The ATTOI Annual Convention 2025, held in Wayanad, Kerala, united over 100 tourism professionals to discuss strategies for rebuilding the region’s tourism sector after last year’s landslide disaster. The event emphasised innovative marketing, sustainability, and networking opportunities to boost Wayanad’s tourism growth.
The ATTOI Annual Convention 2025, organised by the Association of Tourism Trade Organisations of India (ATTOI), was held at Saptha Resort and Spa, Kuppadi, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad, from March 28 to 30, 2025.
The Inaugural Ceremony
Priyanka Gandhi, Member of Parliament for Wayanad District, inaugurated the convention. In her address, the MP emphasised the importance of expanding the networking of homestays, which could significantly enhance tourism exposure, benefiting small-scale entrepreneurs. Priyanka Gandhi assured her full support for the growth of the Wayanad tourism industry and expressed her commitment to being at the forefront of facilitating its development.
Subash Ghosh, President of ATTOI, welcomed the dignitaries, including Faizal Kottikollan, Founder of Tulah Clinical Wellness; MLAs I C Balakrishnan, T Sidhiq, and K P Anil Kumar; Vancheeswaran, President of WTO; and Ramanunni C Nair, General Manager of Saptha Resort and Spa, all of whom addressed the gathering.
A separate B2B session was inaugurated by O R Kelu, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes, who also addressed the meeting. Subash Ghosh, President, ATTOI, welcomed the attendees, while Jihad Hussain, Secretary, ATTOI, expressed the vote of thanks.
Tourism Marketing Sessions and Wellness Presentations
On March 29, Mohammed Riyas, Minister of Tourism, Govt of Kerala, inaugurated the Tourism Marketing Sessions via video conferencing. Parishit Khanna spoke on “Maximising Marketing Efficiency with ChatGPT” and explored AI-driven marketing techniques. Neha Nambiar, a renowned travel vlogger, discussed “How to Make a Viral Travel Vlog”, offering valuable insights into content creation and audience engagement. Additionally, a panel discussion on “Future Travel Trends & Predictions for 2025-26” provided in-depth perspectives on the evolving expectations of travellers and the industry’s response to global changes.
The event also featured presentations on Veiia by Tulah and Au Revoir Wellness Resort. Tulah is a one-of-a-kind holistic healing sanctuary that integrates Ayurveda, yoga, Tibetan medicine, and modern science to bring about transformative results. Ismail Khalid, Executive Director, Au Revoir Wellness Resort, shared their story, philosophy, and the immense tourism potential of Palakkad—a region rich in heritage, wellness, and experiential travel opportunities. The evenings culminated with curated sightseeing and walking tours followed by an evening networking dinner.
Rebuilding Wayanad’s Tourism Sector Post-Landslide Disaster
The landslide disaster last year was a significant setback for Wayanad’s tourism sector, affecting livelihoods, businesses, and the overall perception of the region as a safe travel destination. Speaking exclusively to TTJ, Subash Ghosh, President, ATTOI, said, “This year’s ATTOI Annual Convention was crucial in addressing these challenges by bringing together industry stakeholders, policymakers, and tourism professionals to strategise on recovery and rebuilding efforts. The convention emphasised innovative marketing approaches to rebuild Wayanad’s image as a must-visit destination. Through our discussions and collaborations, we aimed to instil confidence among travellers, attract investments, and strengthen the resilience of Wayanad’s tourism sector.”
“Our primary expectation was to create a strong platform for industry professionals to discuss practical and actionable strategies to boost Wayanad’s tourism. We focused on positioning Wayanad as a sustainable and high-value destination, leveraging digital marketing, AI-driven tourism solutions, and strategic collaborations. The B2B networking sessions were instrumental in fostering new business opportunities between travel agents, hoteliers, and tour operators. The overwhelming participation and enthusiastic engagement from delegates reaffirmed that Wayanad is on the path to recovery, and we are optimistic about its growth in the coming months,” added Ghosh.
The ATTOI Annual Convention 2025 was supported by Veiia by Tulah, with the Wayanad Tourism Organisation (WTO) as the event partner and Saptha Resort and Spa as the venue partner. The convention provided an excellent opportunity for informal discussions and collaborations among hoteliers, resort owners, and tour operators. It indeed served as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and business opportunities in the travel and tourism sector.
