OTOAI's 6th Convention in Moscow concludes with resounding success, set to transform the India-Russia tourism landscape

• Over 200 Indian delegates forge stronger bilateral tourism ties; new partnerships and initiatives launched to boost travel exchange

New Delhi, 22nd July 2025: Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) has successfully concluded its 6th Annual Convention in Moscow, Russia. The four-day convention, held from July 10-13, 2025, witnessed the presence of over 200 Indian delegates networking and exchanging ideas on strengthening bilateral tourism ties. The convention was hosted at The Carlton Hotel, Moscow, on 10th and 11th July, followed by a city tour on 12th July, in partnership with the Moscow City Tourism Committee. It presented industry leaders with the opportunity to discuss current issues and map out the future path to elevate India-Russia tourism collaboration to new levels. The theme of the Convention this year centered on “Fast Forward Future – The Intelligent Travel”.The event included strategic business sessions covering: 

Opening ceremony with remarks from OTOAI leadership, President Mr. Himanshu Patil, Vice President and Convention Co-Chairman Mr. Shravan Bhalla, and Mr. Evgeniy Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, Chairman of Moscow City Tourism Committee. 

Panel discussion on “Connected Travel: Building Speed, Safety & Scale for the Intelligent Traveller”, moderated by Mr. SanJeet and featuring panellists Mr. Ankush Nijhawan, Mrs. Anastasia Papova,  Mr. Dev Karvat, Mr. Irshad Dadan, Mr. Sharad Gowani, and Mr. Rahim Aslam.

• Presentations by Moscow City Tourism Committee, VFS, Asego, and DMC Bazaar
• Keynote speakers - Dr. Prashant Pansare and Mr. Deven Parulekar.
• MOU signing between VFS Global and OTOAI
• Networking sessions with suppliers, hoteliers, and DMCs from Russia, extensive B2B networking opportunities, and destination showcases, designed to deepen understanding of Russia's diverse tourism offerings

Inaugurating the Convention, Mr. Evgeniy Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, Chairman of Moscow City Tourism Committee, highlighted the importance of fostering people-to-people interactions between India and Moscow through tourism.

The highlight of the convention was the comprehensive destination familiarisation experiences showcasing Moscow's mesmerising beauty and culture, covering

• Red Square, GUM, VDNKh, and Zaryadye Park 
• Cultural experiences like Horse show 
• Sun of Moscow Ferris Wheel, river cruises, and panoramic walking tours 
• Historic metro stations and local culinary experiences 
• Festival of India, Bharat Utsav, on Manezhnaya Square

Following the Convention in Moscow, over 200 delegates participated in a 3-night post-convention tour to St. Petersburg, where they experienced:

• A guided walking tour of Palace Square
• A picturesque river and canal cruise
• Exclusive early access to The Hermitage Palace
• Networking cocktails and cultural evenings
• Rich cultural immersion in the city’s key landmarks

The convention delivered substantial business results, including

• Over 1750+ B2B meetings conducted
• 20+ partnerships established between Indian and Russian travel stakeholders
• Multiple destination-specific tour packages developed
• Concrete volume commitments by Indian operators for winter 2025 and 2026 travel seasons

During this event, OTOAI signed an MOU with VFS Global and began structured dialogues with the Moscow City Tourism Committee and other Russian travel partners, laying the foundation in a bid to strengthen long-term cooperation between the two nations, creating a structured framework for future collaborations.

Commenting on the successful conclusion of the event, Himanshu Patil, President, OTOAI, said, “The tremendous response received from our delegates and the concrete partnerships forged during the past few days validate our belief that Moscow represents the next frontier for Indian outbound tourism. Its extraordinary hospitality, combined with rich cultural tapestry and world-class infrastructure, has convinced our members that this destination offers unparalleled opportunities for the discerning Indian traveller. Our delegates' immersive experiences - from Moscow's architectural marvels to St. Petersburg's White Nights - have equipped them with firsthand knowledge to curate authentic and unforgettable experiences for Indian tourists.” With growing interest from Indian travellers, better air connectivity, and simplified visa processes, Moscow is well-positioned to become a preferred destination. The convention has laid a strong foundation to boost two-way tourism and strengthen Indo-Russian travel partnerships.

Adding further to this, Shravan Bhalla, Convention Chairman, OTOAI, said, “The convention has delivered exactly what we had hoped for - a practical roadmap to unlock Moscow’s potential for Indian outbound tourism. Our key takeaway is the collaborative spirit demonstrated by our counterparts in addressing operational challenges and market-specific requirements. The sessions also brought to light some of the most pressing trends shaping the future of global travel, such as the rise of intelligent travel powered by AI and personalisation, the increasing demand for experiential and immersive tourism, and the need for robust travel insurance and safety protocols. Moreover, discussions around multi-destination itineraries, digital visa facilitation, and sustainable travel practices sparked significant interest among delegates, indicating a strong appetite for innovation and adaptability within the Indian travel industry. 

Addressing the media, Anastasia Popova, Head of Business Tourism Development Department of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, said, “OTOAI's 6th Convention has surpassed all expectations and showcased 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. Current Moscow–India direct air connectivity through Aeroflot airline has further enhanced accessibility for Indian tourists”.

The convention's success was supported by key stakeholders, including the Moscow City Tourism Committee, VFS Global, Asego, and DMC Bazaar, along with multiple Russian and Indian tourism suppliers and the Indian travel media. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for India-Russia tourism ties, establishing a robust foundation for sustained growth in bilateral travel exchanges. With over 200 industry professionals equipped with comprehensive market knowledge, OTOAI is well-positioned to drive significant growth in Indian outbound travel to Moscow.

About OTOAI:

Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) is the premier association representing the outbound tourism sector in India. Established with the vision of advocating the interests of tour operators engaged in promoting international destinations to Indian travellers, OTOAI plays a pivotal role in facilitating business development, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities for its members. Through its conventions, educational programs, and advocacy initiatives, OTOAI continues to contribute significantly to the growth and professionalisation of India's outbound tourism industry. For more about OTOAI, please visit: http://www.otoai.org/

About Moscow City Tourism Committee:

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is creating a sustainable brand of the capital city as an important tourist destination both within Russia and also internationally. The countries and regions accounting for the largest number of visitors to Moscow are China, India, the CIS countries and the Middle East. To strengthen international ties, the Russian capital organizes business missions, presents its tourism potential at industry exhibitions, and creates projects and events aimed, among other audiences, at foreign tourists.