The 39th Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) commenced on August 30, 2024, at the Taj Lakefront in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, with a strong focus on revitalizing inbound tourism in the region. The event began with the inauguration of the India Tourism Fair by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India’s Minister of Tourism and Culture.
In his opening address, Shekhawat highlighted India’s global reputation for its rich culture and heritage, which continues to attract travellers from around the world. He emphasized the unique historical appeal of each region of India, which offers diverse and compelling experiences to international visitors. Reflecting on India’s transformation over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Shekhawat described India as a “land of opportunities” with a growing middle-class population that has enhanced the country’s domestic tourism market. He pointed out that around 25 crore Indians have risen out of poverty to join the middle class, resulting in increased disposable income and a surge in domestic tourism opportunities.
Shekhawat also noted the competitive spirit among Indian states to promote tourism, expressing optimism that the convention would serve as a platform for stakeholders to explore new strategies to attract global tourists.
Rajiv Mehra, President of IATO, expressed optimism about the convention’s impact, emphasizing its role as a catalyst for increasing international tourism to Madhya Pradesh. Mehra highlighted the long-term benefits of IATO conventions, including post-event tours to iconic destinations such as Sanchi, Udayagiri, Bhimbetka, Ujjain, and Satpura National Park. These tours are strategically designed to showcase the diverse appeal of Madhya Pradesh, from its spiritual and religious landmarks to its natural beauty and historical treasures.
With a strong track record of boosting international tourist arrivals by 20-30 percent within a year following past conventions, Madhya Pradesh is well-positioned to leverage the 2024 convention’s exposure to attract a substantial increase in inbound tourism.
The convention, which runs through September 2, is expected to draw significant attention to Madhya Pradesh’s unique offerings, enhancing its profile on the global tourism stage and contributing to its long-term growth in the travel and hospitality sector.