The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), a leading association of Indian tour operators, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Iranian Tour Operators Association (ITOA) in order to promote tourism and cultural relations between India and Iran.

According to a press statement issued by OTOAI, the MoU was signed during ITB India 2024, a leading tourism industry fair, that concluded in Mumbai recently.

The statement adds that the MoU marks a significant milestone in strengthening tourism ties between India and Iran. It says that the MoU was signed by Mostafa Shafie Shakib, Chairman, ITOA, and Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI.

The signing ceremony took place at OTOAI’s booth at ITB India and was witnessed by distinguished members of both associations, including Shravan Bhalla, Vice President of OTOAI and Monia Kapoor, Joint Secretary of OTOAI.

OTOAI says that the signing of the MoU underscored the shared commitment to fostering tourism growth, exploring new opportunities, and creating sustainable partnerships between the two nations.

The presence of Mostafa Shafie Shakib as the primary signatory from the Iranian delegation highlighted the significance of this initiative. Other leading members of the Iranian delegation were also in attendance, further reinforcing the importance of the agreement.

“We are proud to have celebrated this momentous occasion during the ITB India 2024 – Mumbai. The signing represented a crucial step forward in creating valuable synergies, promoting cultural exchange, and unlocking new tourism potential between India and Iran,’’ says OTOAI.