IATO convention in Gandhinagar

Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), has announced that its 36th IATO Annual Convention will be held in Gandhinagar in Gujarat from December 16-19, 2021. There will also be post-convention tours for attendees, keeping all safety protocols in mind.

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The venue of the convention is The LeelaGandhinagar, shared Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO. The decision was made by the IATO Executive Committee, and Mehra announced the same by saying, “We planned to have our convention in Gujarat in September 2020 but had to postpone the same due to COVID -19”.

The statement issued by IATO stated that since the situation is improving now day-by-day and vaccination is going in full swing, December would be the appropriate time to have the convention. The association explained that this will give time to the stakeholders to get their second dose, who have not taken it so far and be ready to attend the convention. All SOPs and norms would be strictly followed and all delegates who will attend the convention, will have to submit copy of fully vaccination certificate and based on that their convention registration will be accepted.

Mehra added, “The stupendous success of the previous convention has raised the expectations of the members and sponsors. More than 900 delegates are expected for the three-day event and the IATO convention is eagerly awaited by all”.

IATO is going back to Gujarat after a gap of 10 years and it will be an excellent opportunity for the members to see the improved and developed infrastructure in Gujarat, claimed the statement.

Mehra also mentioned that industry is going through a very bad time and their focus would be to have deliberations as to how they can revive tourism and bring it back to pre-COVID level.

There will be many post-convention tours, which would be of great interest for the members, claimed the statement. On the sidelines of the convention, there will be the travel mart, which will be an opportunity for the
exhibitors to showcase exciting and diverse range of destinations, conference and incentive venues especially by the state governments.

The last IATO Covention was held in Kolkata in 2019, which saw delegates from across the country coming together in capital of West Bengal.

Mehra, along with office bearers of IATO, including EM Najeeb, Sr. Vice President, IATO and RajnishKaistha, Hony. Secretary, IATO, visited Gandhinagar recently to finalise the venue and dates of the convention. Even Statue of Unity was being proposed as  a venue for the convention.

After finalising the venue and the dates, the IATO team is currently working on deciding the theme of the convention, as well as the panel discussions & activities that will happen during the course of  the 3-day event.