With record number of delegates participation, dynamic agenda and insightful business sessions planned around pressing tourism industry issues and opportunities, the 40th IATO Annual Convention taking place at Puri, Odisha set to be pivotal in achieving goals of ‘Rejuvenate Inbound @2030‘- an ambitious, futuristic target set by the association itself to achieve a remarkable growth in inbound tourism sector.
While elaborating on the salient features of the Convention, Sanjay Razdan, Chairman Convention confidently said that the ’40th Annual IATO Convention’ is poised to achieve a grand success in many ways, whether it’s content, agenda, exchange of ideas or networking etc. every feature of the Convention will be an unique opportunity for delegates present on the occasion. Read more…
Highlights
1. Insightful business sessions with eminent speakers such as Suman Billa IAS -Director General Ministry of Tourism, Sheo Shekhar Shukla IAS- Principal Secretary Tourism MPTB, Balwant Singh IAS – Commissioner cum Secretary Tourism Odisha, Ajay Jain -Special Chief Secretary Tourism Andhra Pradesh, Ravi Gusain – President IATO, Parveen Chander, Executive VP, IHCL.
2. Knowledge sessions on ‘Travel Insurance’ and ‘AI and Tech in Tourism’.
3. IATO Run for Responsible Tourism (August 24).
4. Indian Tourism Fair/Travel Mart (August 23–24). 17 State Tourism Boards will be available to interact.
5. Highest number of delegates (Around 1200) and conglomerates are expected to attend the event from across the country. Record number of delegates participation around 1200
6. IATO Got Talent Season 5-Karaoke Singing Competition (August 23 evening).
Q&A
Q1. To start with, since you have taken over as the Chairman Convention, would you like to throw some light on the salient features of the Convention?
Ans. The theme of the Convention ‘Rejuvenate Inbound @2030‘ is a forward-looking focus on boosting inbound tourism to India over the next five years.
As Chairman of the 40th IATO Annual Convention, I am proud to highlight several key aspects of this landmark event.
The Convention will take place from 22nd to 25th August 2025, in Puri, Odisha at Swosti Premium Beach Resort. We anticipate participation from around 1000 to 1200 delegates including ministry officials, state tourism board’s representatives from 17–18 states, industry leaders, travel trade professionals, hoteliers, media and local stakeholders.
All core activities, i. e. registration, inaugural ceremony, business sessions, networking and evening programs will be held at Swosti Premium Beach Resort.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, and the Union Minister of Tourism, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and many senior officials from state and Ministry of Tourism will be attending the inaugural session.
Special activities include, the IATO Run for Responsible Tourism (August 24), Indian Tourism Fair/Travel Mart (August 23–24) and a IATO Got Talent Season 5-Karaoke Singing Competition (August 23 evening).
Q2. What about the ‘Business Sessions’ (i.e. number of the sessions and topics), are these finalised? Would you like to elaborate on speaker’s profile as well?
Ans. Insightful business sessions are planned around pressing tourism industry issues and opportunities. These will be led by expert speakers from various fields, government officials, industry leaders, and recognized tourism professionals.
The number and topics of sessions have been finalized which will touch upon crucial factors including the Convention Theme, Tourism Marketing, Partnerships Between Different Segments of Tourism, Responsible and Sustainability, New Destinations and Immersive Journeys etc.
We have also planned two-knowledge sessions on ‘Travel Insurance‘ and ‘AI and Tech in Tourism‘.
The Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart) will enable members to interact directly with the heads of state tourism departments and other stakeholders.
Q3. How many delegates are you expecting to attend the Convention? What kind of response have you received so far?
Ans. As already advised above, we expect about 1000 to 1200 delegates which is the highest number ever which reflects the strong interest.
Q4. Theme of the Convention is ‘Rejuvenate Inbound @2030? Could you please throw more light on it?
Ans. The theme aims to set a new roadmap for India’s inbound tourism sector, focusing on innovations in destination marketing, upgrading tourism infrastructure, emphasizing sustainability and responsible tourism, showcasing India’s lesser-known destinations and cultural experiences.
The business sessions and discussions will drive actionable strategies to revitalize India’s inbound tourism, with goals set for 2030 and beyond.
Q5. Anything else if you wish to add?
Ans. With record participation and a dynamic agenda, the 40th IATO Convention in Puri marks a pivotal moment for India’s inbound tourism, steering innovation and growth towards 2030.
