Powering collaboration, innovation & game-changing travel strategies
Regional leaders have a pivotal role in determining the trajectory of travel in India’s dynamic tourism industry. As India’s position in the global tourism market continues to improve, the chapter chairmen of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) provide valuable insight into the opportunities and threats that the industry will face in the future. These influential people are taking the lead in their areas to promote innovation and growth by doing things like lobbying for new policies and supporting local tourist efforts.
Nitin Konde
IATO Chapter Chairmen Share Ground-Level Insights to Shape India’s Tourism Future.
Prateek Hira
Chairman IATO Uttar Pradesh Chapter
India’s inbound travel sector faces a “National Inbound Tourism Crisis,” with low arrivals and foreign tourist spending, overlooked by successive governments. Despite India’s strength across tourism segments—leisure, business, spiritual, medical, MICE, and weddings—the market’s full potential remains untapped. A phased, segment-specific focus is essential, avoiding diluted messaging. The Ministry must project a clear, targeted identity, following the principle of “one thing at a time and that done well” to boost competitiveness and attract more high-value visitors. The IATO Convention is a key learning and networking platform for travel professionals, helping members stay updated on trends and plan strategically. Its well-curated sessions, diverse speakers, and peer networking offer valuable takeaways. Given operators’ strong role in driving Odisha’s tourist traffic, hosting the convention in the state provides an excellent opportunity for the fraternity to experience firsthand the destinations they have long promoted, strengthening both regional promotion and industry collaboration.
Gurinder Singh
Chairman, IATO Punjab Chapter
It’s true that inbound tourism was severely impacted by COVID-19 and is only gradually recovering. Unfortunately, setbacks such as the Pahalgam incident and the Iran–Israel conflict have once again slowed its momentum. The ball is now in the government’s court to revive inbound tourism to the desired level.
Currently, a European tourist might choose destinations like Malaysia, Vietnam, or Cambodia over India if they find India comparatively expensive. In addition, there is an urgent need to simplify the visa process. Offering a visa-on-arrival facility would be a significant step in the right direction.
I believe the upcoming IATO Convention in Puri will serve as a vital platform to discuss the challenges faced by India’s tourism sector. This convention will also convey the sentiments of IATO members to the government, urging them to adopt a more supportive approach towards inbound tourism. At this juncture, the sector needs encouraging measures from the government, and I feel this will be the key highlight of the event.
Ranga Reddy
Chairman, IATO Telangana & Andhra Pradesh Chapter
Declaring 2026 as “Visit India,” tourism leaders are calling for simplified, fully digitised visa processes and stronger promotion of India as a year-round destination, with a focus on showcasing lesser-known gems. Key priorities include upgrading infrastructure, enhancing visitor amenities, and empowering small operators through digital tools and overseas marketing support. Upskilling industry stakeholders is seen as essential to delivering world-class service. With these measures, India has the potential to surpass pre-pandemic tourism levels, strengthen its global appeal, and position itself as a leading destination for diverse travel experiences.
The upcoming IATO Convention in Puri, themed “Rejuvenate Inbound Tourism @2030”, is viewed as a pivotal platform to shape the sector’s future. Key expectations include clear digital transformation strategies, streamlined visa systems, stronger industry–government collaboration, and the sustainable promotion of lesser-known destinations. Addressing infrastructure gaps to enhance the visitor experience remains a pressing priority.
Himanshu Agashiwala
Chairman – IATO Western Region
IATO stresses the urgent need to revive inbound tourism, urging media to avoid negative portrayals that brand India unsafe, such as repeated reports on crimes against women and tourist harassment. Positive promotion, cleaner environments, well-maintained toilets, and tidier cities are vital to attract visitors. High taxes deter tourists, and the government is urged to launch impactful publicity campaigns to showcase India’s appeal, enhance its image, and encourage greater inbound travel. The IATO Convention theme, “Rejuvenate Inbound”, focuses on planning tourism’s revival. Under young president Ravi Gosain, IATO seeks vigorous discussions with government and industry stakeholders to chart a strong comeback. Bringing members from across India to Puri provides a valuable platform for interaction, idea exchange, and collaborative strategies to boost inbound tourism, fostering unity and innovation within the industry.
Mahendra Singh Rathore
Co – Chairman, IATO Rajasthan Chapter
Accelerating inbound tourism requires visa liberalization and simplification for seamless travel, supported by global marketing campaigns showcasing India as a safe, diverse, year-round destination. Enhanced connectivity and infrastructure, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, are crucial. Public-private partnerships should develop niche sectors like wellness, heritage, and adventure tourism. Embedding sustainability and digitalization as core policy pillars will align India with global trends, ensuring long-term growth, competitiveness, and a richer experience for international visitors. The IATO Convention in Puri offers a key platform for collaboration, innovation, and strategic dialogue to drive inbound tourism growth. Priorities include policy reforms, technology adoption, and diversifying destinations, with a focus on lesser-explored regions like Odisha. The event aims to strengthen government–private sector engagement, fostering a unified roadmap for sustainable tourism. By aligning strategies and encouraging joint action, the convention seeks to unlock new opportunities and ensure long-term, balanced growth for India’s inbound sector.
Pandian Kumaravel
Chairman – IATO Southern Region
The top priority is projecting India as a safe, clean, and hygienic destination. Strong, effective communication of this message will build global confidence and boost foreign tourist arrivals more than any other promotional strategy. IATO serves as a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among tourism stakeholders. The 40th IATO Convention in Puri is expected to drive key discussions on tourism policy changes, sustainability, digital growth, and infrastructure improvements. Focus areas include easing travel for foreign tourists, enhancing service quality, and addressing transport, hotel capacity, and guide coordination issues. For South India, the convention offers opportunities to promote lesser-known destinations, boost visibility, and attract more international visitors through targeted campaigns and partnerships. Stakeholders from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh can showcase their unique offerings, aiming for greater presence in global travel catalogues. As Southern Region Chairman, I see this as a vital chance to build connections, share ideas, and create concrete strategies for tourism growth.
Pravin Shah
Chairman – IATO Maharashtra and Dadra, Nagar Haveli & Daman Chapter
India’s inbound tourism has rebounded well post-pandemic, bringing relief to the sector. Skill development programs are being conducted for members, alongside discussions with state governments to seek their support. Priorities include promoting inbound tourism, cruise tourism, transport, logistics, and qualified tour guides. The IATO Convention Puri 2025 is expected to draw around 900 participants, including hoteliers, tour operators, and transport and logistics providers from across India. It offers a prime opportunity for members to connect with suppliers and agents, expanding opportunities in both inbound and domestic tourism. Following the convention, Odisha can anticipate greater promotion and popularity as a tourism destination, a trend observed in previous IATO conventions hosted in various states.
Sunil Gupta
Chairman, IATO Northern Region
Accelerating inbound tourism growth requires strategic marketing in key source markets, showcasing India’s spiritual, wellness, heritage, and eco-tourism strengths. Priorities include simplified visa processes, seamless travel experiences, and multilingual support. Public-private partnerships should develop high-quality products in lesser-known destinations, while capacity building must raise service, safety, and sustainability to global standards. Embracing digital transformation and data-driven insights will help track trends. With focused efforts, India can aim to welcome over 20 million foreign tourists annually by 2030. The IATO Convention in Puri is a pivotal event poised to drive the revival of inbound tourism to India. Serving as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and regional promotion, it leverages Odisha’s rich cultural and natural heritage to inspire new circuits, products, and experiential offerings. The convention aims to strengthen engagement among government bodies, the private sector, and international stakeholders, fostering alignment on long-term strategies and actionable steps to diversify and expand India’s inbound tourism portfolio.
Debjit Dutta
Chairman, IATO West Bengal Chapter
Post-pandemic, global travellers are increasingly mindful and purpose-driven, creating an opportunity for India to position itself as a destination rich in cultural depth, emotional resonance, and environmental sensitivity. Strategic marketing must be paired with improved international access, especially through enhanced land ports in Eastern and Northeastern India—a recommendation I recently submitted to the MEA on behalf of IATO, which could be transformative for the region. The IATO Convention, with its theme “Rejuvenate Inbound @2030,” stands as a defining milestone, focusing the industry’s collective efforts on sustainability, authenticity, and regional inclusion. Odisha, with its Bay of Bengal coastline, tribal heritage, and cultural wealth, is uniquely placed to lead regional narratives. With the right strategy, it can emerge as a central hub for inbound experiences, driving diversified tourism growth and attracting purpose-driven travellers seeking meaningful, immersive, and environmentally conscious journeys across India’s lesser-explored destinations.
Dr. Peter Lobo
Chairman – IATO Sikkim and North Bengal Chapter
Boosting inbound tourism requires simplified visas with expanded e-Visa access, fee waivers, and streamlined entry. Niche tourism in wellness, spirituality, wildlife, and lesser-known destinations should be promoted through targeted global marketing and roadshows. Improved connectivity via more international flights and better last-mile infrastructure is essential. Simplifying policies for tour operators and encouraging private investment will enhance ease of doing business. Prioritizing sustainable, eco-friendly practices will align with global trends, helping India regain momentum and attract high-quality foreign visitors. IATO Puri 2025 will unite tour operators, state officials, international buyers, hospitality partners, tech innovators, and media for wide industry representation. Expected outcomes include MoUs, policy inputs, new circuits, and investments, with a focus on Eastern India. Highlights include sessions on sustainability, digitization, and crisis resilience, plus showcases for Odisha, North Bengal, and the Northeast. B2B meetings and networking will foster partnerships, while a travel-tech zone will present innovative solutions, positioning the event as a catalyst for tourism growth.
Dr. Sanket Shah
Chairman IATO Gujarat & Diu Chapter
Reviving inbound tourism beyond pre-pandemic levels demands a multi-pronged strategy: streamlined visas, better airport infrastructure, and smooth inter-state travel; aggressive global marketing of diverse circuits, including spiritual, heritage, and experiential tourism; and capacity building for world-class services. Public-private collaboration with incentives for inbound-focused investments, alongside a strong focus on sustainability, cleanliness, and safety, are some of the key elements that need a strong attention. With its vast potential, India can lead the next wave of global tourism, and this convention can be a defining milestone in that journey. The IATO Convention remains a key platform for collaboration, innovation, and inspiration. This year’s focus is on actionable discussions that leverage Odisha’s cultural and natural diversity while advancing national strategies to enhance India’s global tourism competitiveness. The event aims to strengthen industry–government partnerships, promote sustainable tourism models, and deepen engagement with international travel markets, ultimately driving growth and positioning India as a leading destination for diverse and responsible travel experiences.
Nirmalya Choudhury
Chairman, IATO North East States Chapter
Accelerating inbound tourism requires a multi-front approach: renewed overseas marketing, stronger ties with foreign tour operators, and sustained campaigns in key markets. Reviving the MDA scheme, boosting presence at global fairs, and using credible influencers can enhance visibility. Policy reforms should simplify e-visas, offer visa-on-arrival for select countries, and align taxes competitively. A National Tourism Board, empowerment of niche operators, and training in digital marketing and sustainability can foster community-driven growth, building a resilient, world-class inbound tourism sector. The IATO Convention in Puri is a crucial opportunity for both reflection and action in India’s tourism sector. Urgent priorities include sustained government funding for overseas marketing to reposition India globally, and adoption of international best practices to deliver world-class visitor experiences. By producing actionable strategies to enhance quality and value, the convention can strengthen inbound tourism—a key driver of foreign exchange, jobs, and cultural diplomacy—while setting the tone for a coordinated national revival effort.
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