Charting the road to “Rejuvenate Inbound Tourism @2030”
As the travel and tourism industry readies itself for the 40th IATO Annual Convention in Puri, from August 22–25, 2025, the theme “Rejuvenate Inbound Tourism @2030” takes on special significance. This milestone gathering comes at a crucial time—when inbound tourism to India, though steadily recovering, has yet to match pre-pandemic numbers. Over 1,000 delegates, including industry leaders, policy-makers, and tourism stakeholders, will converge to engage in knowledge sessions, explore Odisha’s diverse offerings, and collaborate on strategies to make India a more competitive global destination. Ahead of the convention, BOTT reached out to IATO’s Executive Committee members to share their expectations from the event and their perspectives on the key strategies needed to accelerate inbound growth. Here’s what they had to say:
Pallavi Sharma
Tony Marwah
Executive Committee – Active, IATO
My expectations remain consistent: better sessions, improved formats, and strong networking opportunities with hospitality and aviation partners. However, challenges remain—minimal budgets for MOT, closure of overseas offices, lack of marketing in key source markets, removal of MDA and SEIS, reduced flights, high fares, and unfriendly visa policies. We must address these urgently to restore tourism to pre-pandemic levels, and IATO is actively engaging the government on these points.
Sejoe Jose
Executive Committee – Active, IATO
The Puri Convention, under Mr. Ravi Gosain’s leadership, will be rich in learning, networking, and awareness-building for the future. Declines in European arrivals are linked to economic instability, geopolitics, and negative perceptions. We must ask ourselves: Are we innovating products? Practicing responsible tourism? Avoiding over-tourism? Using modern tools to showcase destinations? If we answer and act on these questions, inbound numbers will grow.
Manoj Kumar Matta,
Executive Committee – Active, IATO
This 40th Convention is about collective introspection and actionable strategy. We must push for strong government support—₹1000+ crore for international marketing, SEIS reintroduction, MICE incentives, simplified visas, and a unified brand identity for ‘Destination India.’ Hosting influencers, ensuring interstate synergy, and reinstating MDA for trade fairs are vital. Industry partners must commit to preferential rates, guaranteed allocations, and flexible cancellations for inbound operators.
Rishi Kapoor
Executive Committee – Active, IATO
Puri offers the perfect setting for one of the best IATO conventions ever. We have culture, nature, wellness, adventure, and festivals—but to regain momentum, we need aggressive marketing in key markets, media support to build confidence, visa-free travel initiatives, and fresh experiences. Let’s make India a year-round international destination.
Ashok B. Dhoot
Executive Committee – Allied, IATO
We look forward to the IATO Convention in Puri as a platform to discuss current trends, challenges, and innovations in the tourism sector, along with strategies to adapt to evolving market dynamics. Key highlights we anticipate include sessions on sustainable practices, policy discussions, and roundtables to identify and promote emerging destinations. To boost inbound tourism and move closer to pre-pandemic levels, a stronger focus on thematic tours, promoting underrated regions, leveraging initiatives like ‘One District One Product,’ and using technologies like virtual reality will be crucial. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding, and the need to curb single-use plastic must be addressed. Tour operators can play a transformative role by building local partnerships, promoting authentic experiences, and driving eco-friendly practices.
Vijayasarathy
Executive Committee – Allied, IATO
The convention will deliver insights on inbound strategies, destination development, and sustainable tourism. Key steps include reinstating e-visas for crucial markets, reducing TCS, ensuring 48-hour visa processing, and boosting connectivity under UDAN. Strong global marketing via roadshows, fairs, fam tours, and digital branding—possibly through a dedicated India Tourism Board—is essential.
Wasim Shaikh
Executive Committee – Allied, IATO
Each year, the IATO Convention unites industry stakeholders for meaningful dialogue. With global political disturbances and recent flight restrictions impacting tourism, this year is about creating a long-term roadmap for India’s inbound growth. We need to diversify, tap niche segments, and innovate—whether it’s cruise tourism, food trails, or experiential journeys. Traditional packages are losing appeal; India must showcase unique offerings beyond cultural and beach holidays. Innovation and adaptation are key to survival and growth.
Harish Mathur
Executive Committee – Active, IATO
Puri 2025 is a platform for member collaboration, state partnerships, and practical solutions. The way forward: streamline visas, reduce GST, improve last-mile connectivity, and create experience-driven itineraries beyond the Golden Triangle. Aggressive global marketing and partnerships with international operators are vital. It’s time to move from talking to implementing—consistently and with accountability.
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