ADTOI launch theme for convention

The Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) will host its 8th Annual Convention-cum-exhibition at Novotel, Varun Beach, Visakhapatnam from November 17-18 and have decided on the theme for the same.

The theme of ADTOI convention this year is ‘Domestic Tourism: Explore India – One Country, Many Worlds,’ under which the association will explore various facets of its convention venue – Visakhapatnam. P P Khanna, President, ADTOI, says, “We are expecting over 300 delegates from across India. Through this convention, we hope to showcase the world-class facilities in Andhra Pradesh and its vast potential for domestic tourism. The ratio of domestic travel in America, which has a population less than India, is 1:6 which means that one person travels six times within America in a year. The same ratio in India, the most populous country in the world, is only 1:3. This shows that the potential of domestic travel in India is huge, and needs to be leveraged.”

Khanna further informed that the convention will address key industry issues like GST and its impact on domestic tourism; threat of online travel agents to the small and medium businesses and will also deliberate on the ways the central government, state government and private players can work in collaboration to improve tourist infrastructure in the country. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority is the state partner for the Convention while the association is also seeking support from other state tourism boards like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir and Telangana.

Rajat Sawhney, Vice President and Convention Chairman, ADTOI, adds, “We realised that despite being a national association, we did not have a significant presence in South India. With this convention, we hope to leave an imprint in various parts of South India which will also benefit our members from the region. We also plan to start a state chapter in Andhra Pradesh soon.” Commenting on the choice of Vizag as the convention venue, Sawhney elaborates, “Our purpose is to offer a new destination to the members. Visakhapatnam has been perceived as a business destination but we want to showcase it as a leisure spot. The city is blessed with natural beauty, hill ranges, pristine beaches and lush, natural valleys. Some of the interesting destinations of tourist interest are the Araku Valley, Borra Caves, Kailasagiri Hill, RamaKrishna Beach, Submarine Museum and the Dolphin’s Nose to name a few.”