Tag Archives: IATO

At the IATO Annual Day (Carnival), Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, emphasised the need to boost tourism circuits, noting that 50 circuits have been announced. “If even 10 circuits attract visitors, it will be a big win. Our goal is to urge the government to implement its plans and turn vision into reality,” he said.

With the allocation for Incredible India campaigns abroad cut down drastically, Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, said, “The government announced to develop 50 destinations this year but we are yet to see any progress in the projects announced in 2023. We have no idea what will happen with earlier announcements. But a decrease in promotional activities overseas will impact tourism activities.”

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO showed dismay on the budget allocation of a mere ₹ 3 crores made to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for overseas promotion and marketing in the Union Budget announced by the Finance Minister on 1 February 2025. “It is shocking that the budget of ₹ 33 cr has been reduced to ₹ 3 cr. Infact the earlier allocated budget of ₹ 33 cr was also miniscule and not enough for overseas promotions and publicity,” he said. Mehra said, “It is really surprising that on one side the Government is extolling the contribution of the tourism sector for its contribution in economic growth of the country and employment generation and on other hand the government is just allocating a peanut budget of ₹ 3 crores for promoting the country abroad. As a result, the Ministry of Tourism, would not be able to participate and set up India Pavilion in any of the International Travel and Tourism Marts, nor would the Ministry be able to do any overseas publicity and conduct any overseas road shows. This has been happening post covid every year where the Ministry of Tourism has to approach the Ministry of Finance to get approval/sanction for participation in any overseas travel mart/fair. This has led to reduced participation of tourism stakeholders in such marts leading to poor travel promotion and marketing.  In comparison, countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Mauritius etc. set up big Tourism Pavilion in international markets which give them ample opportunities to increase inbound tourism to their respective countries. Our government needs to understand that without showcasing our country’s Tourism products in Global Travel Mart and events it is very difficult …

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, has announced that they are working on a new website for the association, which will be launched by the end of January or February. “To promote India overseas, we have revamped our website, which will have more packages.” he said while speaking at the IATO Luncheon meet in Delhi.

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO, has shared that the Ministry of Tourism has confirmed participation at FITUR and urged members to participate in the same. He also announced that their 2025 convention will be held in August at Swosti Premium Beach Resorts, Puri. He was speaking at the monthly IATO luncheon.

In a recent development, the IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators) Executive Committee has appointed Gurinder Singh as the Chairman of the IATO Punjab Chapter with immediate effect from 6 January 2025. Singh, the Managing Director of Discover Punjab Tours & Travels will lead the association’s efforts in fostering ties with the local tourism industry and government bodies. As a seasoned tourism professional, his deep industry knowledge and strong bonds with the Punjab government are likely to play a significant role in achieving the association’s goals and targets. With this appointment, IATO is eyeing to expand its membership base in the state while creating more tourism opportunities.

Uttar Pradesh Chapter of IATO conducted two chapter meetings in Varanasi and in Agra on 21st of July and on the 26th of July respectively. Both the meetings were attended by about 40 members of IATO at each location and many attendees were new members who have recently joined IATO from UP. Uttar Pradesh is a very important state and in the last financial year only it has added 35 new members to the impressive membership list of IATO. Both the meetings were conducted by Prateek Hira, the Chapter Chair of Uttar Pradesh. Guest of Honour in Varanasi meeting was Rajendra Rawat, Deputy Director – UP Tourism and similarly In the Agra Meeting the Guest of Honour was Deepti Vatsa, Regional Tourist Officer along with Harish Kumar of Ministry of Tourism, GoI. Regional Chapter Chair, Sunil C. Gupta presided over the Agra meeting along with Prateek Hira. Uttar Pradesh Chairman of IATO and Varanasi meeting was chaired by Prateek Hira. The meetings discussed and deliberated on issues and problems faced by members in the state of Uttar Pradesh and solutions to these were instantly provided by the attending government officers and the IATO’s Regional chairmaen Sunil C. Gupta and UP Chapter Chairman Prateek Hira. Sunil C. Gupta enumerated the achievements of IATO and invited all members to register for the upcoming IATO Convention in Bhopal and take advantage of the knowledge sessions and familiarization tours planned thereafter. Prateek Hira on another hand spoke about the schemes of the governments and informed the members how each of them can take advantage of the schemes after registering with the state government. He also heard all the problems being faced by the members …

39th IATO Annual Convention is scheduled to take place from 30 August to 2 September 2024 with the theme ‘Resurgent India Inbound’ in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The event is expected to witness the participation of 15 states and 900-1000 delegates from all over the country, which includes leaders from travel industry.

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO said, “We requested the Prime Minister for financial support to be provided to tour operators based on their foreign exchange earnings. Additionally, we urged the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, to allocate a budget of rupees ₹1,000 crore or more for the revival of incoming tourism.”

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO said, “We requested the Prime Minister for financial support to be provided to tour operators based on their foreign exchange earnings. Additionally, we urged the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, to allocate a Unof rupees ₹1000 crore or more for the revival of incoming tourism.”