Madhya Pradesh (MP) is the second-largest state in India by area and is known as the “Heart of India” because of its central location. It is bordered by Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

The 39th IATO Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is scheduled to be held in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, from August 30 – September 2, 2024.

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is the National body of the travel and tourism industry. It has over 1600 members covering all segments of the Indian Travel Industry.

Established in 1982, IATO today interacts constantly with other Tourism Associations in the US, Nepal, and Indonesia, where USTOA and ASITA are its member bodies. It is increasing its international networking with professional bodies to better facilitate International travelers visiting not only India but the entire Region.

IATO interacts closely with the government on all critical issues affecting the tourism industry in India, with the highest priority being tourism facilitation. It interacts closely with all Government Ministries / Departments, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Diplomatic Missions, among others.

IATO acts as a common medium between decision-makers and the industry and presents both sides with perspectives, synergizing their common agenda of Tourism facilitation. IATO members observe the highest standards of professional ethics and offer personalized service to their clients.

IATO’s team met with the chief minister, led by the organization’s president, Mr. Rajiv Mehra, Vice President, Mr. Ravi Gosain, and Chairman.

IATO Madhya Pradesh Chapter Mr. Mahendra Pratap Singh, met the Hon. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav, to invite him to open the convention, his state will be hosting.

Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism as well as Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board in Bhopal, accompanied the IATO delegation to meet the Hon. Chief Minister.

The Hon. Chief Minister was requested to inaugurate the convention, which he accepted and assured his full support.

Mr. Mehra said that the 39th IATO Annual Convention will be held with the support of Madhya Pradesh Tourism. The delegation also received consent from Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla to finalize the convention dates.

IATO organizes it annual convention every year in different cities to promote tourism to the state through its large membership base in India.

IATO has organized 38 annual conventions in different states throughout the country.

What makes IATO unique is its cross-segment membership base. This allows for dynamism in how India is marketed as a tourism destination collectively. IATO conventions are considered one of the best platforms by the state governments to promote inbound, domestic, MICE, adventure tourism, and other facets of niche tourism to delegates, who are the ultimate promoters of tourism to those destinations, said Mr. Mehra.

Various events/activities will take place during the convention, i.e., business sessions, tourism mart, marketing innovation competition, Run for Responsible Tourism, cultural evening, social functions, and more, in addition to the inaugural function and valedictory session.

Mr. Ravi Gosain mentioned that, as in years past, the expected participation is about 20 state tourism departments along with 900 to 1,000 stakeholders.