Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) - a national, not-for-profit organization formed by India’s outbound tour operators and travel agents is celebrating its ‘First Anniversary’.  

The association aims to consolidate and lead the outbound travel industry in India by setting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct while propagating an ideology of collective ambition and ensure a more meaningful, profitable and growing marketplace for outbound travel from India.

Since its inception in December 2011, OTOAI has not only emerged as the leading voice of outbound tourism industry in India but has also established itself as a collaborative platform for all key stakeholders to engage, network, discuss, resolve and address multiple issues concerning the industry and its constituents.

Recently the association celebrated its first anniversary at its 3^rd Members’ Meet in Mumbai organized by its Western Chapter. OTOAI is extending its anniversary celebrations in the city to appreciate the collective efforts of its members and acknowledge the support of key stakeholders including tourism boards and destination management companies; Embassies and Consulates; regulators and government agencies; travel media and partner associations.

The association currently has three regional chapters and 214 approved members, comprising of outbound tour operators, overseas members, tourism board, destination management companies and other key stakeholders from the travel industry. OTOAI expects its members to maintain very high standards of ethical and professional conduct and it requires them to adhere to OTOAI’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Incidentally OTOAI also has one of the most stringent criteria and membership approval process, amongst all travel associations in India.  

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Guldeep Sahni, President OTOAI said, “I am overwhelmed with the kind of support and recognition OTOAI has got in the first year since its inception. This support and recognition fuelled our aspirations and growth. The acceptance of OTOAI by different stakeholders as the face and voice of outbound tourism in India is the biggest compliment and motivation for us”.

Talking of specific initiatives he elaborated that OTOAI will engage with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India to get recognition for Outbound Tour Operators in India and the association is proposing a National Award Category for Outbound Tour Operators in the country. OTOAI is also seeking the support of Ministry of Tourism to take up taxation and infrastructure related issues with the concerned ministries and is seeking setting up of Joint Working Committees with active participation of representatives from OTOAI. The association has acquired the services of ERNST & YOUNG to take up Service Tax issues related to outbound tourism and has also filed concerns with the relevant Ministries. OTOAI has also taken up the issue of simplifying and standardising the visa application process with various Embassies and Consulates. Recently, the Philippines Embassy, after meeting a team from OTOAI, agreed to register OTOAI members for submission of group visa applications to the Philippines Embassy. The embassy will also be listing quality and prominent suppliers from Philippines, who in turn will confirm the group and the visa will be granted.

OTOAI has set up an Arbitration Cell for its members and in the past one year it successfully arbitrated in two significant matters brought forward by its members. The association is in advances stages of preparing an arbitration code for its members.

The association is expanding its footprint across the country with its regional chapters and enrolling more members. It will appoint city coordinators to work with their regional chapter heads in order to expand and strengthen its regional presence.  OTOAI is also in the process of setting up international chapters.   

“Now the time has come for us to announce our plans to hold our 1st Convention by September end or beginning of October 2013. Many countries have come forward with requests to host this event and we are currently deliberating on them. We will be announcing our verdict soon,” Mr. Sahni added.

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