Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) in partnership with the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), is organising a mega familiarisation (FAM) trip for its members. Taking place from June 30 to July 06, 2024, this initiative is dedicated to highlighting the myriad attractions of Türkiye to Indian travel agents. A total of 40 OTOAI members from across India will be participating in this exciting endeavour, representing diverse regions and tourism interests.
OTOAI, a travel association in India, represents outbound tour operators and travel agents committed to promoting international travel from India. This collaboration with TGA reflects a shared commitment to nurturing tourism partnerships and facilitating meaningful exchanges within the travel industry, further strengthening ties between India and Türkiye.
The upcoming familiarisation trip will offer OTOAI members an immersive journey through Türkiye’s iconic destinations, ensuring an unforgettable experience rich in cultural exploration and scenic marvels. Covering the enchanting cities of İstanbul, Antalya, and İzmir with specific visits to Pamukkale and Kuşadası, participants will explore the diverse array of attractions that Türkiye has to offer, ranging from ancient ruins to breathtaking natural wonders. Each stop on the itinerary is meticulously curated to highlight Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, and renowned hospitality, providing OTOAI members with a comprehensive understanding of the country’s tourism offerings.
In addition to sightseeing excursions, the trip will also include strategic B2B meetings scheduled in İstanbul, where Turkish tourism sector representatives and Indian travel agents will convene to foster meaningful discussions and forge valuable partnerships. These meetings are expected to serve as a pivotal platform for collaboration, allowing industry professionals to explore innovative avenues for enhancing tourism between India and Türkiye. By facilitating dialogue and exchange, the aim is to strengthen bilateral ties and promote sustainable growth in the tourism sector, which both nations can benefit from.
Speaking about the collaboration, İsmail Bütün, General Manager, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) said, “India has emerged as a pivotal market for the Turkish tourism sector witnessing a consistent surge in Indian tourists annually. Our partnership with OTOAI propels us to further connect with and cater to discerning Indian travellers, fostering deeper cultural exchanges and enriching experiences. This endeavour will foster enduring partnerships within the Indian travel trade fraternity, enabling them to gain firsthand experience of everything Türkiye offers as a destination.”
Commenting on this exciting partnership with Türkiye Tourism, Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI said, “OTOAI is delighted to collaborate with TGA for this exciting initiative. As India’s leading outbound tour operators association, we are committed to promoting international travel and fostering collaborations that benefit our members and the global tourism industry at large. This familiarisation trip will provide our members with valuable insights into Türkiye’s tourism offerings and facilitate networking opportunities with key stakeholders in the Turkish tourism sector.”
With a steadfast commitment to safety, convenient direct flights, and a plethora of cultural and natural wonders, Türkiye has firmly established itself as a premier destination for MICE, weddings, and holidays among Indian travellers. In the year 2023, Türkiye hosted approximately 275,000 Indian tourists, and we anticipate a further increase in this figure for the year 2024.
