Pallavi Sharma
Sejoe Jose
IATO EC – Active Member
I see the IATO Convention as an opportunity for the travel trade to come together to examine the direction of the industry. Delegates can expect knowledge sharing and business opportunities. I believe they should return with new partnerships and a clearer understanding of emerging opportunities. With travel patterns changing and stronger global competition, the industry must become more forward-looking and embrace technology, AI, sustainability and changing consumer behaviour.
For me, India’s biggest inbound opportunity lies in moving beyond selling the country through monuments and instead selling it through experiences. Travellers want to discover local culture, cuisine, communities and nature. We need innovative products, better connectivity, simpler processes, stronger infrastructure and a seamless visitor experience.
Rishi Kapoor
IATO EC – Active Member
I see the 2026 IATO Convention around three objectives—connect, learn and act. I see the Convention as a platform to discuss where Indian tourism should go next and to shape strategies and policies for the coming years. With a strong focus on inbound tourism, the Convention can bring the industry together to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and identify practical ways to address the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
I believe India’s diverse tourism assets provide a strong opportunity to focus on high-value tourism. We should curate experiences that encourage international visitors to stay longer and spend more. Stronger and consistent overseas marketing is essential.
Tony Marwah
IATO EC – Active Member
I expect the Convention to continue its strong focus on knowledge sharing, with experts and senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and the hospitality industry bringing their perspectives to delegates. I believe these sessions will help industry professionals better understand and navigate the challenges. The Convention will provide a platform for delegates to gain insights while engaging with experts and stakeholders from across the tourism ecosystem.
I believe India’s challenge is not a lack of opportunities, but the missed opportunities. India suffers from inadequate global visibility and needs stronger international marketing to attract inbound travellers. Industry stakeholders have an important role to play in improving India’s visibility overseas. I see IATO’s international roadshows as a positive effort towards taking India’s tourism story directly to international markets.
Dr. Manoj Kumar Matta
IATO EC – Active Member
I believe the Convention is aligned with the changing expectations of today’s traveller, who increasingly seeks immersive experiences. Andhra Pradesh provides a backdrop, with its culture, beaches, spiritual circuits, heritage and tribal experiences. Exclusive B2B meetings with stakeholders will help delegates identify experts and develop experience-led products.
I see an opportunity for India to position itself as “India – The Peaceful Destination.” To capitalise on this opportunity, I believe India needs a more ambitious international marketing strategy supported by digital campaigns, greater global visibility, outdoor branding, influencer programmes and stronger airport presence. A focused and consistent promotional approach can help strengthen India’s image internationally.
Harish Mathur
IATO EC – Active Member
I expect the Convention to be focused on the future of Indian inbound tourism, covering new markets, technology, AI, sustainability and stronger global engagement. The Convention should help the travel trade exchange ideas, build partnerships and identify ways to make India more visible, competitive and easier to sell internationally.
I see India’s diversity of experiences as its biggest opportunity, particularly beyond the traditional circuits. Culture, wildlife, cuisine and adventure can offer compelling reasons to visit. India needs international marketing with market-specific positioning, stronger partnerships with overseas tour operators and a seamless visitor experience. India has the product; the challenge is to communicate and market it consistently to the world.
Vijayasarathy
IATO EC – Allied Member
I believe the 41st IATO Convention comes at an important moment when the industry needs to move beyond traditional circuits and develop new, experience-led destinations. I see Vizag as a strong example, through the Buddhist–Coastal Wellness Circuit combining Buddhist heritage, beaches, the Eastern Ghats and wellness. The Convention can explore how emerging destinations can be developed into market-ready international products offering fresh experiences beyond India’s established tourism circuits.
For me, India’s biggest inbound opportunity lies in creating differentiated destinations rather than concentrating international visitors around established circuits. Vizag has the potential to emerge as a destination, but this will require investment in connectivity, tourist facilities, quality accommodation, trained guides, wellness infrastructure and local transportation. These efforts must be supported by international marketing that builds awareness and demand. By developing emerging destinations into accessible tourism products, India can encourage travellers to explore more of the country and broaden the benefits of inbound tourism.
Wasim Shaikh
EC – Allied
I believe the Vizag Convention should be more than an industry event. With meaningful knowledge sessions and serious dialogue, it will provide an opportunity to examine the current challenges facing inbound tourism and work towards a roadmap for the future. I see collaboration between the industry, the Ministry of Tourism and private stakeholders as essential, with open dialogue playing an important role in building a stronger and more resilient tourism sector.
For me, India’s biggest inbound opportunity lies in inclusive and experience-centric tourism. International travellers increasingly want to get closer to destinations and experience the real India through its culture, cuisine and communities. By developing and promoting authentic, community-led experiences, India can differentiate itself in the global tourism market and create more meaningful journeys for international visitors while ensuring that tourism benefits reach local communities.
Ashok B. Dhoot
IATO EC – Allied Member
I believe this year’s IATO Convention comes at a very important juncture for Indian tourism. Delegates can look forward to meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, networking and practical insights on how the industry can strengthen India’s inbound tourism business. I see the Convention as a platform to exchange ideas, understand changing global traveller expectations and develop actionable strategies for the future. It provides an opportunity to address challenges, identify opportunities and work collectively to accelerate inbound tourism growth.
I believe India’s biggest opportunity is to position itself as a destination for international travellers. Stronger global marketing, better destination infrastructure, seamless connectivity, easier visa processes and greater government-industry coordination are needed.
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