The 40th IATO Annual Convention opened on a warm and inclusive note as Ravi Gosain, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), greeted the audience in Odia language, winning instant applause and striking a chord with the people of Odisha.
In his inaugural address, Gosain expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Union Tourism & Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, and the Government of Odisha for their unwavering support in hosting the convention. He lauded the seamless efforts of the Odisha Tourism team, led by Secretary sh. Balwant Singh, IAS, in making the event a grand success.
Gosain acknowledged the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for its consistent encouragement, highlighting the presence of Additional Secretary and DG Tourism, Mr. Suman Billa, as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s global tourism position.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he noted how India is being positioned as a global hub for spiritual, cultural, and heritage tourism. “The relentless focus on heritage, culture and spiritual circuits has opened up new horizons for states and destinations across India,” he said.
Unveiling the theme “Resolute Inbound – Act 2030”, Gosain presented IATO’s roadmap to revive, redefine, and exponentially grow inbound tourism over the next five years. He emphasized sustainable tourism practices, digital transformation, diversification of source markets, and enhanced visitor experiences as the guiding principles of this roadmap.
Turning the spotlight on Odisha, Gosain praised the state’s progressive tourism policy, eco-tourism initiatives, and connectivity improvements. “Odisha has been a frontrunner in responsible tourism and policy innovations. Its vibrant heritage, spiritual trails, tribal culture, and natural wonders make it one of India’s best-kept secrets, which now deserves global recognition,” he remarked.
To showcase Odisha’s treasures, IATO has designed eight post-convention tours covering different regions of the state. Nearly 250 delegates will participate, bringing Odisha’s hidden gems to the world stage. Gosain expressed confidence that within a couple of years, these destinations will no longer remain “best kept secrets.”
He also underlined the need for stronger policy support across ministries — Finance, Culture, Civil Aviation, External Affairs, Home, and NITI Aayog — to create an enabling environment for inbound tourism.
Calling IATO a “policy advocate and growth partner” for India’s tourism industry, Gosain said:
“This convention is not just a celebration of IATO’s journey; it is a renewed roadmap for India’s inbound tourism. The strategies and collaborations born here will shape the future of Odisha tourism, Incredible India, and our place on the global tourism map.”
He concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Odisha, invoking the blessings of Lord Jagannath: “Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to revive, innovate, and lead India’s inbound tourism to a brighter, sustainable and prosperous future. Jai Jagannath, Jai Hind.”
