The state is all set to embark on the next phase of promotion by hosting the 35th Annual Convention of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) which is re-visiting the state after a gap of 17 years. During this period a lot have changed, with new government policy, tourism infrastructure and niche products, the delegates attending the Convention will have an opportunity to see the new face of the state. There is firm belief that this Convention will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of tourism in West Bengal.
One of the prominent states in the eastern part of the country – West Bengal is all set to launch the next phase of tourism promotion with host of developments and niche products available across the state. And, there cannot be the bigger opportunity than inviting the Indian Association of Tour Operators to organize its 35th Annual Convention in Kolkata. The Annual IATO Convention is not only the oldest congregation of industry leaders, decision makers and the country’s most influential buyers, but are also the biggest and largest tourism industry congregation. The event has a tremendous track record of putting various tourism offerings in the host destination in the spotlight.
And, what makes this Convention utmost important for the state, the delegation of the largest inbound community is re-visiting the state after a gap of 17 years. This time even bigger delegation is expected to interact with the local tour operators’ fraternity of West Bengal and nearby states. However, apart from the host state, this Convention in Kolkata is a golden opportunity for inbound tourism players as well. The delegation will have a chance to see the new face of Kolkata, exploring tourism hubs such as Darjeeling, Siliguri, Murshidabad, Sundarbans ets. and the host of developments happened in the last 17 years.
While speaking to Whereabouts, Atri Bhattacharya, I.A.S, Principal Secretary of West Bengal Tourism said: “The state is ready to welcome the tourist and showcase the new face of West Bengal with host of new attractions, niche products and better facilities. The tourism professionals who have visited the state long ago will be amazed to see the much tourist friendly, spick-and-span Kolkata and other prominent cities of the state.”
Elaborating on the importance of this mega event from state’s perspective, Bhattacharya said: “The inbound tour operators cannot afford to miss the IATO Convention taking place in Kolkata for various reasons. Firstly, the inaugural ceremony of the event will be organized at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre which is one of the biggest in India and probably in Southeast Asia, which make sense for the tour operators to come and see through their eyes.”
“Apart from that, IATO Convention is happening just weeks before the biggest carnival of the state the Durga Puja. More than 13 million people participate in this mega festival. Seeing the city’s preparedness through their eyes will encourage them to promote Durga Puja among their clients.” “West Bengal attracts tourists from India and abroad in larger numbers during this festive time and the Tourism Department arranges special Puja Packages as well,” he added.
While further explaining his plan of action, Bhattacharya said that the chief minister of the state is very cautious about the preservation of the cultural identity of the state and wish to give its festivals a big boost. Starting from the Durga Puja till Holi, the tourism department of the state has listed a number of carnivals such as Kali Puja in October, Kolkata International Film Festival in November, X-Mas Carnival in December and Music Festival in January to promote the cultural heritage of the state.
As informed by him, Murshidabad is being developed as the Heritage Tourism Hub. Apart from this, the state has created tourism circuits in Southwestern part of the state which is blessed with forests, rivers and heritage sites.
West Bengal Tourism is all set to take the advantage of each and every activities happening during the Convention. The IATO Run is well planned to showcase the world famous heritage sites to the delegates. IATO Run will be passed through 14-15 heritage sites of Kolkata. “We are coming up with an app for this, there will be a map and QR code in front of every heritage sites so that you can get some information about the monument. Not just relying on the app, we will have guides as well to explain about the sites,” informed Bhattacharya.
While elaborating on the future course of action, Bhattacharya said: “We are hiring PR and Communication agencies to look at the travel-trade events where we can participate, and do marketing research for us as we don’t have hardcore marketing research data with us.” He informed that the tourism department is looking to launch another tag line from ‘Ocean to Sky’ which no other state has that diversity form beaches to Himalayas.
The theme of the convention is ‘Is Tourism Thriving – Challenges & Opportunities’. The Convention will be inaugurated at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre and the Business sessions will be organized at ITC Royal Bengal Hotel.
