Both sides are driven by a shared desire to uplift India’s inbound tourism. The difference lies in their approach
The IATO fraternity will now decide: Should the future be shaped by experience or reimagined through transformation?
The ballots will tell tomorrow.
The case for Continuity – Team Stronger Together
Ravi Gosain, who has served as Vice President for the last four years, emphasizes stability, experience, and the continuity of policies already in motion. “My vision is to strengthen government coordination for member-centric policies, promote India overseas through strategic partnerships, and digitally empower our membership and chapters through a portal,” he affirms. He also proposes forming a high-powered think tank focused on policy and advocacy to help shape the future of inbound tourism.
Supporting him is Rajnish Kaistha, Senior Vice President and a long-standing IATO member says, “I have deep understanding of the challenges and aspirations of our community, especially during testing times. With almost 40 years in the business, I remain committed to relentlessly working for the betterment of our fraternity.”
Sanjay Razdan contesting for the post of Vice President reminisces his journey in tourism of one that has been one of passion, dignity and purpose. “I have always believed that leadership is not about titles, it’s about service. Over the past two years, as the Hony. Secretary of IATO, we have worked very hard for the benefit our membership and these achievements have laid a strong foundation, but the road ahead demands more action and continuity. My candidacy is built on proven experience and the conviction that IATO must boldly evolve,” he shares.
Deepak Kumarr Bhatnagar, contesting for the post of Hony. Treasurer, echoes the sentiment of continuity. “With over 36 years of experience, I have actively worked on key issues affecting tour operators. Our team stands for unity and collective growth, and we aim to ensure stronger representation for our members,” he shares
Gosain further reflects on the learnings of his current term – “While our efforts have yielded some progress, the results have fallen short of our aspiration. That’s why we propose refining strategies by leveraging the experience of senior members and retired bureaucrats to guide IATO through an institutionalised think tank.”
The call for Change – Team Change Makers
Countering this is Amaresh Tiwari’s ‘Team Change Makers’, which calls for a transformative approach to IATO’s future. “At a pivotal moment for Indian tourism, we are contesting the elections with a bold vision focused on leadership, innovation, and collaboration,” says Tiwari. His key agenda includes an IATO Certification Program, Young Leadership Programs, a Women’s Leadership Forum, and deeper engagement with ministries, embassies, and academia.
Tiwari is vocal about IATO’s digital future: “If members trust us, we will launch a new IATO website focused on unified India inbound promotion, collaborate with digital influencers, and set up an Innovation Hub with AI tools and training modules.”
E.M. Najeeb, running for Vice President, shares a vision of empowerment and inclusivity: “With decades in tourism, I want to reposition IATO as a policy-focused association that supports member businesses and re-establishes India’s global travel leadership.”
Lally Mathews, a long standing IATO Member who is contesting for the post of Hony. Secretary feels, “Team Change Makers is committed to transparency and accountability. Members’ funds must be used wisely. The current Treasurer, as the custodian of these funds, must answer for the alleged misuse that occurred under his watch.”
Riyaz U C, Managing Director of Spiceland Holidays and another prominent face in the team, stresses policy alignment and stronger state partnerships: “India has everything to be a global tourism leader — now we need intention backed by action. IATO must have direct access to all state tourism boards to drive real growth.”
Naveen Kundu, MD of EbixCash Travel Services and candidate for EC Member – Active, is equally assertive in calling for institutional reform: “No bank supports tourism businesses today, and this must change. I will focus on creating mechanisms for easier capital access, introducing global tourism education, and appointing a full-time CEO to professionalise the IATO Secretariat. We must go beyond routine work.”
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