OTOAI signs MoU with OIFA to forge stronger tourism ties – ET TravelWorld

In a forward-looking move to bolster tourism collaboration between India and Okinawa, Japan, the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) and the Okinawa-India Friendship Association (OIFA) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) . The ceremony, held at Le Meridien in New Delhi, marked a pivotal moment in fostering cultural and travel exchanges between the two regions.

The MOU was inked by Shravan Bhalla, Vice President of OTOAI, and Moritake Tomikawa, Chairman of OIFA. The event was attended by a high-profile delegation from Okinawa, including Yoshimi Nagahama, Mayor of Onna Municipality (Okinawa Onna Village), Rumiko Miyazaki from the Onna Village Tourism Association, and Mayumi Yamashiro from Kinki Nippon Tourist Okinawa. Representing OTOAI, Siddharth Khanna, General Secretary, Monia Kapoor, Joint Secretary, and Vineet Gopal, Executive Board Member, were also present. The event was coordinated by Sanjeev Bhandari from United Travels Service International, New Delhi.

The agreement underscores a shared commitment to enhancing tourism flows between India and Okinawa. Key areas of collaboration include the exchange of tourism-related information, joint promotional campaigns, data sharing, and initiatives to address challenges that impede travel between the two destinations. This partnership aims to unlock new opportunities for travellers, tour operators, and stakeholders in both regions.

Speaking at the event, Bhalla emphasised the potential for growth in outbound tourism from India to Okinawa, highlighting the island’s unique cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and adventure tourism offerings. Tomikawa echoed these sentiments, expressing optimism about the growing interest among Indian travelers in exploring Okinawa’s rich history and natural beauty.The MOU signing is expected to pave the way for increased tourist footfall, cultural exchanges, and economic benefits for both India and Okinawa. With this strategic alliance, OTOAI and OIFA aim to create a robust framework for sustainable tourism development, fostering deeper connections between the people of India and Okinawa.

This collaboration comes at a time when both regions are actively seeking to diversify their tourism markets and strengthen international partnerships, setting the stage for a new era of bilateral tourism growth.