Grand IATO 41st Annual Convention 2026 Set for Vibrant Visakhapatnam

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) will hold its 41st Annual Convention from September 10 to 13, 2026, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, popularly known as the “City of Destiny” and the “Jewel of the East Coast.” The flagship tourism industry gathering is expected to bring together nearly 1,000 delegates from across India.

 

Announcing the event, Ravi Gosain, President of IATO, said the convention will be organised under the theme “India: The World’s Next Tourism Opportunity,” reflecting the country’s growing potential as a global tourism powerhouse.

 

Gosain also announced the convention leadership. Sunil Mishra, Honorary Secretary, will serve as the Chairman of the Convention, while Deepak Kumarr Bhatnagar, Honorary Treasurer, has been appointed Co-Chairman. Vijay Mohan, Co-Chairman of IATO Andhra Pradesh, will coordinate the event.

The Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach has been selected as the official venue. All major convention activities, including delegate registration, the inaugural ceremony, business sessions, and evening cultural programmes, will take place at the hotel throughout the three-day event.

 

According to Gosain, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Tourism & Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh have accepted IATO’s invitation to attend the inaugural session on September 10, 2026.

 

IATO is also expecting strong support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and hopes to welcome Union Tourism & Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar, and Additional Secretary & Director General (Tourism) Suman Billa at both the inaugural ceremony and the business sessions.

 

The convention is being organised with the full backing of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture & Cinematography, Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary (Tourism & Culture), and Amrapali Kata, CEO of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, have extended their support to ensure the successful execution of the event.

 

Highlighting the scale of the convention, Sanjay Razdan, Vice President of IATO, said the association is targeting participation from nearly 1,000 tourism professionals representing different sectors of the travel industry. He added that specially curated post-convention familiarisation tours will introduce delegates to Andhra Pradesh’s diverse tourism attractions, helping promote the state’s destinations in both domestic and international markets.

 

To add a recreational element, the convention will also feature “IATO’s Got Talent,” a karaoke singing competition designed to encourage networking and engagement among delegates.

Convention Chairman Sunil Mishra said the event will host a series of high-level business sessions featuring policymakers, tourism experts, and industry leaders discussing key issues influencing the future of India’s tourism sector. The programme will also include the “IATO Run for Responsible Tourism,” award presentations recognising industry excellence, and a variety of cultural and entertainment events.

Co-Chairman Deepak Kumarr Bhatnagar announced that one of the convention’s major attractions will be the Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart), scheduled for September 11 and 12, 2026, at the convention venue. The Travel Mart will provide an important business platform for IATO members, State Tourism Boards, destination representatives, and travel industry stakeholders to explore new partnerships and strengthen tourism promotion initiatives.

 

With a forward-looking theme, extensive industry participation, and the support of both the central and Andhra Pradesh governments, the 41st IATO Annual Convention is expected to serve as a significant platform for collaboration, innovation, and business development while reinforcing India’s emergence as one of the world’s most promising tourism destinations.