IATO to host 41st Annual Convention in Visakhapatnam from Sept 10-13
IATO
A major highlight of the convention is said to be the Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart), scheduled for September 11-12, 2026, at the convention venue.
The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is poised to host its 41st Annual Convention from September 10 to 13, 2026 in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
This industry event will be hosted with the support of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Kandula Durgesh, Minister of Tourism, Culture & Cinematography, Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary (Tourism & Culture), Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, and Amrapali Kata, CEO, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, have extended their cooperation to ensure the grand success of the convention.
Sharing details, Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, stated that the theme and key highlights of the convention are being carefully curated to address emerging opportunities and challenges in the tourism sector.
Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach will serve as the official venue, hosting all major activities, including registrations, the inaugural ceremony, business sessions, and vibrant evening programmes. The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and the Union Minister of Tourism, Government of India, are expected to grace the inaugural session on September 10, 2026. The convention said to witness participation from senior officials of the Ministry of Tourism and representatives from approximately 17–18 State Tourism Departments.
Highlighting the scale of the event, Sanjay Razdan, Vice President, IATO, shared that the association is aiming to attract 900–1000 delegates from across the country. He further added that curated post-convention tours will be organised to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s diverse tourism offerings, enabling stakeholders to promote these experiences in both domestic and international markets.
The three-day convention will feature high-powered business sessions, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and domain experts to deliberate on critical issues shaping the future of tourism.
The event will also host a series of activities, including the “IATO Run for Responsible Tourism", recognition awards across multiple categories, and evening entertainment programmes. A lively “IATO’s Got Talent – Karaoke Singing Competition” has also been planned.
A major highlight of the convention is said to be the Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart), scheduled for September 11-12, 2026, at the convention venue. This platform will facilitate interactions between IATO members, state tourism boards, and industry stakeholders, fostering partnerships and driving tourism growth.
