Brain storming sessions, collaboration, high on agenda of 38th IATO Convention

With the theme of ‘Inbound Tourism and Emerging Sustainable Trends‘ the 38th IATO Annual Convention will be organised from 29th September to 2nd October 2023 in Chhattrapati Sambhajinagar (previously known as Aurangabad) in Maharashtra.

WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels Rama International will be the venue for all activities i.e. registration for the convention, inaugural function, business sessions and evening programmes on all the three days.

Elaborating on the much awaited, prestigious event of the inbound tourism fraternity, IATO’s President Rajiv Mehra informed that Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde have confirmed to inaugurate the Convention.

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis,  Girish Dattatray Mahajan, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism Maharashtra and Ambadas Eknathrao Danve, Leader of Opposition are expected to grace the occasion. Whereas the Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will join for the Valedictory session on October  1st 2023.

While elaborating on the salient features of the convention Mehra further informed that various post-convention tours and spouse tours have been arranged for the delegates to showcase Maharashtra which will include visit to Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Shirdi, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Lonar Crater, Shani Shingnapur Temple, Trimbakeshwar Temple, Sula Vineyards etc.

“This will help our members who have not seen these places to include in their itinerary and promote in Domestic and international markets,” added Mehra.

Rajnish Kaistha, Senior Vice President and Chairman of the Convention said, “We have overwhelming response from the members and expecting over 1000 delegates from all over the country to attend the convention. The delegates will include senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism GoI, state tourism departments, industry leaders of tourism and hospitality from across the country.”

“This year also we expect larger participation from the state Government as every state is keen to re-instate inbound tourism to their respective states. Last year we had participation from 18 states,” added Kaistha.

During the three days convention there will be deliberations on burning issues. Business sessions are being finalised and we will have experts in all fields. During the convention, a Marketing Innovation Competition will also be organised at ITC Rama International.

Speaking on the same lines, Sanjay Razdan,  Hony. Secretary and Co-Chairman of the Convention said, “Besides the serious discussions during the business sessions, we will have IATO Run for Responsible Tourism on 1st October and awards would be given in various categories to the winners and runners up.”

“During the convention, IATO is also organising Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart) on 30th September and 1st October 2023 at venue of the convention, which will give an opportunity to our members to interact with the state tourism departments and other stakeholders who are exhibiting to interact with each other and promote tourism,” concludes Razdan.