The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) concluded its 41st Annual Convention in Visakhapatnam, bringing together the travel trade, tourism stakeholders, policymakers, hospitality leaders and representatives from across India for three days of discussions, business networking and destination promotion.
Held from 10–12 September 2026 at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, with post-convention tours continuing from 13 September, the convention was held under the theme “India: The World’s Next Tourism Opportunity” and was hosted with the support of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The convention brought the industry together to discuss the opportunities, challenges and emerging priorities shaping the future of Indian tourism.
The opening day set the tone with discussions around strategy and policy, bringing together senior representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and various state tourism departments, along with industry leaders. The sessions examined India’s tourism potential, policy priorities and the need for stronger collaboration between the government and the travel trade.
Day two moved deeper into the evolving tourism landscape, with discussions spanning AI and technology, sustainability, connectivity, risk management and high-growth opportunities. The programme also featured state tourism presentations, B2B networking and the Indian Tourism Fair, creating opportunities for tour operators and tourism stakeholders to connect with destinations, suppliers and hospitality partners.
The convention also provided a platform for industry-led initiatives, including the signing of the IATO–Indian School of Nature MoU, alongside discussions on the evolving risk landscape for tour operators and the role of technology in shaping more efficient and sustainable tourism practices.
The third and concluding day began with the IATO Run for Responsible Tourism, a running and walking marathon spanning approximately 6 kilometres, reinforcing the association’s focus on responsible and sustainable tourism.
This was followed by further state tourism presentations and industry discussions before the valedictory ceremony, which featured addresses by members of the IATO Executive Committee and the association’s members. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Shri Sunil Mishra and Shri Sanjay Razdan.
The ceremony also witnessed recognition across IATO chapters and the media. Travel Turtle was awarded the Best Print Magazine, marking a notable recognition for its contribution to travel and tourism journalism.
The three-day programme concluded on a celebratory note with entertainment featuring comedian-mentalist Karan Chauhan, followed by a networking dinner accompanied by a performance by Crooners Collective.
Speaking through the convention’s overarching theme, the event highlighted the growing opportunity for India to strengthen its position as a leading global tourism destination by combining policy, technology, sustainability, destination development and stronger industry collaboration.
With Visakhapatnam serving as the host city, the convention also placed Andhra Pradesh’s diverse tourism potential in focus, creating opportunities for the travel trade to engage with the state’s destinations, tourism products and hospitality offerings.
The 41st IATO Annual Convention thus brought together business, policy and destination conversations under one platform, while reaffirming the importance of collaboration between the travel trade, governments and tourism stakeholders in shaping the next phase of India’s tourism growth.
