The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) has officially inaugurated its 6th Annual Convention at The Carlton, Moscow, with an enthusiastic turnout of over 200 delegates, including top travel professionals, tour operators, and key members of the Indian travel media. The four-day convention, from July 10 to 13, 2025, is being hailed as a milestone event in strengthening tourism cooperation between India and Russia.
Organized against the vibrant backdrop of Russia’s capital, the convention opened with an impressive ceremony attended by senior officials from Moscow City Tourism, dignitaries from the Indian Embassy in Russia, and influential players from both countries’ tourism sectors. The event has also caught the attention of the Russian media, further highlighting the importance of the Indian outbound market for Russia’s tourism goals.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Himanshu Patil, President of OTOAI, emphasized the significance of this platform and the theme for this year: “F3 – Fast. Forward. Future.”
“Today, we witness not a tiny change, but a giant leap in Indo-Russian tourism relations,” said Mr. Patil. “With the momentum created here in Moscow, we are not just envisioning more travel—we’re laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable collaboration. From simplified visa processes to a dedicated Russia Specialist Program, this convention is the spark of a lasting tourism renaissance between our two nations.”
Backing his optimism with data, Mr. Patil highlighted the steady increase in Indian tourist arrivals to Russia—from 60,000 in 2022 to 84,000 in 2024. With the current initiatives underway, he projected the number to surpass 100,000 in 2025, and ambitiously set the goal of 500,000 Indian tourists visiting Russia annually by 2030.
One of the convention’s key highlights was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between OTOAI and VFS Global, a move that promises to streamline visa facilitation and enhance service accessibility for Indian travellers. The MoU outlines a referral programme that benefits both travel agents and visa applicants, signifying a collaborative step forward in easing travel between the two countries.
The convention’s agenda also includes engaging B2B sessions, panel discussions on market potential, and city tours designed to familiarize delegates with Moscow’s rich cultural and tourism offerings. Following the main event, delegates will proceed on a specially curated post-convention familiarization trip to St. Petersburg—another gem in Russia’s tourism crown.
With India emerging as one of the world’s most powerful outbound travel markets, the OTOAI Convention in Moscow has set the tone for future collaborations, policy dialogues, and promotional strategies aimed at boosting tourism flows between India and Russia.
This gathering is not just a convention—it is a catalyst for a deeper, year-round tourism partnership that aligns with the evolving preferences of the modern Indian traveller.
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