The 31st IATO annual convention 2015 takes place at The Grand Bhagwati Palace Convention Centre from 20th to 23rd August, 2015 (Madhya Pradesh) with the whole travel fraternity. The success of this convention boosts the travel industry with more enthusiasm.
Travel Industry’s largest fair, successfully, inaugurated on 20th August at The Grand Bhagwati Palace, Indore, Madhya Pradesh by Hon’ble Minister of State (IC) for Tourism and Culture and Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Govt. of India Dr. Mahesh Sharma and Hon’ble Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh Mr. Surendra Patwa, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & Culture, Govt. of Odisha Mr. Ashok Chandra Panda and host of senior officials from the central and state government Ministries. These included Commissioner Tourism and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh state tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Ashwani Lohani, and invited guests, (over 1200 delegates), 30 speakers, Industry professionals media members etc. The event proved out to be commendable mix of government decision makers and professionals meet for the tourism industry.
The event started with lighting of the lamp by Hon’ble Minister of State (IC) for Tourism & Culture and Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Govt. of India Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Shivraj Singh and host of VIP delegates and brief cultural programme showcasing the cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh.
In his welcome address, Pronab Sarkar updated on IATO’s achievements and a brief on IATO’s events in course of the Convention period. He mentioned that the Convention has a two focused approach: first Focus on all possible and complexities that evolve the tourism industry and get inputs from the experts through the business sessions and secondly focus on how shall we as a team combat these complications with the help of concerned authorities in the government and Industry and look for solutions through new age technology specially. So full efforts have been made to see that business sessions create that impetus.
In his presidential address Mr. Subhash Goyal, President IATO talked about the new initiatives of the government and specially Prime Minister’s thrust to tourism for county’s growth which is reflected through the introduction of e-tourist visa for 113 countries and 7 airports for servicing e-tourist visa arrivals. This is a real, landmark decision as visa had been a big bottleneck area for sustainable growth of the Indian tourism. He also talked about the remarkable achievements of IATO on specific areas where Ministry of Tourism, government of India assistance was immense specially for Road Shows, increased participation in global Travel & Tourism exhibitions and Revised Marketing Development Assistance scheme giving substantial incentives to members. He also talked about New Tourism Policy and how IATO could contribute valuable inputs.
He made special thanks to Madhya Pradesh government for full support and presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister himself quantifies the importance he puts on IATO presence in Madhya Pradesh. How his directives went to see all arrangements needed by IATO are met with full responsibility and in time. This made our Convention a reality at a totally new Convention Complex in Indore The Grand Bhagwati Palace Convention Centre. We are grateful to all officials in MP who worked behind the scene specially our dear colleague Mr. Ashwani Lohani, Commissioner & MD Madhya Pradesh Tourism. Hon’ble Chief Minister in his address thanked IATO for choosing Madhya Pradesh for their prestigious Annual Convention and talked about various positive steps taken for states over all development. How all these have made Madhya Pradesh as one of the most progressive states in India and how in energy. Agriculture, Roads, industries it has made a progressive move forward. For tourism, the delegates can themselves experience the remarkable achievements made by Madhya Pradesh state. Now partnership with IATO there will be continued growth. His government will do the best possible.
Hon’ble Minister of State (IC) for Tourism and Culture and Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Govt. of India Dr. Mahesh Sharma in his address profusely talked about the new initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism to diversity Indian Tourism products and new dimensions added in the Brand Incredible India Campaign. On this occasion, Minister of Tourism, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh & Odisha also addressed the delegates.
Mr. Ashwani Lohani, Commissioner & MD Madhya Pradesh Tourism in his address mentioned how the state geared up for this mega event and how honored they feel to welcome the industry professional and showcase states tourism products. He invited delegates to come for Kumbh Mela “SIMHANSTHA 2016 and Travel Mart in 2016.
This was followed by Hall of Fame Award which were given to Mr. R.H. Khwaja, Mr. Parvez Dewan, (Former Secretaries Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India) for their excellent service to India Tourism and service to the Industry vote of thanks was raised by Mr. Ravi Gosain Co-chairman Convention.
Coinciding with the Convention, inauguration of Travel Mart took place. All the participating states showcased their products in a very professional manner and there were several parties offering tourism related services. The Cultural evening and IATO the Gala Dinner hosted by MP (Tourism).