ASIA - The organiser of the inaugural Indian Incentive Travel and Conventions, Meetings tradeshow IT&CM India, TTG Events, has signed a partnership agreement with the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI).

The agreement sees OTOAI encouraging its members, Indian buyers, to attend the tradeshow based at the India Expo Centre and Mart, Delhi, 21–23 August 2012.

Under the terms of the partnership, TTG Events and OTOAI will share resources and expertise to raise awareness about this international event in India, as well as to enhance the quality and quantity of the domestic buyer registration. OTOAI is bringing in buyers from its member base across the country. OTOAI members account for 30 per cent of all outbound business from India.

Formed in November 2011, OTOAI is a not-for-profit organisation comprising India’s outbound tour operators and travel agents such as Abercrombie & Kent India, TUI India, Kuoni India, Kesari Tours, Pearl Travels and N Chirag Travels.

With a membership base of 2,000, and regional chapters around India, OTOAI claims it is dedicated to developing and promoting ethical and professional standards in the travel and tourism industry. “We maintain stringent criteria for active membership,” said Joint Secretary of OTOAI, Vineet Gopal. “Only organisations of a certain size and scale, and with recommendations from overseas suppliers, as well as national tourism offices can become members of OTOAI.

“In addition, active membership will be renewed every two years subject to the condition that the applicant completes 20 hours of training/attended seminars conducted by the National Tourism Boards.”

Dove Travels and Vayu Seva Tours and Travels are among the confirmed OTOAI buyers who will be at the event. They will be joining 180 Indian and international buyers at the first IT&CM India exhibition.

The Thailand-based Incentive Travel and Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) trade show is to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year.

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