The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) held its 39th Annual Convention from August 30 to September 2, 2024, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh with the theme “Resurgent India Inbound”, the event aimed to drive the revival of India’s inbound tourism sector. Rajiv Mehra, President of IATO, shared these insights in an exclusive interview with *Negohtel Bulletin* Managing Editor, Rajesh Ghansiyal.
Mr. Mehra emphasized the meticulous planning and teamwork that went into organizing the convention. He credited Ravi Gosain, Vice President of IATO and Convention Chairman, along with Sunil Mishra, Honorary Treasurer of IATO, and Mahendra Singh, Chairman of the IATO Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh Chapter, for their leadership in executing the event. According to Mr. Mehra, their collaborative efforts, along with the contributions of the entire IATO team, were instrumental in ensuring the convention’s professional organization and success. He noted that without the dedication of all involved, such a grand event would not have been possible.The event took place at the luxurious Taj Lakefront hotel and attracted approximately 900-1000 delegates from across the country, including senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, state representatives, industry leaders, tourism professionals, and members of the travel trade media.
Inauguration and Dignitaries in Attendance
“The convention was inaugurated by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture & Tourism, Government of India ,the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh shri Mohan Yadav, on August 30, 2024.”
The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a lamp-lighting ceremony, signaling the start of three days filled with networking, business sessions, and cultural showcases. Prominent dignitaries present at the inaugural function included; Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State for Culture & Tourism, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh; Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS – Principal Secretary of Tourism, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh; and Rajiv Mehra, President of IATO.
Convention Highlights: A Focus on India’s Tourism Future
Shri Rajiv Mehra, President of IATO, set the tone for the convention by emphasizing the collective effort to boost inbound tourism. He expressed his satisfaction with the massive participation and thanked his team, particularly Ravi Gosain, Vice President of IATO and Chairman of the convention, for their dedicated efforts in making the event a grand success.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during his address, acknowledged the incredible growth opportunities within India’s tourism sector. He outlined the government’s plans to drive a 5X increase in tourist arrivals in the next five years by creating new destinations and collaborating closely with private stakeholders. He emphasized that India’s rising middle class and their increased disposable income offer a unique opportunity to elevate domestic tourism.
A key feature of the convention was its business sessions, where experts from across the tourism and hospitality sectors deliberated on various pressing issues. Topics included responsible tourism, sustainability, spiritual tourism, and the promotion of India as a global tourism hub. The session discussions were vital in setting the agenda for the future of inbound tourism and addressing the challenges the industry faces.Rajiv Mehra also voiced concerns about the discontinuation of the MDA (Marketing Development Assistance) scheme for the past four years and the need for increased overseas promotion to bolster India’s presence in international travel marts.
Showcasing Madhya Pradesh: Post-Convention Tours
One of the standout elements of this year’s convention was the series of post-convention tours organized across various regions in Madhya Pradesh. These tours were designed to showcase the state’s rich cultural and natural offerings, encouraging tourism stakeholders to include these destinations in future itineraries for both domestic and international tourists.
Madhya Pradesh’s tourism potential was also highlighted by Shri CM Mohan Yadav, who called the state the “heartland of India” and emphasized its ability to attract global visitors. The state’s involvement was robust, with several tourism boards from across the country participating in the convention to further enhance inter-state tourism cooperation.
Awards and Recognition
The convention also saw the presentation of several prestigious awards. The Hall of Fame Award was posthumously awarded to the late M. L. Razdan of Razdan Holidays, with his daughter-in-law Anita Razdan accepting the honor on his behalf. Additionally, Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO of IHCL, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the tourism industry with a Hall of Fame award.
IATO Run for Responsible Tourism and Closing Event
On September 1, 2024, the delegates participated in the IATO Run for Responsible Tourism, a 5-kilometer marathon aimed at promoting responsible tourism practices and city tourism. This initiative encouraged sustainable tourism and environmental consciousness within the industry.
These events added a vibrant and festive element to the convention, reinforcing the hospitality and cultural richness of Madhya Pradesh.
Looking Ahead: The Vision for “Resurgent India Inbound
“The theme of the convention, “Resurgent India Inbound,” encapsulates the collective aspiration of the tourism industry to surpass pre-COVID figures and position India as a top global destination.”
Ravi Gosain, Vice President of IATO, emphasized that the theme is not just a slogan but a comprehensive vision for India’s future on the world stage. He expressed optimism about the industry’s growth potential, driven by responsible tourism, sustainability, and the development of new tourism avenues across the country.
With over 50 national and international media houses covering the event, the 39th IATO Annual Convention has laid a strong foundation for the future of Indian tourism. The insights shared and the discussions held during the convention promise to propel the industry toward new heights, ensuring that “Incredible India” continues to attract visitors from across the globe.
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