IATO Convention 2021 is particularly significant in scope and message to the inbound tourism industry as the sector looks at regaining foothold amidst continuing pandemic uncertainty. Omnicorn, the latest covid-19 variant, has further added to that nervousness. At the same time there is widespread feeling that the worst is behind us and the industry needs to gear up for the next season.
The 2021 Annual IATO Convention, organised at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is keen to send out this strong message of rebuilding country’s inbound tourism at the earliest.
Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, says, “Third wave or no wave, it’s something we cannot say much about. So we decided to go ahead with the convention. Once we have gone through the Convention, and everything is alright, it will send a huge message abroad for people to visit India. I am quite hopeful that this impact will be seen sometime in February-March 2022 when we will get booking from abroad.”
He further added, “We have got some very good speakers for the sessions. The change will be visible, trying to improve over the previous years. The response that we have received is very encouraging.”
“The main idea to have this Convention at the fag end of Covid-19 is with a view to opening up and we can see a ray of light at the end of the tunnel. This needs a big promotion and sensitization that we are ready to welcome tourists. Everybody is so charged up and ready to focus on the business.” said Pronab Sarkar, IATO’s Immediate Past President.
“This is the time that we are going to focus on rebuilding the recovery of our entire business and therefore the theme of the Convention this year is ‘Brand India: Way to Recovery’ which is the key factor in rebuilding India’s inbound tourism,”he added.
IATO Sr. Vice President EM Najeeb is the Chairman of the Convention. Najeeb is assisted by IATO Hony. Secretary, Rajnish Kaishtha as the Co-chairman and Gujarat Chapter Chairman Randhir Singh Waghela as the second Co-chairman of the IATO Convention 2021.
