By Mewati Sitaram
Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) partnering with Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) is organising a mega familiarisation (FAM) trip for its members from from June 30 to July 06, 2024. A total of 40 OTOAI members will participate in exciting endeavours, representing diverse regions and tourism interests. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to nurturing tourism partnerships and facilitating meaningful exchanges within the travel industry and further strengthening ties between India and Türkiye.
The fam tour will offer members a journey through Türkiye’s iconic destinations like cities of İstanbul, Antalya and İzmir with specific visits to Pamukkale and Kuşadası. The itinerary is meticulously curated to highlight Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, and renowned hospitality, providing a comprehensive understanding of the country’s tourism offerings. The trip also includes strategic B2B meetings in İstanbul for collaboration and allows participants to explore innovative avenues. The aim is to strengthen bilateral ties and promote sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
İsmail Bütün, General Manager, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) speaking about the collaboration, 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.”
Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI, commenting on this exciting partnership with Türkiye Tourism, 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.”
In the year 2023, Türkiye hosted approximately 275,000 Indian tourists and anticipated further increase in this figure for the year 2024. It is worth mentioning that Türkiye has firmly established and commanded itself as a premier destination for MICE, weddings, and holidays among Indian travellers. With all around growth, Turkiye has a steadfast commitment to safety, convenient direct flights, and a plethora of cultural and natural wonders.