ETW Staff – Mumbai
The new government at the Centre spelt a new hope for the tourism sector. This has prompted the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) to hold their 30th annual convention in the capital itself as they found it important strategically for the industry to be in Delhi this year.
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Rajeev Kohli
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Speaking about the convention and its theme the convention chairperson Rajeev Kohli, said, “2014 is a landmark turning point for Indian tourism. For the first time in three decades the nation has moved out of coalition politics at the Centre. For the first time in a decade we have a prime minister who walks the talk on tourism. The recent Budget has shown a path forward for our industry with the ETA visa system and some relief on taxes. 2014 also saw our members voting for a progressive and younger IATO team. 2014 is a time of new starts all around, we have new hope in the industry, fresh ideas, new vision. Being in Delhi will allow us to engage the new political leadership better and bring in the top administrative decision makers to our sessions. So therefore our theme ‘New Beginnings | Fresh Ideas | Vibrant Futures’ for this year is very apt. We want to focus on the great opportunities the new future holds for us. This convention will be about revitalising our business, our industry, ourselves.”
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Amaresh Tiwari
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IATO promises to offer its delegates fruitful business sessions, thought provoking discussions and a platform for powerful networking, and also plans to focus more on education. The dates for the convention is scheduled from September 4- 6, 2014. The inauguration will be in the evening of the fourth and the last session ends on the sixth followed by closing dinner. The 2014 venue hosts are the Kempinski Ambience Hotel, Delhi.
Adding further, Amaresh Tiwari, co-chairman, IATO, said, “This is the one gathering of the year where all tourism industry stakeholders can meet their industry colleagues, network and share thoughts and help contribute to the national discussion process on tourism. We owe it to their businesses to be there and support our industry.”
