At a press meet in Delhi, the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) announced its upcoming Convention that will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from November 24-27, 2023. This will be the first time a tourism industry convention is being held in Kenya. Sarova Hotels will be the official hotel partner, with most events taking place at the historic Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi.
The association is expecting the participation of around 200 delegates during the convention. An MoU was also signed between OTOAI and Sarova Hotels to seal the contract for the upcoming OTOAI Convention in Kenya.
The association said special airfares have been negotiated with partner airlines for the convention – Kenya Airways and Air India. OTOAI has curated separate convention packages for its active members in Mumbai and Delhi starting from INR 79,999 + GST and INR 82, 999 + GST respectively. The package includes the three-night convention as well as the option to have pre-and post-fam trips to Nakuru, Mara and Shaba to experience Kenya’s wildlife and tourism offerings.
Sharing details about the convention, which is taking after a long- break, Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI said that they are confident that OTOAI members will have the experience of a lifetime and they will further promote Kenya to Indian travellers.
“This is a much-awaited Convention as it is taking place after a gap of three years and that too in a destination like Kenya, which is still undiscovered by many in India. Sarova Hotels &; Resorts, a leading hotel group headquartered in Kenya, is our official hotel partner for the convention. One Above, with its multiple offices across India and abroad, are going to be our ground handlers in Kenya during the convention. I am confident that this is going to be a great Convention and I invite you all to come and be a part of it.”
Shravan Bhalla, Vice President, OTOAI and Chairman for the convention, informed the media that registration for the members will open on September 27. “Attendees will need to ensure they have received the yellow fever vaccination at least 15 days before travel. Polio vaccination may also be required to enter Kenya,” he said.
IATO said it will soon announce the venue for the next year’s 39th IATO Annual Convention for which a destination is being finalised. IATO President Rajiv Mehra said that a proposal was submitted to the Odisha Government for organising the annual convention and the same has now been accepted. This will be IATO’s third convention in Odisha.
Welcoming the delegates for the OTOAI Convention in Kenya, Mita Vohra, Director, Sarova Hotels and Resorts said Kenya offers incredible natural beauty and warm hospitality. She expressed optimism that OTOAI will attend the convention in large numbers to experience all that Kenya has to offer in tourism. “The convention also aims to promote Kenya as a destination for Indian travellers and boost tourism between the two countries,” she added.
Travel requirements
Those travelling to Kenya will have to get a mandatory Yellow Fever Vaccination 15 days prior to travel, Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate can be avail from any approved local government center. Another mandatory requirement to travel to Kenya is to obtain Polio Drops Vaccination/Vaccination Certificate from a local physician.
Kenya offers e-visa to Indian citizens, for which they can apply by paying a fee of USD 50.
The association will reveal more details on the convention, including information on the convention theme, business sessions, speakers and more in a few days after approval from its EC. After the press meet on the convention, OTOAI held its EC meeting to discuss preparations for the convention.
