Convention Date: Sep 28- Oct 1
Convention Venue: WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels Rama
City / State: Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra Convention
Theme: Inbound Tourism and Emerging Sustainable Trends
The 38th Annual IATO Convention is readying for a star-studded inauguration with Maharashtra’s political elite, from ruling coalition to the opposition, attending the inaugural function on September 29 at WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels Rama in Chhattrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad). Some 900 delegates from across the country are expected to attend the Convention.
According to IATO President, Rajiv Mehra, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde have confirmed to inaugurate the inaugural function. The event will also have Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Girish Dattatray Mahajan, Minister of Tourism, Govt of Maharashtra; Ambadas Eknathrao Danve, Leader of Opposition and senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Government of Maharashtra. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar will join the event for the Valedictory session on October 1, 2023. Some 15 State Tourism Departments are also expected to attend the three-day event.
Mehra informed that various post-convention tours and spouse tours have been arranged for the delegates to showcase Maharashtra which will include visit to Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Shirdi, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Lonar Crater, Shani Shingnapur Temple, Trimbakeshwar Temple, Sula Vineyards etc. “This will help our members who have not seen these places to include in their itinerary and promote in Domestic and international markets,” Mehra said.
Rajnish Kaistha, Senior Vice President and Chairman of the convention said that we have overwhelming response from the members and expect about 900-1000 delegates from all over the country to participate which will include senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and States, industry leaders, tourism and hospitality professionals, travel trade media. There are five post convention tours being organised on various sectors as has already been informed.
“This year also we expect larger participation from the state Government as every state is keen to re-instate inbound tourism to their respective states. Last year we had participation from 18 states. During the 3 days convention there will be deliberations on burning issues during the business sessions being finalised and we will have experts in all fields,” Kaistha said.
Furthermore, the Convention Chairman, informed, “During the convention, IATO is also organising a Marketing Innovation Competition at ITC Rama International. The main aim of Marketing Innovation Competition is to encourage creativity and quality of Video CDs, posters and brochures to the State Governments, tour operators, hotels and travel media. The awards are to honour outstanding work giving due importance to creativity, thus giving recognition to designers and producers.”
Sanjay Razdan, Hony. Secretary and Co-Chairman of the Convention said that besides the serious discussions during the business sessions, we will have IATO Run for Responsible Tourism on 1st October and awards would be given in various categories to the winners and runners up. Razadan also informed that the Convention will have evening entertainment programme on all three days and delegates will enjoy taking time off from their busy schedule throughout the year. “During the convention, IATO is also organizing Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart) on 30th September and 1st October 2023 at Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Rama International, Chattrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), venue of the convention, which will give an opportunity to our members to interact with the state tourism department and other stakeholders who are exhibiting and promote tourism,” he added.
