H.E.
Amraram Gurjar, H.E. Leonard Mengezi, reps from India–Commonwealth &
India–Africa councils, Asif (IETO), Prakash Soni (INDIA–SADC), Dr P B Boss
(Chairman Osaka Group of Companies).
In a historic moment for India’s
expanding global tourism presence, Dr. P. B. Boss, Chairman of the Osaka Group,
has officially taken charge as the Honorary Tourism Commissioner ‒ India to the
European Union, under the auspices of the India‒EU Trade Council. This
appointment reflects India’s growing influence in shaping international tourism
strategies and digital transformation.
The Appointment Ceremony
The appointment ceremony, held in
New Delhi, was marked by the presence of distinguished international
dignitaries and government representatives. The event was graced by H.E. Mr.
Amraram Gurjar, IFS, Former Deputy Ambassador of India to Italy and Incoming
High Commissioner of India to Malawi; H.E. Mr. Leonard Mengezi, High
Commissioner of Malawi to India; representatives from the India Commonwealth
Council and the India‒Africa Trade Council; Mr. Asif, President of the India
Economic Trade Organization (IETO); and Mr. Prakash Soni, Chairman of INDIA‒SADC.
A Symbol of India’s Expanding
Tourism Influence
In his remarks, Dr. Boss expressed
deep gratitude for the appointment, stating: “This prestigious role is not just
a personal milestone, but a bridge of friendship and opportunity between India,
Europe, and the world ̶ fostering cultural exchange, tourism innovation, and
global collaboration.”
The Osaka Legacy ‒ Three Decades
of Excellence
With over 32 years of experience
in travel and tourism, Dr. Boss has transformed Osaka Group into one of Asia’s
most respected conglomerates. The Group’s presence spans multiple verticals
including travel, tourism, education, real estate, and global digital
platforms. At the heart of this journey lies OsakaConnect.com, the world’s
first travel hypermarket and super app. With 18 offices across India and 9
offices worldwide, OsakaConnect.com is set to revolutionize the way travel is
booked, marketed, and experienced empowering both travelers and tourism
enterprises.
Vision: From Offline to Online ‒ A
Global Tourism Transformation
The Fourth Industrial Revolution
is reshaping industries at unprecedented speed, and tourism cannot remain an
exception. Every sector is being transformed by technology, and in the same
way, Osaka Group is committed to bringing every area of travel from offline to
online. At the same time, the post-Corona period has dramatically shifted human
behavior. Travel has become a renewed cultural need, with people eager to
explore not just globally but also across every corner of their own country. An
online platform accelerates this culture, opening opportunities for nations to
showcase their full tourism potential from local treasures to international
attractions.
Three Levels of Transformation
1. Micro Level (National
Impact): Streamline unorganized travel sectors into an organized,
revenue-driven model. Digitize government and public travel systems for
efficiency and transparency.
Onboard each country’s tourism
products and services into one structured online system.
2. Macro Level (Global
Reach): Enable countries to showcase and market their tourism offerings
globally through a unified digital platform. Build stronger bilateral and
multilateral tourism collaborations between India, the EU, and beyond.
3. Global Ecosystem Level:
Create a world tourism ecosystem where every country transitions from offline
to online. Integrate global alliances in travel and tourism, powered by
cutting-edge technology. Ensure every nation becomes part of a connected, digital-first
tourism future.
Responsibilities as Honorary
Tourism Commissioner
In this prestigious role, Dr. Boss
will not only build the India‒EU bridge for tourism but also work on:
Accelerating digital adoption in tourism worldwide; Encouraging post-Corona
travel culture, connecting people to cross-border and domestic opportunities;
Engaging with diplomats, ministries, and trade councils to ensure cultural
exchange, ease of travel, and global partnerships; Promoting sustainable,
inclusive, and technology-driven growth for tourism entrepreneurs and small
businesses; Advancing India’s global presence while supporting the
international community in moving towards a fully online ecosystem.
“Tourism is not just about
destinations it is about creating a connected world. In this Fourth Industrial
Revolution, every sector is transforming, and tourism must lead from offline to
online. Through the India‒EU bridge, we will help nations move from fragmented
to unified, from local to global. Together, we can build the world’s first
truly universal travel ecosystem.” ‒ Dr. P. B. Boss
