The Voice of Chandigarh | Travel Trade Reporter
The 40th IATO Annual Convention is going to take place from 22nd to 25th August 2025 in Puri, Odisha. Odisha is the host state of the convention and besides the host state we expect Ministry of Tourism and Government of India and 15-18 states presence in the convention, informed Mr. Rajiv Mehra, President – Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).
Swosti Premium Beach Resort, Puri, will be the venue hotel and all the activities on all the three days i.e. registration for the convention, inaugural function, business sessions and evening programmes will be held at Swosti Premium Beach Resort. Taj Puri Resort & Spa, ITC Fortune Beachfront, Mayfair Heritage & Mayfair Waves, Sterling, Regenta Central, Empires Hotel in Puri are the partner hotels, apprised Mr. Rajiv Mehra.
The theme of the convention and other logistics are being finalized and will be informed in due course, added Mr. Rajiv Mehra.
Mr. Ravi Gosain, Vice President – IATO said that we expect about 900 -1000 delegates from all over the country to participate which will include senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the States, industry leaders, tourism and hospitality professionals, travel trade media. There are post-convention tours being organised on various sectors to showcase Odisha amongst the tourism stakeholders and later promote in overseas and domestic markets, added Mr. Ravi Gosain.
During the 3 days convention there will be deliberations on burning issues during the business sessions being finalised and we will have experts in all fields.
Besides the serious discussions during the business sessions, we will have IATO Run for Responsible Tourism and awards would be given in various categories to the winners and runners up. Also we will have evening entertainment programme on all three days and delegates will enjoy taking time off from their busy schedule. During the convention, IATO is also organizing Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart) on 23rd and 24th August at Swosti Premium Beach Resortl, venue of the convention, which will give an opportunity for our members to interact with the state tourism department and other stakeholders who are exhibiting to interact with each other and promote tourism. Also Karaoke Singing Competition will be organised during one of the evening programme.
