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The 31st annual convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) from August 20-23, 2015 is all set to bring out the tourism potential of Indore on the fore. Hotel the Grand Bhagwati has been chosen as the venue for inaugural function and business sessions. This was informed by Subhash Goyal, President, IATO at a function in New Delhi in the presence Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (IC) and Minister of State for Civil Aviation; Lalit Panwar, Union Tourism Secretary and Ashwani Lohani, Commissioner-cum-MD, Madhya Pradesh Tourism.
While announcing the decision 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.
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, 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. He also mentioned about the initiatives that Ministry of Tourism is taking to boost tourism both domestic and international.
Panwar requested the members to give it a wide publicity and encourage tourists to make use of this facility. 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-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 Madhya Pradesh in front as convention destination” added Lohani.
“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” 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 waited by all. They look for an enchanting as well as a 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.
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