In an era where tourism is rapidly evolving and global competition is intensifying, the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) stands at a pivotal crossroads. The need for transformation, innovation, and international integration has never been more critical. As India aspires to position itself as a formidable player in the global tourism landscape, there is a pressing demand for visionary leadership that can bridge existing gaps and propel the industry forward. It is in this context that Naveen Kundu, Managing Director of Ebix Travel Group (part of Ebix Inc USA), outlines a bold and strategic vision for IATO’s future.
“Indian tour operators urgently need better access to capital, marketing, skills, and knowledge. Today, no bank supports tourism businesses, and this must change. My vision is to globalise IATO’s operations, attract FDI, promote mergers and acquisitions, and produce research-driven insights to strengthen our industry. I will focus on creating mechanisms for easier capital access, collaborating with global universities to offer specialised tourism education in India, and appointing a full-time CEO to lead a professional, independent IATO Secretariat. It’s time to build a stronger, future-ready IATO that goes beyond routine work and positions India as a global tourism powerhouse.”
