IATO to hold 39th Annual Convention in Bhopal
IATO held a press conference ahead of the 39th IATO Annual Convention New Delhi
The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has announced the detailed agenda and various initiatives that would be launched during the 39th IATO Annual Convention, which will be held in Bhopal in August.
At a press conference held in New Delhi, key figures of IATO, including President Rajiv Mehra, Vice President Ravi Gosain and Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Chapter, Mahendra Pratap Singh briefed the media about the convention and its content.
The press conference was also addressed by senior representatives of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, led by Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary (Tourism) and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. Also at the conference was Additional Managing Director Bidisha Mukherjee.
Sheo Shekhar Shukla
The press conference primarily focused on promoting Madhya Pradesh’s tourism potential and its commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Highlighting the state’s efforts to enhance its appeal as a premier destination, the delegation of MP Tourism as well as IATO leaders emphasised the importance of community involvement and environmental responsibility in tourism development.
“To enhance our tourism industry, we are actively engaging with embassies worldwide, hosting webinars, workshops and roadshows, and participating in international exhibitions. We aim to position Madhya Pradesh as a premier destination, especially in the post-Covid era, by reaching out to global media and the international travel community. Our initiatives are designed to align with the evolving preferences of international travellers and showcase the state’s unique offerings effectively,” Shukla of MP Tourism tells Media India Group on the occasion.
“We are committed to responsible tourism by closely collaborating with local communities to ensure that the benefits of tourism are widely shared. While aiming to increase tourist footfall, we remain vigilant about minimising carbon footprints. Our strategy involves decentralising tourism, developing serene and less crowded destinations, and venturing into the hinterlands. This approach not only enhances the tourism experience but also ensures that local communities benefit from our growth,” Shukla adds.
Ravi Gosain
During the press conference, the significance of the convention theme Resurgent India Inbound, was also discussed. “The theme reflects the dynamic growth and renewed focus on India’s inbound tourism sector. It aims to showcase India’s evolving tourism landscape and the emerging opportunities within it,” says Ravi Gosain of IATO, who is also Convention Chairman.
“The convention’s focus will be on spiritual and heritage tourism, the IATO Annual Convention is poised to be a significant event for tourism professionals eager to explore new opportunities and uncover the hidden gems of Madhya Pradesh,” he adds.
The convention is expected to attract about 1,000 delegates from across the country. To familiarise the delegates and to showcase the jewels of tourism and culture in Madhya Pradesh, as many as 10 familiarisation (FAM) tours would be held after the convention.
The organisers say that these tours will offer travel agents and tour operators a first-hand experience of Madhya Pradesh’s diverse attractions, including its heritage walks and the IATO Run for Responsible Tourism, designed to spotlight offbeat destinations around Bhopal
Shukla emphasises Madhya Pradesh’s rising status as a prime tourism destination, citing a remarkable increase in tourist numbers from 34.1 million in 2022 to 112.1 million in 2023. “The state is gaining recognition for its deep spiritual and religious tourism experiences, making it an ideal location for discovering new tour itineraries and exploring its hidden gems,” says Shukla.
