THE INDIAN Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is aiming to draw attention to the western Indian state of Gujarat through its annual convention, scheduled to take place this year at the Gandhi Mandir Convention Centre in Ahmedabad from September 22-25.
IATO president Vijay Thakur said: “Gujarat is among the most industrious and advanced states of India. It has now taken on tourism development with futuristic ideas that are being promptly implemented. It has good infrastructure with a new convention centre.”
Vipul Mittra, principal secretary, Tourism, Civil Aviation and Pilgrimage, government of Gujarat, added: “This is a good time for tour operators to explore Gujarat and promote the state among domestic and foreign tourists.”
According to Kamlesh Patel, chairman, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, Gujarat is experiencing a 30-35 per cent increase in tourist arrivals each year.
The theme of this year’s IATO convention is Indian Tourism – Are we competitive to compete. The event plans to address how agents and inbound operators can grow their business into India.
Thakur said: “India is losing alot of inbound traffic to more competitive destinations like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Also, online companies are posing an ever-growing threat to travel agents’ business. Experts will discuss how to tackle these issues.”
IATO is targeting 1,500 delegates, including 50 from overseas.
By Anand & Madhura Katti
