Dr. Yadav emphasized the need for the state to leverage its natural, historical, cultural, religious, and spiritual legacy to boost tourism. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated the 39th National Conference of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) in Bhopal, drawing significant enthusiasm. The event was also attended by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and various other stakeholders. At the IATO conference, a short film highlighting Madhya Pradesh’s local cuisine and historical heritage was screened. The three-day event features a series of sessions, including discussions on “Resurgent India Inbound” and guided tours of key locations in the state. Approximately 1,200 registered operators will explore Bhopal, Bhojpur, Bhimbetka (a UNESCO site), Pachmarhi (the state’s only hill station), Indore (an industrial hub), Udayagiri, and Sanchi (another UNESCO site) on September 2. In his address, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stressed the need for leveraging the state’s natural, historical, cultural, and spiritual assets to boost tourism. He underscored India’s status as a peace-loving nation, a message strongly advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yadav emphasized the government’s commitment to attracting investment and advancing the state’s development. He also highlighted unique tourism opportunities, such as tiger sightings near Bhopal and the city’s blend of cultural and natural attractions. Yadav praised the engineering feats of Bhopal Lake, which withstands floods due to its natural rock structure, and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to promoting the tourism sector in Madhya Pradesh.
During the event, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted IATO’s dual role as both a leader in the tourism sector and a provider of social assistance in times of need. Shekhawat projected a fivefold increase in tourist arrivals in India over the next five years, stressing the need for more destinations to accommodate this growth. He called for robust support from both stakeholders and the private sector to create a comprehensive tourism experience. Shekhawat also noted a shift in global perceptions of India, driven by increasing disposable income among the middle class, which has expanded opportunities in domestic tourism. He emphasized that the discussions at IATO would pave the way for new growth avenues in the Indian tourism sector. “States must enhance the tourist experience through healthy competition and dialogue,” he said, underscoring the goal of increasing India’s current 7% share of the global tourism market over the next 2-3 years.
The 39th edition of the IATO conference, themed “Resurgent India Inbound,” aims to exceed pre-COVID tourism figures and reflect the industry’s collective vision. The theme underscores Madhya Pradesh’s significant potential, which will be highlighted through post-convention tours designed to feature these destinations in future itinerary packages. Ravi Gosain elaborated on the theme, stating, “‘Resurgent India Inbound’ is more than a slogan; it represents our vision for showcasing India’s vast potential in global tourism. We anticipate this theme will drive the growth of Incredible India, emphasizing sustainability, responsible tourism, spiritual tourism, and beyond.” At the inaugural event, the Hall of Fame Award was posthumously awarded to M. L. Rajdan of Rajdan Holidays, with the award accepted by his daughter-in-law, Anita Rajdan. Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO of IHCL, also received Hall of Fame recognition during the ceremony.
