August 14, 2015 TnH Global

Dr. Mahesh Sharma asks IATO’s members to take benefit of its convention being held in Indore

Union Tourism Minister Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that IATO is promoting tourism and supporting the ministry in marketing India in overseas markets.

IATO’s 31st Annual Convention will be held in Indore in Madhya Pradesh from August 20-23, 2015.
Last time IATO had held its 10^th convention at Khajuraho from December 17 – 19, 1993.

IATO Convention dates and venue were recently announced at The Park Hotel, New Delhi in the presence of Dr. Mahesh Sharma and Surendra Patwa, Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh. Subhash Goyal, President, IATO informed that the 31st IATO Annual Convention will be held in Indore in Madhya Pradesh from August 20-23, 2015.

While announcing the decision of the Executive Committee, Goyal 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.

Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (Independent charge) while addressing the media and the members in new Delhi 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. Mahesh 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. Mahesh Sharma also mentioned about the initiatives that Ministry of Tourism is taking to boost tourism both domestic and international.

Dr. Lalit Panwar, Secretary Tourism, Government 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.

Madhya Pradesh is 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 attractions of Madhya Pradesh. IATO Convention in Madhya Pradesh will bring Madhya Pradesh in focus as convention destination” added Mr. Ashwani Lohani.

“We are returning to Madhya Pradesh nearly after 22 years when we had our IATO 10th convention at Khajuraho, December, 17 – 19, 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” said Pronab Sarkar, Chairman Convention.

“The Stupendous Success of the pervious Convention has raised the expectations of the members and sponsors alike. More than 1200 delegates are expected for 3 day event and are eagerly awaited by all. They look for an enchanting destination not explored earlier. Here Indore fits in very well. Post-Convention tours on offer will be very attractive to explore new areas hither to unknown to our members” said Sarab Jit Singh, Sr. Vice President, IATO.

On this occasion, IATO also felicitated a 25 member delegation from Nepal headed by Ashok Pokharel, President Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) and also a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and Association of Tour Operators of Andaman (ATOA) for promotion of Tourism in Andaman. While concluding Goyal also informed that 10 top outbound tour operators from China selected by Air China are expected to attend the convention in Indore apart from tour operators from neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.