The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) recently hosted a physical Members Meet inviting its own members, stalwarts from the travel trade, NTOs, media and more for networking at the Shangri La, New Delhi. Hosting a physical event after a gap of 20 months, the association garnered a warm response as many people came forward to meet and greet during the event.
Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, addressing the gathering said, “The worst, my friends, is over and I thank you all profusely for your support to OTOAI. Personally, I am quite bullish on Indian market as I see India as one of the leading outbound markets of the world. I am confident that our market will soon touch 100 million travellers and the main reason for that is the huge underlying demand for travel as people of all age groups, from seven to 75, are simply waiting to undertake a holiday soon. So, the game is about to begin and we must all prepare ourselves to put our best foot forward – be innovative and step ahead of your clients to tap this surge, as and when it will happen. There is a huge potential and big opportunity ahead for all of us to encash and year 2022 can be life changing for many in the business. Let us support each other and grow together.”
The evening then proceeded with members winning some lucky draws and gift hampers from Crowne Plaza Greater Noida,Vistara, Maldivian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Accor and Hyatt Group of Hotels.
OTOAI also virtually hosted its 9th AGM on World Tourism Day wherein Mr. Himanshu Patil, Vice President, OTOAI welcomed members and talked about how the last 18 months were the toughest and perhaps the most confusing time for the travel tourism industry. Shravan Bhalla, General Secretary, OTOAI enumerated the numerous activities that OTOAI undertook in the last one year. These mainly comprised virtual meetings with embassies, country heads, OTOAI’s virtual participation in webinars, various trade events and more. Vineet Gopal, Jt. Secretary, OTOAI presented the Balance Sheet of the FY towards the end of the meeting and announced that 12 new members joined the association in the last year, taking the total tally to above 500.
