The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) kicked off its 6th Annual Convention at The Carlton, Moscow, marking a significant step in expanding outbound tourism partnerships between India and Russia. The four-day convention, running from July 10 to 13, 2025, has brought together more than 200 Indian delegates, including travel agents, tour operators, and leading media personnel.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior representatives from Moscow City Tourism, members of the Indian Embassy in Russia, and officials from both countries’ tourism sectors.
Welcoming attendees, Himanshu Patil, President of OTOAI, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration and outlined the association’s long-standing vision.
He said, “At OTOAI, we have always believed in going beyond the conventional. After hosting successful conventions in the Philippines, Bali, Ras Al Khaimah, South Africa, and Kenya, we are proud to bring this edition to Moscow, a city that offers not just culture and heritage, but tremendous potential for Indian outbound tourism.”
He highlighted the strategic decision to select Moscow, citing Russia’s recent efforts to simplify visa procedures for Indian nationals.
“Russia has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening tourism ties with India. What we’re seeing is more than support; it is a decisive leap toward deeper collaboration. Our goal is to facilitate long-term growth and welcome over half a million Indian tourists to Russia annually by 2030,” said Patil.
Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor of Moscow and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, welcomed the Indian delegation with a warm and candid address. He said, “Because we don’t just work hard to attract you, dear partners, we live this life trying to attract more people. Because we don’t work in tourism, we live for tourism.”
He added, “All of us who work for the Moscow government do not just work, we live to make our city better. Our mayor has a great vision: to build and make the best city in the world. And we know, please believe us, that for residents, it is already the best city in the world.”
“Because Moscow never sleeps. You will find stores open at any hour to buy anything you want. You will find anything you need delivered right to your door. You will see the safest and cleanest streets, squares, and parks all over Moscow, not just in the center. The great cultural heritage, the great vision for the future, all mixed in one city, along with the kind, generous, and hospitable Muscovites. That is the mix that makes our great capital. And we are here to create more opportunities for you to explore this city, our beloved city.”
Why Moscow?
Addressing the audience, Shravan Bhalla, Vice President of OTOAI and Convention Chairman, expressed his enthusiasm at the strong participation from India and emphasised the strategic choice of Moscow as the host city.
“We are delighted to welcome more than 200 delegates from India, including leading travel professionals and key media representatives. The presence of such a high-quality delegation reflects our commitment to exploring meaningful and emerging destinations,” he said.
Bhalla explained that the decision to host the convention in Moscow came after months of discussions and destination research, both in India and Russia.
He added, “During our engagements with Moscow City Tourism and our multiple recce visits, we found Moscow to be one of the most fascinating, safe, and culturally rich cities in the world. Its iconic landmarks, the Kremlin, Red Square, and the fairytale-like St. Basil’s Cathedral, are globally recognised symbols of Russian history and heritage.”
He also described Moscow as a vibrant, contemporary metropolis with a strong infrastructure suited for diverse tourism segments.
“Moscow offers everything: world-class museums, theatres, parks, academic institutions, nightlife, and the stunning Moscow Metro, which is not just a transport system but an underground gallery of art and design. From luxury stays and MICE venues to family holidays, film locations, and even destination weddings, the city delivers a complete tourism offering,” Bhalla noted.
He emphasised that hosting the convention in Moscow would help reshape perceptions among Indian tour operators and the media, particularly around safety and accessibility.
Theme: Fast Forward Future – The Intelligent Travel
Bhalla also delved into the convention’s theme, ‘Fast Forward Future: The Intelligent Travel,’ calling it timely and relevant in today’s rapidly changing travel landscape.
“We are witnessing a transformative phase in global travel, driven by intelligent technologies and shifting consumer mindsets. FAST reflects the speed at which change is unfolding, from new booking behaviours to regulatory shifts and increased digital adoption. FORWARD urges us to adopt a progressive, innovation-led approach instead of relying on past practices. And FUTURE, because the future of travel is no longer far off. It is already upon us, reshaping how we plan, sell, and experience travel.”
He added that regional travel, a rising middle class, and a growing preference for immersive, sustainable, and personalised experiences will fuel future outbound tourism growth.
In closing, Bhalla shared that the convention includes specially curated business sessions aimed at equipping delegates with tools and insights to navigate the changing global travel ecosystem.
“We have invited thought leaders and experts who will share valuable perspectives. These sessions are designed not just to inform but to inspire action as we embrace this new era of intelligent travel,” he said.
VFS Global Partnership
In a major development, OTOAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with VFS Global, enabling its members to offer VFS Global services and earn through a referral model. This strategic collaboration enhances the value proposition for OTOAI members. The referral programme will benefit travel agents, tour operators, and visa applicants alike. This marks the first step in a broader collaboration aimed at strengthening Indo-global tourism facilitation.
Business-Driven Engagements
As part of the convention’s opening day agenda, exclusive B2B meetings were held between 34 Russian exhibitors and over 200 Indian buyers, fostering direct connections, destination understanding, and future collaborations. These interactions are expected to pave the way for stronger commercial exchanges and boost mutual tourism flows.
In the days ahead, delegates will participate in curated business sessions, cultural experiences, and destination familiarisation tours designed to equip Indian operators with firsthand knowledge of Russia’s tourism offerings.
 successfully held its 6th Annual Convention in Moscow from July 10–13, 2025, marking the association’s first convention in Russia. Supported by Moscow City Tourism and the Indian Embassy, the event brought together over 200 Indian delegates and 34 Russian exhibitors for B2B meetings, tourism partnerships, and knowledge sessions. A key highlight was the signing of a strategic MoU with VFS Global. With the theme “Fast Forward Future: The Intelligent Travel,” the convention emphasized innovation and future-ready travel solutions.){kind=link}