Puri, Odisha: The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) inaugurated its landmark 40th Annual Convention at Swosti Premium Beach Resorts, Puri, bringing together over 1,200 delegates from across the country. The convention, a key fixture in India’s tourism calendar, underscores the industry’s focus on driving growth in inbound travel and showcasing India’s diverse offerings to global markets.
The opening ceremony featured a traditional lamp-lighting and was graced by prominent dignitaries including Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of India; Smt. Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha; Shri Suman Billa, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism; Shri Neelu Sharma, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Tourism; Ravi Gosain, President, IATO; Rajiv Mehra, Immediate Past President, IATO; and J.K. Mohanty, CMD, Swosti Group of Hotels, along with other IATO office bearers.
Under the theme “Rejuvenate Inbound”, the three-day convention aims to reinvigorate India’s inbound tourism sector post-pandemic, addressing emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities. Business sessions will include panel discussions with industry leaders and policymakers on strategies to enhance India’s global appeal, sustainable tourism initiatives, and improving infrastructure for international visitors.
As part of the convention, the Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart) is being held on August 23–24 at the venue, providing a dynamic B2B networking platform for tour operators, state tourism boards, and allied stakeholders. The event is expected to open new avenues for collaboration, product innovation, and destination marketing.
To highlight Odisha’s tourism potential, delegates will embark on curated post-convention tours, offering first-hand exposure to the state’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and spiritual circuits. These experiences are designed to help operators better position Odisha for domestic and international travellers.
In a key announcement for the industry, Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Ajay Jain confirmed that the 41st IATO Annual Convention will take place in Visakhapatnam in 2026, furthering IATO’s mission of showcasing India’s diverse destinations across regions.
With its strong delegate turnout, high-level participation, and forward-looking agenda, IATO’s 40th Convention marks an important moment for India’s inbound tourism stakeholders, signaling optimism and renewed momentum for the sector’s growth.
