OTOAI takes centre stage, forges dynamic partnerships
The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) is at the forefront of driving impactful initiatives to shape the future of Indian outbound tourism. From collaborating in events with industry leaders like Qantas Airlines to formalising strategic partnerships with Korea Tourism Organization and Tourism Malaysia in February 2024, OTOAI continually strives to enhance member knowledge, forge international ties, and contribute to the growth of the global tourism industry. Strategic Alliance with KTO
The month of February proved to be a whirlwind of initiatives for OTOAI. To start with, they partnered with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) for an impactful roadshow on February 13, 2024, in Delhi, unveiling the much-anticipated K-Incentive Scheme 2.0. This strategic initiative implies a significant leap in their ongoing efforts to enhance Korean tourism. The event, showcasing OTOAI’s proficiency in drawing a diverse audience, underlines OTOAI’s commitment to spotlighting Korea’s vibrant culture, with the overwhelming response serving as a testament to its collective endeavour to boost Korean tourism.
At the event, KTO introduced the K-Incentive Scheme 2.0, tailored explicitly for travel agencies across India. This innovative scheme offers enticing benefits, including streamlined visa support for visitors to Korea, emphasising regional destinations such as Busan, Gangwon province, and Jeollanamdo province, deemed essential for eligibility under the scheme.
Monia Kapoor, Joint Secretary of OTOAI, expressed confidence in Korea's untapped growth potential within the Indian market. She extended gratitude to the Korea Tourism Organization for the innovative incentive program and urged OTOAI members to actively recommend Korea to their clients. With South Korea witnessing a surge in Indian visitors, the K-Incentive Scheme 2.0 is poised to further catalyse this upward trend.
Remarkable Evening with Qantas Airlines
On February 15, 2024, OTOAI, in collaboration with Qantas Airlines, orchestrated a spectacular Members Meet Evening in Delhi, drawing an impressive gathering of over 100 members. The event served as a vibrant platform for OTOAI members to explore new horizons and seize opportunities within the dynamic outbound tourism landscape.
This gathering received substantial support from the Qantas Airlines team, highlighting the airline's immense potential for captivating tourists. Riaz Munshi, President of OTOAI, underscored the association's unwavering commitment to enhancing members' knowledge and expertise. Munshi remarked, "The event received strong support from the Qantas Airlines team, showcasing their immense potential to attract tourists. We are thrilled with our partnership with Qantas Airlines, and the resounding success of the evening accentuates its mutual benefits."
Beyond the exchange of knowledge, the Members Meet Evening showcased the collective enthusiasm of OTOAI and Qantas Airlines in steering the future of outbound tourism from India.
Promising MOU with Tourism Malaysia
A significant highlight during the SATTE exhibition in Noida was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Tourism Malaysia and OTOAI. The signing ceremony, graced by Riaz Munshi, President; Shravan Bhalla, Vice President; Sidharth Khanna, General Secretary; and Gurdeep Singh Gujral, Treasurer, all from OTOAI, marked a pivotal moment in the collaboration with Tourism Malaysia.
Under the terms of this MOU, Malaysia and OTOAI commit to collaborative efforts, focusing on joint activities and initiatives to promote tourism growth between the two nations. This strategic partnership aims to facilitate seamless travel experiences, ultimately enhancing the overall appeal of Malaysia as a preferred destination for Indian tourists.
Riaz Munshi expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This MOU symbolises a new chapter in the relationship between Malaysia and OTOAI. We are dedicated to leveraging our collective strengths to create unparalleled opportunities for our members and contribute to the growth of tourism between our two nations.”
The MOU signing ceremony served as a powerful testament to the shared vision of Tourism Malaysia and OTOAI in advancing sustainable tourism practices and nurturing a profound cultural exchange between Malaysia and India. As both parties embark on this collaborative journey, the MOU is positioned to unlock a myriad of benefits for their respective members, propelling mutual growth and success.
With a steadfast commitment to excellence, OTOAI believes that these collaborative efforts play a pivotal role in paving the way for its members and industry growth while fostering innovation. The association stands at the forefront, poised to revolutionise the landscape of Indian outbound tourism through strategic partnerships and impactful initiatives.