The recent sixth Annual Convention of the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) in Moscow spotlighted innovation, strategic collaboration, and Russia’s emergence as a promising outbound destination for Indian travellers. With high-impact sessions, focused B2B meetings, and immersive cultural experiences, the convention marked a pivotal step in strengthening Indo-Russian tourism ties and unlocking new opportunities for bilateral travel growth.
OTOAI successfully hosted its sixth Annual Convention in the vibrant Russian capital of Moscow, marking a strategic milestone in strengthening India–Russia collaboration in outbound tourism. Held from July 10 to 13, 2025, at the iconic The Carlton, Moscow, the four-day convention witnessed participation of over 200 Indian travel professionals, including leading tour operators, agents, and media representatives, reaffirming the growing interest in Russia as a potential market for Indian outbound travellers.
Themed “Fast Forward Future – The Intelligent Travel”, the convention aimed to explore innovative strategies and emerging trends in global travel, with a sharp focus on digital transformation, safety, speed, and scalability in tourism.
The Opening Address
The inaugural session featured prominent voices from both nations, setting a constructive tone for bilateral tourism cooperation.
Welcoming attendees, Himanshu Patil, President, 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 also highlighted the strategic decision to select Moscow, citing Russia’s recent efforts to simplify visa procedures for Indian nationals, stating, “Russia has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening tourism ties with India. What we are 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.”
Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor of Moscow and Chairman, Moscow City Tourism Committee, welcomed the Indian delegation with a warm and candid address. He said, “Because we do not just work hard to attract you, dear partners, we live this life trying to attract more people. Because we do not work in tourism, we live for tourism. 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.”
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
Shravan Bhalla, Vice President of OTOAI and Convention Chairman, delved into the convention’s theme, ‘Fast Forward Future: The Intelligent Travel,’ calling it timely and relevant in today’s rapidly changing travel landscape. He emphasised, “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 features specially curated business sessions designed to equip delegates with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the evolving 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.
Knowledge Sharing and High-Impact Partnerships
The event featured a dynamic panel discussion on “Connected Travel: Building Speed, Safety and Scale for the Intelligent Traveller,” moderated by SanJeet, with esteemed panellists including Ankush Nijhawan, Anastasia Popova, Dev Karvat, Irshad Dadan, Sharad Gowani, and Rahim Aslam. Insightful presentations were delivered by the Moscow City Tourism Committee, VFS Global, Asego, and DMC Bazaar, offering a comprehensive view of the evolving travel landscape. The event also included keynote addresses by Dr. Prashant Pansare and Deven Parulekar, who shared visionary perspectives on travel innovation and future growth.
The convention facilitated over 1,750 B2B meetings and led to the establishment of multiple partnerships between Indian and Russian stakeholders, along with the announcement of new tour packages tailored for Indian travellers.
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.
Immersive Experiences in Moscow and St. Petersburg
The convention provided delegates with an immersive series of destination familiarisation experiences that showcased Moscow’s charm, history, and vibrant culture. Participants visited iconic landmarks such as Red Square, the GUM department store, VDNKh exhibition centre, and Zaryadye Park, gaining both visual splendour and cultural insight into the city’s dynamic mix of tradition and modernity.
Cultural highlights included a traditional horse show that reflected Russia’s heritage, panoramic views from the Sun of Moscow Ferris Wheel, scenic river cruises, and walking tours through the city’s architectural treasures. Delegates also explored the city’s ornate metro stations, often called “palaces on rails,” and enjoyed tastings of authentic Russian cuisine. A standout moment was the Festival of India – Bharat Utsav at Manezhnaya Square, celebrating Indo-Russian cultural exchange with vibrant performances and cuisine.
After the Moscow convention, over 200 delegates continued on a three-night post-tour to St. Petersburg, blending cultural discovery with leisure. Highlights included a guided tour of Palace Square, a river and canal cruise showcasing the “Venice of the North,” and early access to The Hermitage Palace, offering a serene exploration of its renowned art collections.
Evenings featured networking cocktails and cultural shows, allowing delegates to connect while experiencing the local arts and culture. The tour offered deep immersion into St. Petersburg’s elegance and history, leaving lasting memories of Russia’s rich cultural tapestry.
Farewell Reflections
Himanshu Patil, President of OTOAI
The enthusiastic response and valuable partnerships formed over the past few days affirm our belief that Moscow is the next big frontier for Indian outbound tourism. Its warm hospitality, cultural richness, and world-class infrastructure offer tremendous opportunities for the Indian market.
From Moscow’s architectural marvels to St. Petersburg’s White Nights, our delegates now have the firsthand knowledge to create authentic travel experiences. We also covered crucial topics like technology and AI, and I am confident many of our members are now better equipped to embrace digital tools and strategies. This convention will not only enhance their technological capabilities but also strengthen their ability to effectively promote and sell Russia as a destination in the Indian market.
Anastasia Popova, Head of Business Tourism Development Department, the Moscow City Tourism Committee
OTOAI’s sixth Convention has surpassed all expectations, showcasing the remarkable interest Indian travel stakeholders have in exploring Moscow as a destination. The quality of engagement and meaningful business discussions has validated our strategy to position Russia prominently in the Indian outbound market. We are already working closely with Indian tour operators on customised packages that blend Moscow’s rich cultural heritage with modern amenities that resonate with Indian travellers’ preferences. The current Moscow–India direct air connectivity, provided by Aeroflot, has further enhanced accessibility for Indian tourists.
Shravan Bhalla, Vice President, OTOAI
The convention achieved exactly what we aimed for: a clear roadmap to unlock Moscow’s potential for Indian outbound tourism. A key takeaway was the strong collaboration from our Russian counterparts in addressing key operational and market-specific needs. The sessions highlighted major industry shifts, including AI-driven intelligent travel, the demand for experiential tourism, and the growing importance of travel insurance and safety. Topics such as digital visas, multi-country itineraries, and sustainable practices drew strong interest, demonstrating the Indian trade’s eagerness to evolve.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Most importantly, perceptions around safety have changed, with delegates experiencing Moscow firsthand and finding it safe, vibrant, and welcoming. The post-fam to St. Petersburg further enriched the experience. Delegates enjoyed the White Nights and productive B2B sessions, with several DMCs already reporting leads. This was one of our largest delegations, and we are confident our members will now actively promote Russia as a top destination.
Sidharth Khanna, General Secretary, OTOAI
We at OTOAI are thrilled with the overwhelming success of the convention in Moscow. The event saw the enthusiastic participation of over 200 Indian delegates from across the country, including many from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. With more than 50 esteemed Russian suppliers in attendance, the convention offered a highly productive platform for focused one-on-one B2B meetings.
Our decision to host the convention in Russia was a deliberate effort to address and overcome common concerns around safety and security among Indian travellers. We are deeply grateful to the Moscow City Tourism Committee for their unwavering support and flawless execution. Delegates experienced Russia’s renowned hospitality and the warm, welcoming spirit of both Moscow and St. Petersburg firsthand. Russia has clearly demonstrated itself to be a safe, dynamic, and culturally enriching destination. We strongly encourage our members to actively promote it in their future travel offerings to Indian clients.
Monia Kapoor, Joint Secretary, OTOAI
I am extremely pleased with how the convention turned out; it has truly been a great success. We chose Moscow with the perspective of introducing a new and relatively unknown destination to the Indian market. There were initial concerns and questions, especially around safety, but this convention has helped to break those barriers. It was wonderful to see over 200 members attend and experience Moscow in an entirely new light. They witnessed firsthand that Russia is not only safe but also offers a unique and enriching travel experience. Throughout the convention, our members explored venues that were previously unfamiliar or not accessible online. The B2B sessions proved especially valuable, enabling our partners to connect directly and making it easier for them to begin promoting Moscow and Russia as viable destinations for their clients.
Irshad Dadan, Director, OneAbove
It was great to be part of the OTOAI convention, just as I was back in 2023 during the Kenya convention, which left a lasting impression on me. This time, too, I felt compelled to contribute in some way and be a part of its success. That is why I have stayed connected, and I would love to continue my association with OTOAI each year to help make this convention even bigger and better.
Dev Karvat, Founder and CEO, Asego
The convention was a truly enriching experience, and I extend my sincere appreciation to the organising committee for putting together such a well-structured and insightful event. It served as an excellent platform for meaningful dialogue, networking, and collaboration within the travel and tourism community. The sessions were thoughtfully curated, addressing both the opportunities and challenges facing the Indian travel fraternity today. I especially valued the exchange of innovative ideas and the opportunity to engage with industry leaders who share a passion for driving positive change. At Asego, we firmly believe in the power of collective growth, and events like these play a vital role in uniting the industry. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that foster learning, innovation, and community building.
 in Moscow spotlighted innovation, strategic collaboration, and Russia’s emergence as a promising outbound destination for Indian travellers. With high-impact sessions, focused B2B meetings, and immersive cultural experiences, the convention marked a pivotal step in strengthening Indo-Russian tourism ties and unlocking new opportunities for bilateral travel growth.){kind=link}