In the lead-up to the IATO Convention 2025 in Puri, BOTT India spoke with the association’s Office Bearers to gather their views on the event’s fresh highlights, its potential impact on India’s inbound tourism narrative, and the strategies needed to boost foreign arrivals. From identifying emerging source markets to leveraging digital innovation and strategic partnerships, they share their perspectives on shaping a stronger, more resilient future for inbound tourism.
Rajnish Kaistha
Sr. Vice President, IATO
The 40th IATO Convention in Puri is a landmark event. We strive to make our annual conventions unique each year in both content and format, which is why members look forward to them. This year, we have introduced new and diverse topics in our sessions to offer delegates meaningful takeaways. Our conventions have evolved with the times, combining a welcome break with insightful knowledge sessions.
India’s inbound tourism is yet to fully recover to pre-COVID levels. While we expected stronger numbers this season, a series of incidents since April 22 have impacted the momentum. This is why our theme—Rejuvenate Inbound Tourism @2030—focuses on long-term, steady growth projections for both regional and international markets, with special emphasis on India and Odisha.
We are presenting hard facts to both state and central governments. In the absence of overseas offices, negligible marketing budgets, and minimal participation in international roadshows or exhibitions, IATO must leverage its collective soft power. We need both state and central governments to work with us to revive inbound tourism. In today’s scenario, where tariffs risk creating a larger balance-of-payments challenge, proven inbound tourism strategies and soft diplomacy can help us navigate forward.
Sanjay Razdan
Vice President, IATO
The upcoming IATO Convention is a milestone event for us, celebrating four decades of IATO’s growth and impact. This year, delegates can look forward to experiencing Odisha’s vibrant culture, rich heritage, and stunning coastline, with post-convention study tours showcasing lesser-known tourism circuits. The Indian Tourism Fair on 23–24 August will connect members with tourism departments from 15–18 states, creating new partnership opportunities. Our business sessions will feature top industry experts addressing current challenges and opportunities, alongside special focus sessions on Responsible Tourism and the return of the IATO Run for Responsible Tourism. We’ve also planned enhanced networking and entertainment, including IATO Got Talent – Karaoke Evening Season 5, cultural evenings, and extended networking breaks.
Post-pandemic, IATO has worked tirelessly to revive and strengthen tourism, advocating for policy and financial support, restoring SEIS and MDA schemes, easing visa processes, and pushing for aggressive global marketing of Brand India. We’ve emphasised the need for regular roadshows, FAM trips, and global trade fair participation. Inbound tourism is a “sleeping giant,” and we continue to flag the urgency for action so India doesn’t miss the global recovery wave. Our recent active members’ brainstorming session in Delhi will soon culminate in a White Paper with expert recommendations.
Sunil Mishra
Hony. Secretary, IATO
This year’s IATO Convention in Puri is special in many ways. Our theme, “Rejuvenate Inbound Tourism @2030”, focuses on creating a clear roadmap for the next five years to bring India’s inbound tourism back to full strength and beyond. Delegates can look forward to highly interactive business sessions, more knowledge-sharing opportunities, and a strong line-up of industry leaders and state tourism boards. We have also enhanced networking formats and introduced fresh perspectives on technology adoption, sustainability, and offbeat tourism products.
Regarding source markets, while our traditional markets remain important, we are seeing promising interest from new regions such as Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia. Importantly, China is reopening to the world after a gap of five years and will once again be a key market for India. To tap into these opportunities, we need targeted marketing campaigns, improved air connectivity, active participation in focused international travel marts, and close collaboration with overseas tour operators to create culturally customised itineraries. These markets are eager for authentic, experiential travel and India is well positioned to deliver that.
Deepak Kumarr Bhatnagar
Hony. Treasurer, IATO
With the theme “Rejuvenate Inbound Tourism”, our business sessions this year will focus on identifying actionable ways to give India’s inbound tourism the push it urgently needs. We will deliberate on enhancing our offerings, improving ease of doing business, elevating the overall client experience to international standards, strengthening our competitiveness as a destination, and—most importantly—reviving the global marketing of Destination India.
The IATO Executive Committee works as one united team to address key industry challenges that hinder tourism promotion. We are actively working to revive marketing campaigns for India in major source markets, while engaging with multiple ministries—Home, External Affairs, Culture, and Civil Aviation—on crucial issues like visas and connectivity.
For member engagement, we have created several working groups and committees tailored to industry needs. Recently, we held a full-day brainstorming session with over 100 members from across India, both in person and online. We are also planning to establish a dedicated think tank to discuss pressing industry issues, gather member feedback, and prepare a comprehensive White Paper to be submitted to all relevant ministries connected to the tourism sector.
Viney Tyagi
Hony. Joint Secretary, IATO
Inbound tourism is still regaining momentum, and at IATO, we are committed to accelerating this recovery by showcasing every region of the country. Hosting our annual convention in different states each year ensures diverse destinations get their due spotlight.
This year’s convention in Puri, Odisha, is a big step forward for Eastern India—an area rich in potential yet underexposed. The enthusiasm is clear: our post-convention FAM tours always fill up fast, and this year we’ve curated eight itineraries covering tribal belts and hidden gems across Odisha. These firsthand experiences will inspire tour operators to include such destinations in their itineraries, boosting both regional and national tourism.
Digital innovation, especially AI, is transforming industries, and tourism is no exception. While adoption may be a learning curve for traditional operators, AI offers opportunities to enhance efficiency, personalise travel, and raise India’s global visibility. To address this, we’ve planned an exclusive session on AI at the convention to explore its practical uses in tourism.
On the partnerships front, IATO has signed multiple MoUs with international tourism associations, fostering mutual promotion and collaboration. Despite limited government support, our members remain resilient and proactive because the sustainability of our industry depends on it.
Rajiv Mehra
Immediate Past President, IATO
This year’s IATO Convention promises several unique elements that will make it truly memorable. We have planned a well-appointed inaugural session, followed by strategic business sessions featuring leading industry experts. Delegates can look forward to insightful presentations from 17 State Governments, showcasing new destinations, tourism sites, infrastructure developments, and connectivity policies. A dedicated session on Odisha Tourism will highlight the state’s offerings, while post-convention tours will allow participants to experience key tourism sites firsthand. Evenings will be filled with engaging entertainment, including the much-loved IATO Run for Responsible Tourism, culminating in a dynamic valedictory session.
I also see exciting opportunities in emerging international source markets beyond our traditional strongholds in the US, UK, and Europe. There is growing potential in Southeast Asia—Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines—Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Latin America. To capture these markets, we must invest in targeted marketing campaigns, enhance air connectivity, simplify visa processes, and curate culturally tailored experiences. Participation in trade fairs and collaborations with local tour operators will further strengthen our presence, positioning India as a must-visit destination for these new traveller segments.
Follow BOTT on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
Subscribe BOTT Channels on WhatsApp & Telegram to receive real time updates
