The 40th Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) kicked off today with a vibrant inaugural ceremony at Swosti Premium Beach Resorts in Puri, Odisha.
Organised by Odisha Tourism in collaboration with IATO, this landmark event, running from August 22 to 25, 2025, has brought together nearly 1,000 delegates, including national and international tour operators, tourism professionals, investors, and media representatives.
The convention, themed “Rejuvenate Inbound @2030,” aims to redefine India’s inbound tourism landscape while spotlighting Odisha’s rich cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage.
The opening session was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Government of India, Smt. Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Odisha, Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary & DG Tourism, Government of India, and Balwant Singh, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism, Government of Odisha. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit between the Union Government, Odisha, and industry stakeholders to elevate India’s tourism sector.
The convention serves as a dynamic platform for policy discussions, business networking, and knowledge exchange, with a focus on shaping a forward-looking vision for inbound tourism by 2030. Key highlights include business sessions on sustainable tourism, immersive travel, cruise tourism, film tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). A dedicated session on Odisha will showcase the state’s diverse offerings, from its iconic heritage sites and pristine coastlines to its vibrant tribal traditions and eco-tourism potential, aligning with Odisha’s Vision 2036 and Vision 2047.
Delegates will also experience Odisha’s treasures firsthand through post-convention tours, exploring cultural landmarks like the Jagannath Temple, natural wonders such as Chilika Lake, and the state’s rich tribal heritage. These curated itineraries aim to position Odisha as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map.
By hosting this milestone event, Odisha Tourism reaffirms its commitment to leveraging tourism for economic growth, cultural preservation, and livelihood generation. The collaboration with IATO is set to foster stronger partnerships with tour operators and deeper engagement with stakeholders, cementing Odisha’s place as a rising star in global tourism.
