The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is organizing its 39th Annual Convention in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) from August 30 to September 2, 2024. The event is expected to draw around 900 to 1000 delegates from across the country. The IATO team, led by President Rajiv Mehra, Vice President Ravi Gosain, and Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chairman of the IATO Madhya Pradesh Chapter, recently met with Dr. Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh to extend an official invitation to inaugurate the convention. Dr. Yadav has confirmed his participation and expressed his support for the upcoming event.
Accompanied by Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, the delegation also discussed the final arrangements and the schedule of the convention. The support from the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is poised to make this year’s convention a grand success.
The IATO conventions, known for their dynamic and comprehensive approach to promoting tourism in India, have historically led to a significant increase in tourist arrivals, with previous host states witnessing a 30-35% rise in both foreign and domestic visitors. “Our conventions serve as one of the best platforms for state governments to promote various tourism facets like Inbound, Domestic, MICE, Adventure, and other Niche Tourism sectors,” stated Mehra.
The Bhopal convention promises an array of activities, including business sessions, a tourism mart, a marketing innovation competition, a Run for Responsible Tourism, cultural evenings, and social functions, alongside the inaugural and valedictory sessions. These events provide an invaluable opportunity for states and tourism stakeholders to showcase their offerings to a gathering of tourism professionals and senior bureaucrats from throughout India.
“Like every year, we expect participation from about 20 state tourism departments, reinforcing the national collaboration in enhancing India’s tourism landscape,” added Ravi Gosain, Vice President of IATO.
The convention not only aims to discuss the future of tourism in India but also offers a platform for networking and collaborative opportunities among tourism professionals.
