IATO is all set to organise its 41st Annual Convention in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (Photo: Incredible India)
With the theme India: The World’s Next Tourism Opportunity, the 41st Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) will be held from September 10-13, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, bringing together delegates from across the country’s travel and tourism industry.
Ravi Gosain
In a press statement, IATO says that Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, announced that Sunil Mishra, Secretary, will serve as the Chairman of the Convention, while Deepak Kumarr Bhatnagar, Treasurer, will be the Co-Chairman. Vijay Mohan, Co-Chairman, IATO Andhra Pradesh, will coordinate the event.
It adds that the association is also looking forward to the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and expects the presence of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism & Culture, Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary (Tourism) and Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General (Tourism), during the inaugural function and business sessions.
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The statement adds that the convention is being organised with the full support of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture & Cinematography, Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary (Tourism & Culture), and Amrapali Kata, CEO, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, have extended their full cooperation to ensure the success of the event.
“The association is targetting nearly 1,000 delegates from across India. Curated post-convention tours will be organised to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s diverse tourism offerings, enabling stakeholders to promote the destination in domestic and international markets. The convention will also feature IATO’s Got Talent, a karaoke singing competition,” says Sanjay Razdan, Vice President, IATO.
Deepak Kumarr Bhatnagar
According to the Mishra, the three-day event will feature high-powered business sessions with industry leaders, policymakers and experts discussing key issues shaping the future of tourism. The programme will also include the IATO Run for Responsible Tourism, recognition awards across multiple categories and evening entertainment.
“The Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart) will be held on September 11 and 12 at the convention venue. The fair will provide a platform for IATO members, State Tourism Boards and other industry stakeholders to interact, build partnerships and promote tourism growth,” says Bhatnagar.
