Tag Archives: Riaz Munshi

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.”

Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI said, “The merger of Air India and Vistara, is a positive development. Air India has struggled to compete in the aviation market for years, and the merger will make it one of the biggest airlines globally and a national carrier for India.

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.

Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) will be announcing its new team today for the term 2022-24. The existing team will be taking over unopposed and some shuffle in positions is expected. Currently, Riaz Munshi is President, Himanshu Patil is Vice President, Shravan Bhalla is Gen. Secretary and Siddharth Khanna is Treasurer.

OTOAI held its General Meeting today in New Delhi, where they discussed about the work the association is doing with airlines and tourism board with the association members. Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, revealed that the association is focusing on building relationship with stakeholders and are extending their support in providing all the necessary information required. “This is the time of cooperation and building relationship so everybody can strengthen their business, said Munshi.

OTOAI invited their members for a gathering at Shangri-La on 3rd evening. OTOAI President Riaz Munshi greeted the members and said to gear up and get prepared. In his speech he talked about creating innovative products and to be step ahead of the requirement of the clients to deliver a better experience for them. The market is going to grow, there is a huge potential and opportunity for us and 2022 will definitely going to cross 2019 mark” said Munshi.

The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) has waived off the annual membership fee for the financial year 2021 – 22. The association has reduced the fees by 50% for the financial year 2020 – 2021. Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI said, “This is not the time to make money or fill up reserves. We understand the plight of our fellow industry colleagues and this gesture is our way of showing our solidarity to them. The outbound from India has been severely affected and it will indeed take a while before things go back to normal. The second wave has hit all businesses, especially tourism (which had started to pick a little in December / January) severely and different entry laws / requirements by different countries has made outbound travel very challenging. I would also like to urge people in the travel fraternity to get themselves vaccinated at the earliest possible so that whenever tourism opens, our customers do not hesitate reaching out to us and it will also send out a positive message to the world.”

Riaz Munshi, Managing Director, N Chirag Travels, says “There are lot of unexplored resorts and islands, which Indian travellers can explore and the trade can promote. When the outbound leisure travel resumes, I would urge everyone to explore new products in Thailand. TAT is always proactive in promoting tourism and I am sure this time also they will come up with lucrative offers to attract Indian travellers. Let’s hope for the best and soon we will come back strongly.”

OTOAI has recently written a letter to almost all European Embassies in India, requesting them to issue Gratis Visas to those travellers, who despite having a valid travel visa, could not undertake the planned holiday. Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, says, “OTOAI has written to most of the European Embassy requesting them to issue a Gratis Visa to the visitors who despite having paid and processed the Visa fee and due procedure, could not undertake the journey for reasons known to all of us.”