The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) has exciting news for travel enthusiasts and professionals alike. They have officially announced their 5th Convention, set to take place from November 24 to 27, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya. This Convention marks a significant return after a four-year hiatus since their last gathering in 2018, held in Cape Town, South Africa.
Originally, the 5th Convention was scheduled to be held in Antalya, Turkiye, from March 15 to 18, 2020. However, due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, this plan was regrettably cancelled. The Convention had been themed “Creating Travel Synergies for New Millennials.”
During the planning stages of the Turkiye Convention, OTOAI had decided to introduce “Knowledge Talks” in place of traditional business sessions. This innovative approach aimed to foster meaningful discussions among attendees while also allowing ample time for OTOAI members to engage with key industry stakeholders.
Riaz Munshi, President of OTOAI, had expressed his regret over the initial postponement then, saying, “It is unfortunate that we had to postpone the Convention, but given the prevailing circumstances, we thought it is best to do so. The decision has been taken keeping the safety of our delegates in mind, as we would never do anything that might put their health in jeopardy. I am sure that the effect and spread of Covid-19 will subside with time, and once that happens, we will re-announce the convention with a fresh set of dates.”
The convention is expected to be attended by over 900 delegates, with participation from over 25 state tourism departments. IATO announced a curtain raiser event for the convention in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly known as Aurangabad) to share details related to the convention. The theme of the convention is “Inbound Tourism and Emerging Sustainable Trends”.
Initially, the association had planned for the Convention to take place in Turkiye, with fresh dates to be announced later. However, with the Covid-19 pandemic and its continued impact for more than two years, OTOAI decided to explore new horizons and selected the captivating destination of Kenya.Kenya, renowned for its breathtaking wildlife attractions is celebrated for its abundant wildlife, culture and nature experiences. Beyond its wildlife wonders, Kenya offers an array of attractions, including authentic African cuisine, exotic cultures, stunning beaches, and remarkable cityscapes. The country also boasts a vibrant Indian diaspora, seamlessly integrated into the local culture and politics.
As anticipation builds for this long-awaited Convention, more details are eagerly awaited from the OTOAI. The 5th Convention in Kenya is expected to be a remarkable event that will undoubtedly leave attendees with unforgettable memories and valuable insights into the world of outbound travel.
More details on the Kenya Convention are awaited from OTOAI.
