The 39th Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), held from August 30th to September 2nd, 2024, at the opulent Taj Lakefront, Bhopal, showcased a vibrant tapestry of India’s tourism sector. This year’s theme, Resurgent India Inbound, set the tone for a series of insightful discussions, strategic sessions, and cultural celebrations, emphasizing the revival and reimagining of inbound tourism in India.
Day 1: August 30, 2024 – A Grand Opening
The convention kicked off with a smooth registration process and an engaging "IATO Run for Responsible Tourism," promoting sustainable practices in the tourism industry. Delegates began arriving at the Taj Lakefront, greeted with tea and coffee hosted by ABH Andaman.
The inaugural evening was a blend of formality and festivity. Delegates gathered in the convention hall, where a vibrant cultural program set the stage for the official proceedings. The ceremony commenced with the arrival of dignitaries including Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon'ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, and Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
Shri Ravi Gosain, Vice President of IATO, and Shri Rajiv Mehra, President of IATO, delivered stirring addresses, emphasizing the convention’s goals and the importance of collaborative efforts in revitalizing tourism. Notably, Mr. Nakul Anand, former Executive Director of ITC Limited, provided a keynote address on strategic tourism development.
The evening also saw the release of the IATO Manual 2024-2025 and the IATO Film, followed by the presentation of the IATO Hall of Fame Awards. A ceremonial unveiling of mementoes by Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and an engaging dinner hosted by Dr. Mohan Yadav capped off the day.
Day 2: August 31, 2024 – Strategic Insights and Networking
The second day began early with delegates assembling for a day packed with strategic discussions and networking opportunities. The opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Rajnish Kaistha, Sr. Vice President of IATO, setting a professional tone for the day’s sessions.
The first major session, “Resurgent India Inbound – Strategy to Reposition India amid Challenging Business Environment,” was moderated by Mr. Arvind Singh, IAS (Retd), and featured insights from key figures such as Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS, and Ms. Mugdha Sinha, IAS. The session addressed the pressing challenges and strategies for enhancing India’s inbound tourism sector.
A special session on Madhya Pradesh provided a detailed overview of the state’s tourism potential, moderated by Mr. Rahul Chakravarty. Following this, the convention featured several state presentations and business sessions, including “Chasing Hotels for Inbound Tourism,” “Discovering the Undiscovered,” and “Last Mile Connectivity.”
State presentations from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan highlighted regional tourism advancements, while various business sessions explored topics like lesser-known destinations and connectivity issues.
The day concluded with a vibrant karaoke competition, with dinner hosted by IATO, offering delegates a chance to unwind and network informally.
Day 3: September 1, 2024 – Innovation and Future Outlook
The final day of the convention began with the “IATO Run for Responsible Tourism,” emphasizing the commitment to sustainable tourism practices. The morning sessions delved into critical topics, including “Synergy in Tourism and Hospitality Industry,” moderated by Mr. Nakul Anand, and “Future of AI in Inbound Tourism,” with a presentation by Mr. Sai Santhosh of TravStack.
State presentations from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Odisha showcased the diverse tourism offerings and strategic initiatives across India. Noteworthy sessions included discussions on legal challenges for women empowerment in tourism and the potential of AI to transform inbound tourism.
The valedictory session, featuring addresses from Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla and Mr. Suman Billa, IAS, provided a reflective overview of the convention’s impact and the path forward for Indian tourism.
The convention closed on a high note with a stand-up comedy performance by Ms. Sugandha Mishra, followed by the awards presentation ceremony, celebrating the achievements within the tourism sector.
Evening entertainment and dinner, hosted by Vistara and IATO, provided a fitting conclusion to a successful convention, leaving delegates inspired and invigorated for the future of Indian tourism.
Overall, the 39th IATO Annual Convention 2024 was a resounding success, marked by rich dialogues, strategic insights, and vibrant cultural exchanges. It underscored the collective vision for a resilient and thriving inbound tourism sector in India.