April 15, 2025 | Press Release

In a significant move to strengthen bilateral tourism ties, the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) has announced Moscow as the host city for its much-anticipated 6th annual convention. The announcement was made at a high-profile industry event held at Le Meridien, New Delhi, on April 15, bringing together key stakeholders from India’s outbound tourism sector and senior representatives from the Moscow City Tourism Committee.

The event saw participation from around 50 tourism professionals, including OTOAI executive committee members, prominent Indian media representatives, and a delegation from Moscow led by Anastasia Popova, Head of the Business Tourism Development Department. The gathering marked not just a convention announcement, but a deeper intent to foster long-term tourism collaboration between the two countries.

Moscow took center stage during the presentations, with immersive insights into the city’s architectural grandeur, cultural heritage, and top-tier hospitality infrastructure. From iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin and Red Square to curated cultural experiences tailored for Indian travellers, the Russian capital made a compelling case as a premier destination for both leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel.

Himanshu Patil, President of OTOAI, expressed the association’s vision, stating, “This convention represents a pivotal moment in India-Russia tourism relations. Moscow stands out as a perfect blend of historical grandeur and contemporary sophistication – precisely what Indian travellers are seeking today. As global travel patterns evolve, our partnership with the Moscow City Tourism Committee will enable Indian tourists to explore beyond the traditional destinations.”

Adding weight to this new chapter in tourism diplomacy, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between OTOAI and the Moscow City Tourism Committee during the event. The MoU, signed by Anastasia Popova and Shravan Bhalla, Convention Chairman, OTOAI, underlined the commitment to fostering stronger tourism exchanges and collaborative promotional initiatives.

Shravan Bhalla, who will helm the convention as its chairman, shared an overview of the event’s structure, agenda, and highlights. Supporting him in this role will be Monia Kapoor, named Co-Chairman for the upcoming convention. The event is scheduled to take place in Moscow from July 10 to 13, 2025, and is expected to welcome around 180 Indian delegates including tour operators, travel agents, and tourism professionals.

“This is not just a convention—it’s an opportunity to reimagine India-Russia tourism partnerships,” said Bhalla, adding that the event will offer immersive B2B networking, destination showcases, and cultural immersions that go beyond conventional travel trade interactions.

Anastasia Popova echoed the excitement from the Russian side. “Hosting the convention in Moscow is testimony to the expanding ties between our nations. Business travellers here enjoy modern infrastructure and exceptional comfort, while leisure and MICE visitors will find a rich blend of safety, culture, and unique experiences.”

The convention will be followed by a post-event tour to St. Petersburg from July 13 to 16, allowing delegates to experience the enchanting White Nights of summer. With its historic cathedrals, imperial palaces, and elegant canals bathed in golden twilight, St. Petersburg offers a poetic end to what promises to be a landmark event in the outbound tourism calendar.

As India’s travel industry seeks fresh horizons beyond conventional destinations, this convention in Moscow could very well mark the beginning of a vibrant new tourism corridor between the two nations.