Saturday, August 10, 2024 Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board unveils grand plans for the 39th IATO Convention in Bhopal, set to showcase the state’s tourism potential and boost industry growth. At a pre-event held on July 24, 2024, at The Lalit in New Delhi, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board unveiled its expansive plans for the forthcoming 39th Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO). Scheduled from August 30 to September 2, 2024, in Bhopal, this convention will highlight the state’s diverse tourism potential and lay out strategies for enhancing tourism.
The pre-event gathered prominent personalities, including Mr. Ilayaraja T, Managing Director of MPSTDC, Mr. Rajiv Mehra, IATO President, Mr.
Ravi Gosain, IATO Vice President, and Mr. Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chairman of the IATO Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh Chapter, among other notable attendees. Dr.
Mohan Yadav, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, is set to inaugurate the IATO Annual Convention at the Taj Lakefront, Bhopal, as announced by Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Culture and Tourism, and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. The convention, themed “Resurgent India Inbound,” is anticipated to draw over 1,000 delegates, including key stakeholders, travel agents, and tour operators from around the country, with the goal of exploring new opportunities for enhancing both domestic and international tourism in India.
Madhya Pradesh, known for its 12 national parks, 25 sanctuaries, seven tiger reserves, and 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (three permanent and 11 tentative), offers a wide array of experiences for travelers. The state is eager to present its unique destinations and develop innovative tour itineraries catering to both domestic and international visitors. Rich in history, culture, and heritage, Madhya Pradesh boasts impressive architectural sites and natural beauty.
Key attractions include the historic Khajuraho temples, the grand Gwalior forts, the ancient rock-cut caves of Bhimbetka, and the historic city of Orchha. The state’s natural landscapes, including the picturesque Pachmarhi hills, the wildlife-rich Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks, and the tranquil ghats of Ujjain, create a compelling destination for all travelers. In 2023, Madhya Pradesh saw a significant increase in tourism, welcoming 112.
1 million visitors, up from 34.1 million in 2022. The rise in spiritual and religious tourism experiences has also contributed to this growth.
The IATO Convention will act as a platform to showcase the state’s lesser-known attractions and develop new tour routes, with a focus on spiritual and heritage destinations. To enhance the delegate experience, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, led by Additional Managing Director Ms. Bidisha Mukherjee, is organizing ten post-convention familiarization (FAM) tours, offering an in-depth exploration of the state’s hidden treasures.
The “IATO Run for Responsible Tourism” in Bhopal on September 1, along with several heritage walks, will further highlight the state’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism. The convention will also feature the participation of prominent dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Ministers Mr. Rajendra Shukla and Mr.
Jagdish Devda, as well as Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trust, and Endowment of Madhya Pradesh. Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, state tourism departments, and IATO leadership will underscore the importance of this event for India’s tourism sector. Madhya Pradesh Tourism is optimistic that the 39th IATO Annual Convention will be a tremendous success, fostering collaboration and elevating the state’s tourism industry to new heights.
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