships between India and Iran. The MoU underscores the shared commitment of both countries to promoting cultural exchange and unlocking new tourism potential.    

Himanshu Kesari Patil, Director, Kesari Tours, has been honoured with the DDP Trailblazer award. An industry veteran with 30 years of experience and sharp insights into the travel industry, Patil inspires the youth to venture out and follow their passion and experiment with innovation. His latest initiative ‘Travosh’ offers Indian tourists a perfect match for every destination and season with a functional product range that promises prompt delivery. His company brings a smile on the faces of millions of tourists every year. As Vice President of Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), he ensures high-value proposition in every initiative towards business transformation.