IATO to Convene 41st Annual Tourism Convention in Visakhapatnam with Strong Industry Participation

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) will host its 41st Annual Convention from 10–13 September 2026 in Visakhapatnam, a prominent coastal destination often referred to as the “City of Destiny” and the “Jewel of the East Coast.”

The flagship industry gathering is being organised with the full support of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Key state leaders, including Kandula Durgesh, Minister of Tourism, Culture & Cinematography, along with senior officials such as Ajay Jain and Amrapali Kata, are extending their support to ensure the success of the event.

Ravi Gosain, President of IATO, stated that the convention’s theme and agenda are being thoughtfully curated to address emerging opportunities and evolving challenges within the tourism sector.

The event will be hosted at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, which will serve as the central venue for registrations, the inaugural ceremony, business sessions, and evening programmes. The opening session on 10 September is expected to be attended by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and the Union Minister of Tourism, Government of India, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and representatives from 17–18 State Tourism Departments.

Highlighting the scale of the convention, Sanjay Razdan, Vice President of IATO, noted that the association is targeting participation from 900–1000 delegates nationwide. Post-convention tours are also being planned to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s diverse tourism offerings, enabling delegates to promote these experiences across domestic and international markets.

The three-day programme will feature high-level business sessions, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on key issues shaping the future of tourism in India.

In addition to business engagements, the convention will include interactive and cultural activities such as the “IATO Run for Responsible Tourism,” industry recognition awards, and evening entertainment programmes. A unique highlight will be “IATO’s Got Talent,” a karaoke singing competition designed to encourage participant engagement.

A major attraction of the event will be the Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart), scheduled for 11–12 September at the venue. The platform is expected to facilitate meaningful interactions between IATO members, State Tourism Boards, and industry stakeholders, fostering partnerships and driving sectoral growth.

With strong institutional backing, robust participation, and a dynamic agenda, the 41st IATO Annual Convention is set to be a significant industry platform, reinforcing India’s position as a leading global tourism destination.