The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), the leading body representing inbound tour operators in India, recently held its 39th annual convention in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The event, which took place from August 30 to September 1, was a resounding success, attracting over 1200 members from across India and senior representatives from tourism ministries of 13 states, marking a record turnout.
The convention was inaugurated by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. Over three days, the event featured a series of engaging sessions focused on enhancing foreign tourism in Madhya Pradesh and across India. Key discussions revolved around developing new tourist spots, improving existing facilities, and addressing the challenges faced by the tourism sector.
The convention provided a platform for exploring innovative solutions and strategies to overcome these obstacles. IATO President Rajiv Mehra and Vice President Ravi Gosain highlighted the association’s crucial role in driving inbound tourism, reiterating their commitment to boosting tourism in Madhya Pradesh and promoting the state as a prime tourist destination.
A captivating presentation titled “Manmohak Madhya Pradesh Heartland of India,” directed by Maitrei Pahari, showcased the region’s rich heritage and culture. The event featured eight dynamic business sessions covering diverse topics, including “Resurgent India Inbound,” “Discovering the Undiscovered,” and the future of AI in inbound tourism. Legal challenges and women’s empowerment in tourism were also discussed.
Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary and MD of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, outlined the government’s ambitious initiatives to develop 50 new tourist destinations, aiming to alleviate congestion at popular spots. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between stakeholders to achieve better policy outcomes.
Speaking at the inauguration, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav highlighted the state’s rich cultural and natural offerings. He emphasized the presence of multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the state’s abundance of wildlife, including tigers, which can be found even in urban areas like Bhopal. He expressed confidence in the state’s potential to attract a significant influx of foreign tourists.
Tourism representatives from various states, including Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Odisha, highlighted lesser-known tourist destinations within their respective regions, showcasing the diversity of India’s tourism offerings. The convention saw active participation from 13 states, alongside the host state of Madhya Pradesh.
The concluding session was graced by the Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Rajendra Shukla, who stressed the importance of branding in tourism. State Tourism Minister Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi shared updates on several initiatives, including developing Kuno National Park and converting lakes into tourist destinations. He announced plans for 1000 home stays and other measures aimed at boosting tourism.
Rajiv Mehra, President of IATO, commented, “The convention, which is held in different cities of the country every year, is organized with the objective of showcasing the specific city’s as well as that state’s tourism potential and draw in more foreign tourists with innovative strategies and help in boosting local economy. The response we received this year was unprecedented and we look forward to replicating this success at our next convention in Puri, Odisha.”
The convention concluded with a “Run for Responsible Tourism,” where over 500 members participated, followed by special Fam tours to showcase emerging destinations. The event served as a powerful testament to the dynamism and potential of India’s tourism sector and solidified the state of Madhya Pradesh as a key player in attracting international visitors.
