The fourth OTOAI Convention to concentrate on ‘Digitalisation – The Way Forward’

New Delhi: The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) is all set to organise its fourth Annual Convention in the beautiful city of Cape Town in South Africa from August 11-14, 2018. ‘Digitalisation – The Way Forward’ has been opted as the theme of the convention.

While formally announcing the convention dates in New Delhi, Mahendra Vakharia, President, OTOAI said: “We are very excited to explore the beautiful destinations and hotels of South Africa to have a firsthand experience.”

“Through our convention, we are endevouring to bring value on the table for our members, country and the host destination. The three conventions that OTOAI has conducted so far had excellent feedback not only from the members but from the tourism boards as well,” he added.

According to the figures given by him, the host countries of past conventions, Manila – Philippines, Bali – Indonesia and Ras al-Khaimah – UAE has achieved a growth of 28%, 65% and 27% respectively after OTOAI convention.

The Vice President & Chairman Convention Himanshu Patil said that during the convention there would be an in-depth discussion on ‘Digitalisation – The Way Forward’. While elaborating on the theme opted for the convention, he further said that the digital tools are playing an important role in enhancement of business today. While the big travel companies are adopting various digital and technical methods, the small travel agents are still in manual mode.

“We wish that all our members must explore this beautiful destination and participate in a large number,” added Patil. He is expecting 200+ delegates to participate at the upcoming convention.

Alpa Jani, Manager-Trade Relations, South African Tourism said: “Those OTOAI members who have successfully completed the South Africa Specialist programme will be participating at the convention. We are all set to extend the support required to make this convention a great success.”

According to her, this is the best time to visit South Africa as July 2018 marks the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela, which has a yearlong plan to celebrate in all across the country.

Commenting on the importance of the convention Bunny Bhoola, Director, African Link Travel said: “The convention will give an opportunity to develop partnership with local suppliers because there is an exhibition component that is going to be added to the convention.”

“South Africa has been well known for Cricket, because between India and South Africa it has been so strong. However, the underline aspect is, economies of both of the countries needs to grow, and it’s going to be happen through partnerships in tourism that can gain benefits to all the people,” she added.

According to Guldeep Singh Sahni, Immediate Past President, OTOAI, there are so many things that the convention is bringing for the tour operators to know. “As you know the whole world is looking for Indian travellers; most of the countries we have not heard of are opening their offices in India. So, we are going to educate our members, how being a tour operator we can support the culture and social norms of a particular country by creating awareness among our travellers.”

There would be a three day pre & post FAM trips for the delegates which will be organised from 8-11 and 14-17 August. The trip includes Garden Route, Sun City, Kruger National Park and Johannesburg to have a firsthand experience.

Emirates and Ethiopian are expected to be the partner airlines for the convention. The cost of the registration for members will be INR 77,000 ex-Delhi and INR 69,000 ex-Mumbai.