Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is all set to organise the 31st Annual Convention in Indore, Madhya Pradesh from August 20-23, 2015. The announcement was made at The Park Hotel, New Delhi in the presence Dr. Mahesh Sharma, minister of state for tourism and culture (IC) and minister of state for civil aviation.
While announcing the decision of the executive committee Subhash Goyal, president, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) said, “We had several destinations in our mind and it was really difficult to decide the venue. We had been looking into the options among Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh. State governments support was also very important as also availability of hotels, air and rail connectivity. Pre and Post Convention tours options are also our main consideration to showcase. Even as per our policy we always try to reach a new destination and try to boost tourism to the state basing our venue of the Convention. After series of deliberations, study visits, executive committee took the decision to have IATO’s 31st Annual Convention in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Hotel the Grand Bhagwati will be the venue for inaugural function and business session etc.”
Minister Sharma appealed the members to take benefit of this national convention of IATO which is the national apex body of tourism industry. In his address, Dr. Sharma categorically mentioned that he is very much convinced the way, IATO is working for the promotion of tourism and supporting the ministry for all its efforts in marketing India in overseas markets. Dr. Sharma also mentioned about the initiatives that ministry of tourism is taking to boost tourism both domestic and international.
Dr. Lalit Panwar, secretary tourism, Govt. of India while addressing the members talked about the work being done by the ministry and the achievements that has been made especially in getting e-Tourist Visa which has already been implemented for 76 countries and in more countries this is to follow. He requested the members to give it a wide publicity and encourage tourists to make use of this facility.
Ashwani Lohani who was very much enthusiastic in bringing IATO Convention to Indore, express his happiness about the IATO’s decision to hold its annual convention in Indore. He also appealed the members to attend the convention in large numbers and attend the post convention tours especially being designed for the members.
Lohani said, “Madhya Pradesh- home of Indian Tiger, religious places like Mahakal temple in Ujjain, Buddhist stupa in Sanchi and the palace hotels in Bhopal, the boating at Bheda Ghat and tourist places in Jabalpur, Bhopal, Pachmarhi, Khajuraho etc. are great attraction of Madhya Pradesh. IATO Convention in Madhya Pradesh will bring MP in front as convention destination.”
Pronab Sarkar, chairman, convention said, “We are returning to Madhya Pradesh nearly after 22 years when we had our IATO 10th convention at Khajuraho, 17 – 19 December 1993. Madhya Pradesh Tourism has been very active in marketing various tourists’ attractions in the state. Concurrently with our convention, there will be Indian Travel Mart. It is an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase exciting and diverse range of destinations, conference and incentive venues. This will facilitate discerning buyers from the travel trade and corporate world to reinforce their choice for business travel, incentives etc. Also interesting business sessions are being planned with social evenings.”