The Indian travel and tourism industry has lost one of its most respected and visionary leaders with the passing of Om Prakash Sahgal, Founder and Director of InOrbit Tours Pvt. Ltd.
A pioneering figure in the realm of outbound and MICE tourism, particularly to the United States, Om Prakash played a vital role in shaping India’s global travel outlook over the past four decades.
Under his leadership, InOrbit Tours emerged as one of the first Indian companies to recognise and tap into the potential of outbound MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel. At a time when corporate travel was still a niche concept in India, Om Prakash worked tirelessly to educate businesses about the power of incentive travel as a motivational and productivity-enhancing tool. He was instrumental in organising and leading numerous large-scale corporate groups to international destinations — with the USA being one of the most prominent.
His deep engagement with the US travel market positioned him as a key promoter of the United States as a preferred destination for both leisure and MICE travellers from India.
Through InOrbit Tours, he facilitated countless corporate tours, exhibitions, and business delegations to leading American cities such as New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. He fostered strong relationships with various U.S. tourism boards, DMCs, convention bureaus, and airlines — many of whom saw him as a trusted partner and brand ambassador for Indian outbound travel.
Beyond operations, Om Prakash took an active role in advocating for policies and infrastructure that would benefit Indian outbound travel, frequently participating in trade forums, seminars, and international roadshows. He was widely sought after for his insights on market trends and destination development, and he regularly represented India at global travel exhibitions including IPW USA, IMEX America, and WTM London.
A mentor to many, he was known for his ethical business practices, deep knowledge of global destinations, and his unwavering passion for building bridges between India and the world. His contributions were not limited to business; he also helped many international partners understand the cultural nuances of Indian travel preferences, helping them tailor their offerings accordingly.
Shri Om Prakash leaves behind a formidable legacy — not just through InOrbit Tours, but in the many professionals he guided and inspired. He is survived by his family, who continue to be an integral part of the company and the travel trade.
The Indian travel community deeply mourns his loss and extends heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. His presence will be missed, but his impact on the industry will remain for generations to come.
