The 40th IATO Annual Convention will be held from August 20 to 25, 2025, in Puri, Odisha. Odisha is the host state, and in addition to its participation, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, along with 15-18 other states, are expected to attend the convention, according to Rajiv Mehra, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).
Swosti Premium Beach Resort, Puri, has been designated as the venue hotel, where all key activities—including registration, the inaugural function, business sessions, and evening programs—will take place. Taj Puri Resort & Spa, ITC Fortune Beachfront, Mayfair Heritage & Mayfair Waves, Sterling, Regenta Central, and Empires Hotel are the partner hotels for the event, Mehra further informed.
The theme of the convention and other logistics are currently being finalised and will be announced in due course.
Ravi Gosain, Vice President of IATO, stated, “We anticipate around 900-1,000 delegates from across the country, including senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, state representatives, industry leaders, tourism and hospitality professionals, and travel trade media. Post-convention tours will also be organised to showcase Odisha’s tourism potential, promoting it in both domestic and international markets.”
Over the three-day convention, various business sessions will address pressing industry issues, featuring expert speakers from multiple fields. In addition to the discussions, the event will include the IATO Run for Responsible Tourism, with awards presented in various categories for winners and runners-up.
Evening entertainment programs will be held on all three days, allowing delegates to relax and network. A Karaoke Singing Competition is also planned for one of the evening sessions.
As part of the convention, IATO is organising the Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart) on August 23-24, 2025, at Swosti Premium Beach Resort, providing an opportunity for IATO members to engage with state tourism departments and other stakeholders to promote tourism.
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