The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) and the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Mumbai to strengthen tourism cooperation, increase destination awareness and explore new collaboration opportunities between Israel and India’s outbound travel industry. The agreement was signed on October 16, 2026.
Himanshu Kesari Patil, President of OTOAI, signed the MoU on behalf of the association, while Galit Hoffman, Consul, Tourism Affairs, India, represented the Israel Ministry of Tourism. The agreement marks a step towards closer engagement between the two organisations and greater cooperation with India’s outbound travel trade.
According to OTOAI, this is the first time the Israel Ministry of Tourism has entered into an MoU with an Indian travel trade association. The partnership is expected to create opportunities for destination promotion, industry engagement and stronger ties between Israeli tourism stakeholders and Indian travel professionals.
The MoU signing took place alongside a tourism roadshow at The St. Regis Mumbai. The event featured a presentation on Israel’s tourism offerings and a video showcase highlighting its cultural heritage and diverse travel experiences. The programme also provided Indian outbound tour operators and tourism stakeholders with opportunities to network and explore potential business partnerships.
Under the agreement, OTOAI and IMOT aim to encourage knowledge sharing and identify initiatives to promote Israel among Indian outbound travellers. The collaboration is intended to improve destination awareness and facilitate engagement between tourism professionals, supporting the development of commercial opportunities within the outbound travel market.
Established in 2011, OTOAI represents India’s outbound travel industry and works to strengthen industry relationships, promote international destinations and facilitate collaboration between Indian travel professionals and global tourism partners. The association said the partnership reflects the importance of international tourism cooperation and its continued efforts to create opportunities for India’s outbound travel sector.