The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), the apex body of the tour operators in India has announced the venue and theme of their 34th IATO Annual Convention at Vishakhapatnam, the beautiful eastern coastal city in Andhra Pradesh from September 6- 9, 2018.
IATO has selected the theme, “Mission 20 Million Tourists-Challenges & Possibilities”, which is inspired by the challenges of Indian travel and tourism industry to meet the target of 20 Million Tourists by 2020 set up by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The convention will also aim to focus on the current challenges faced by Indian Tour operators and explore the possibilities to achieve the target.
Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh will inaugurate the convention on 6th September 2018 at Novotel Hotel Vishakhapatnam, venue of the convention. The inauguration will be in the evening of the 6th September 2018 and the last session ends on the 8th September 2018 followed by closing dinner. However, for the tour operators and travel agents, there will be an exclusive half day session on 6th September 2018 in the forenoon.
IATO annual convention will be about revitalising our business, our industry, ourselves to take a holistic approach on Challenges and Possibilities, said Mr. Pronab Sarkar, President of the association. IATO convention is the platform which gives every member, an opportunity to meet their industry colleagues, participating the knowledge sessions, network with various trade associates and share thoughts and helps contribute to the national discussion process on tourism.
Mr. Rajiv Mehra, Vice President of IATO and the Chairman of Convention said that this year’s convention will be unique in its character and engaging in its format and we are planning to have good content and interesting business sessions and will move further to a different level by adding quality speakers and more time for networking.
Mr. Rajesh Mudgill, Hony. Secretary of IATO and the Co-Chairman Convention said, the IATO Excecutive Committee with the support of Andhra Pradesh Tourism is arranged series of post-convention tours for the convention delegates starting from 9th September 2018 onwards which will include a day trip; 2 trips of 1 night/2 days; and 2 trips of 2 nights/3 days, all terminating at Vishakhapatnam airport by 4 pm respectively.
