The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has announced that its 39th Annual Convention will take place from August 30 to September 2, 2024, at the Taj Lakefront in Bhopal.
The convention’s theme, “Resurgent India Inbound,” aims to rejuvenate and promote inbound tourism to India.
Rajiv Mehra, President of IATO announced that Ravi Gosain, Vice President of IATO, will chair the convention, supported by Sunil Mishra, Honorary Treasurer, and Mahendra Singh, Chairman of IATO Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh Chapter, as Co-Chairmen.
The Taj Lakefront in Bhopal will host all activities, including registration, the inaugural function, business sessions, and evening programs. Mehra shared that the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh (Dr. Mohan Yadav) has verbally confirmed his presence to inaugurate the event on August 30, 2024. The convention expects participation from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and various state tourism departments, with around 15 states anticipated to join.
Gosain mentioned that they expect 900-1000 delegates from across the country to participate at the event. This will include senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the states, industry leaders, tourism and hospitality professionals, and travel trade media. Additionally, ten post-convention tours are being organized to showcase the diverse tourism offerings of Madhya Pradesh to stakeholders and promote them in both domestic and international markets.
Mishra emphasized that the three-day convention will feature deliberations on pressing issues within the tourism sector, with experts from various fields contributing to the discussions. The convention will also include the IATO Run for Responsible Tourism on September 1, 2024, with awards given to winners and runners-up across various categories.
Evening entertainment programs will provide delegates with opportunities to unwind and network. Furthermore, IATO is organizing an Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart) on August 31 and September 1, 2024, at the Taj Lakefront. This fair will offer members the chance to interact with the state tourism department and other stakeholders, fostering collaboration and promoting tourism.