IATO annual convention to be held at Visakhapatnam in September

The 33rd IATO convention held in Odisha

The four-day 34th annual convention of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) will be held at Hotel Novotel in Visakhapatnam from September 6 to 9. Tourism Minister KJ Alphons would inaugurate the convention on September 6.  The association will also organize  ‘IATO Run for Responsible Tourism’ on September 7 at 6 AM, starting from Beach Road, followed by panel discussions regarding tourism promotion in the State and domestic markets.

“IATO meet was being organised for the first time in the State. About 1,100 tour operators would take part in the convention wherein latest developments in the field of tourism across the globe would be discussed. A tour of Navya Andhra tourist places would also be part of the convention,” said state Tourism Minister Bhuma Akhila Priya.

IATO Run for Responsible Tourism in 2017

“The convention would give a boost to tourism sector in the State. In tune with it, the Tourism Development Corporation would develop six new tourism places in the State,” said APTDC Managing Director Himanshu Shukla.

Post convention, the association will conduct tours for the members so as to enable them to gain first hand knowledge of the Buddhist sites in Visakhapatnam. The convention is expected to increase international and domestic tourists arrivals in the State, which would boost economic growth and create new jobs in the sector.

IATO convention 2017 held in Odisha

“IATO wants to promote Visakhapatnam as MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.) destination,” said IOTA president Pronab Sarkar.

IATO has the membership of over 1,700 tour operators, travel agents and hoteliers. Out of the total, 1,100 tour operators from different parts of the country and abroad would participate in the four-day convention. As part of their visit, the tour operators would inspect the tourism sites and chalk out an action plan for promoting tourism in the State.