39th Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO)

Vast Tourism Opportunities Await: Stakeholders Must Unite, Says Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

The Voice of Chandigarh | HC Gera | Bureau Chief

The 39th Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), held in Bhopal from August 30 to September 1, 2024, saw remarkable participation from over 1,200 stakeholders from across India, making it a landmark event for the nation’s tourism industry. The convention was inaugurated by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, who both underscored the vast potential and emerging opportunities in Indian tourism.

Inauguration Highlights

In his keynote address, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized India’s timeless allure for global travelers, citing historical travelogues as testament to its enduring appeal. He called upon tourism stakeholders to harness the country’s extensive tourism potential, aided by the government’s focus on enhancing connectivity through rail, road, and air infrastructure. “The time is ripe for us to capitalize on these opportunities,” he stated, urging collaboration within the sector to boost inbound tourism.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav further highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s unique tourism offerings, including its UNESCO World Heritage sites and rich wildlife. “Madhya Pradesh is a treasure trove of cultural, religious, and wildlife tourism,” he remarked, noting that visitors can often spot tigers near Bhopal itself. The state’s diverse tourism assets, he said, present immense opportunities to attract both domestic and international travelers.

IATO’s Commitment to Tourism Growth

IATO President Rajiv Mehra and Vice President Ravi Gosain underscored IATO’s proactive role in advancing inbound tourism, particularly in Madhya Pradesh. They affirmed that IATO would remain fully committed to promoting the state’s rich offerings, leaving “no stone unturned” to elevate its global tourism profile.

Engaging Business Sessions

The convention featured eight dynamic business sessions, each designed to foster knowledge-sharing and spark discussions on innovative strategies to drive inbound tourism. Topics included:

1. Resurgent India Inbound Strategy: Repositioning India amidst global challenges
2. Chasing Hotels for Inbound Tourism
3. Discovering Lesser-known Destinations and Sustainability
4. Last-mile Connectivity
5. Marketing and Promoting Inbound Tourism
6. Synergy in Tourism and Hospitality
7. Future of AI in Inbound Tourism
8. Legal Challenges and Women’s Empowerment

IATO President Rajiv Mehra described the sessions as critical platforms for “knowledge sharing,” benefiting all tourism stakeholders, from operators to policymakers.

Hall of Fame Awards

In recognition of their exceptional contributions to the tourism and hospitality sector, Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO of Indian Hotels Company Limited, and the late Shri M.L. Razdan of Razdan Holidays (posthumously), were honored with the prestigious Hall of Fame Award.

State Presentations: Showcasing India’s Hidden Gems

Representatives from 12 states, including Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, presented their unique tourism assets, focusing on lesser-known destinations with immense potential to attract international visitors. The presentations were a key part of the convention’s effort to spotlight India’s vast and diverse tourism landscape, with a special emphasis on unexplored regions.

Closing Session: The Future of Madhya Pradesh Tourism

At the convention’s conclusion, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla highlighted the importance of effective branding in tourism promotion, urging states to build stronger narratives around their tourism assets. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Minister Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi outlined the state’s ambitious plans, including the development of Kuno National Park, conversion of lakes into tourist destinations, and the creation of over 1,000 homestays. These initiatives, he said, are aimed at transforming the state into a premier tourism hub.

Looking Ahead: Puri, Odisha to Host the Next Convention

The convention closed on an optimistic note, with excitement building for the next IATO convention, set to take place in Puri, Odisha, a destination known for its spiritual and cultural significance.

This convention served as a pivotal platform for shaping the future of Indian tourism, fostering collaboration, innovation, and commitment to realizing India’s full tourism potential.