The 40th edition of the IATO Annual Convention 2025, held from 22nd to 25th August 2025 in Puri Odisha, was a remarkable gathering of the country’s top travel and tourism professionals, thought leaders, and innovators. Set against the cultural backdrop of Puri, Odisha, the event focused on the theme “Rejuvenate Inbound @2030,” spotlighting new ideas, emerging trends, and opportunities for the future of tourism in India. From engaging discussions to meaningful networking with industry stakeholders, the convention was a true celebration of India’s vibrant travel ecosystem.
The 40th IATO Annual Convention was held against the dramatic backdrop of cascading waves of the Bay of Bengal that caressed the sands just a few metres away from the venue, the beautiful Swosti Premium Beach Resorts. The fact that the convention was held in the sacred land of Jagannath, Puri, marked it as a special occasion.
Want to dive deeper? Read the complete post to discover the major highlights and key insights from this milestone event.
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Reimagining India for the World: The 40th IATO Convention in Puri
When India’s inbound travel community gathers, it does more than compare notes—it sets the tempo for the industry’s growth, and pulsates with the spirit of dynamism and resilience. That very spirit came alive at the 40th Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), held in the sacred coastal city of Puri, Odisha, from August 22 to 25, 2025. With its theme, “Rejuvenate Inbound @2030,” the convention became a high-energy crucible for policy ideas, brand storytelling, state showcases, and pragmatic collaboration between industry and government. The holy city of Lord Jagannath provided both a sacred backdrop and a living canvas for conversations about how India can welcome more high-value travellers—sustainably, inclusively, and in large numbers.
40th IATO Annual Convention, 22nd to 25th August 2025 in Puri Odisha – Scripting A Road Map | Rejuvenate Inbound @2030
Choosing Puri was both symbolic and strategic. Odisha’s revered coastal capital, where spirituality blends with heritage, artistry, wilderness, and the sea, provided a fitting canvas for reimagining inbound tourism—one that bridges India’s timeless allure with the aspirations of the contemporary traveller, in an era that has embraced digital technology.
The convention’s official venue at Swosti Premium Beach Resort was a convenient hub for registration, business sessions, the Exhibition, where states showcased their offerings, and evening programmes of culture and entertainment. The structure of the convention ensured that the delegates were together and the energy was focused. Surrounding partner hotels also hosted many of the delegates, who numbered over a thousand.
Beyond convenience, the Puri choice underscored Odisha’s rising ambition to turn tourism into a growth driver. As Deputy Chief Minister Smt Pravati Parida framed it from the main stage during the inaugural session, the state’s goal is to shift perception from pilgrimage-only to a “complete tourism experience,” with targets of five crore domestic and seven lakh international visitors annually, backed by destination development, infrastructure creation, and new room capacity. “We invite the entire travel fraternity to partner with us… and take Odisha globally as one destination,” she urged.
40th IATO Annual Convention – Scale And Substance
IATO conventions always deliver scale: hundreds of operators, hospitality leaders, state tourism boards (17–18 states this year), and senior central and state officials. This edition layered in thoughtfully curated post-convention tours—Puri–Konark–Bhubaneswar, Konark–Dhenkanal, Chilika–Gopalpur, and more—so that delegates could experience Odisha’s product firsthand and carry back sharper selling stories. And the regular feature of the Run for Responsible Tourism returned as an introspective reminder that sustainability and community benefit are not talking points but shared commitments.
If the logistics were tight, the messaging was tighter. The underlying theme in nearly every session was that India must reclaim and grow leisure inbound with urgency, creativity, and coordinated execution—marketing smarter, removing friction, adding capacity, and investing in quality.
Inauguration Of The 40th IATO Annual Convention
The inaugural session of the 40th IATO Convention in Puri, Odisha, set the stage for a milestone discussion on the future of inbound tourism in India.
Graced by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the session highlighted India’s growing stature as a global destination. Shri Shekhawat affirmed, “India’s identity as an inbound destination is growing stronger than ever before,” and lauded IATO for shaping tourism discourse for decades.
Shri Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & DG (Tourism), struck a pragmatic note, cautioning that while India sends out nearly 28 million outbound travellers, it receives only around 20 million inbound—signalling the urgent need for action.
IATO President Shri Ravi Gosain emphasised the Prime Minister’s vision of positioning India as a spiritual hub and appreciated Odisha’s progressive infrastructure and policy initiatives. He highlighted Odisha’s pioneering role in eco-tourism, responsible tourism, connectivity, and innovative policies.
Speaking on the convention’s theme, ‘Rejuvenate Inbound @ 2030’, he explained that it symbolizes the collective aspiration of the industry to revive and expand India’s inbound tourism in the coming five years. He further emphasized the importance of sustained policy backing from key ministries to drive inbound growth, expand source markets, and strengthen last-mile connectivity.
The Convention Chairman and IATO Vice President Shri Sanjay Razdan urged members to craft immersive, high-value experiences. Odisha leaders showcased the state’s tourism ambitions, making the inauguration both inspiring and forward-looking.
Discussions on policy hurdles grounded the dialogue. Dr. Jitendra K. Mohanty, Chairman of IATO’s Eastern Region, noted that building a hotel required as many as 32 clearances, with delays in forest and CRZ permissions stalling projects. He urged the Centre to expedite approvals, pointing out that 5,000 rooms could be created within a few years. He also described Puri as a blend of Goa and Tirupati, underscoring the destination’s potential if supported by adequate access and infrastructure.
Deputy CM Smt Pravati Parida outlined Odisha’s plans for master destinations, expanded airports in Bhubaneswar and Puri, and policies supporting homestays, glamping, and MICE—signalling a future where the state’s cultural and natural wealth is reinforced by world-class infrastructure.
Brand India – 40th IATO Annual Convention
One of the most discussed pivots came in the Brand India conversation. Shri Suman Billa (IAS – Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India) emphasised that the old model of centrally produced, top-down campaigns has limited potency in a digital world teeming with creators and community narratives. “The linear narrative of us trying to create content and pumping it across is not the most optimal way,” he said. The opportunity, instead, is to “harness those voices that are already there,” coordinating, amplifying, and guiding rather than speaking alone. It’s a call to move from monologue to multi-voiced storytelling—with tour operators, influencers, diaspora, and local communities all creating authentic pathways into India.
That dovetails with a broader shift in destination marketing worldwide: orchestrating ecosystems rather than owning every message. For inbound, this means equipping small operators and experience-makers with the digital tools and quality standards to be discoverable and bookable; building trust architecture (clear policies, safety, and service reliability); and surfacing India’s lesser-known niches—craft, wellness, conservation, culinary heritage—through credible narrators.
State Presentations At The 40th IATO Annual Convention, Puri
A key highlight of the 40th IATO Annual Convention in Puri was the series of state presentations, which showcased the diversity and vision of Indian tourism. Each participating state used the platform to highlight its unique offerings, future plans, and strategies to attract international visitors. Odisha, in its role as host, outlined a forward-looking blueprint—spanning master destinations, expanded airports, and policy support for homestays, glamping, and MICE—to project itself as an all-encompassing tourism destination that blends spirituality, culture, and nature.
Uttar Pradesh drew attention with its vision for 2030, where every tourist would feel deeply connected with the state’s culture and spirituality. Highlighting Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and the perfume legacy of Kannauj, the state spotlighted river tourism, wellness experiences, and vibrant festivals such as Deepotsav. The presentation reinforced UP’s growing status as a global spiritual hub.
Other states, including Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh, highlighted niches such as beaches, Buddhist circuits, eco-tourism, and heritage experiences. Andhra Pradesh also announced that Visakhapatnam would host the next IATO Convention in 2026, passing the baton with enthusiasm. Collectively, the state presentations reflected the spirit of Unity in Diversity—where India’s tourism strength lies not in one story, but in a tapestry of destinations, each contributing to the nation’s inbound revival.
Apart from the presentations, the states had an opportunity to showcase their attractions at the exhibition. The exhibition at the 40th IATO Annual Convention brought together state tourism boards, hotels, airlines, and service providers under one roof. Showcasing diverse destinations, innovative products, and partnerships, it served as a vibrant marketplace where delegates networked, exchanged ideas, and explored new opportunities to strengthen India’s inbound tourism sector.
Culture And Entertainment At The 40th IATO Annual Convention
Though the 40th IATO Annual Convention was all about business, slots were allotted for fun and entertainment, too. These included a cultural extravaganza that unveiled Odisha’s vibrant culture during the inaugural ceremony.
Musical bands, DJs, and stand-up comedy ensured that the delegates truly let their hair down and enjoyed the evening. The Karaoke evening saw the delegates give wings to their latent singing talent. The delegates also enjoyed well-curated lunches and dinners that blended local Odia cuisine with Pan-Indian cuisines.
Run For Responsible Tourism At The 40th IATO Annual Convention
As part of the 40th IATO Annual Convention in Puri, the Run for Responsible Tourism infused the event with energy, purpose, and community spirit. The beautiful backdrop of the Puri beach was just the motivation required for the runners. The run drew enthusiastic participation from delegates, and this included men, women, senior citizens, and small kids alike.
The 5km run and walk were more than just a fitness activity; it was a symbolic reminder that tourism must tread lightly—respecting culture, conserving nature, and uplifting local communities.
Before setting off on the run, the participants took a pledge to be responsible tourists and tour operators.
By merging wellness with awareness, the initiative reinforced IATO’s commitment to promoting tourism that benefits both visitors and destinations. The run not only united the fraternity in a common cause but also left behind a powerful message—that the future of India’s inbound tourism must be responsible, ethical, and sustainable.
Familiarisation Tours At The 40th IATO Annual Convention
The delegates at the 40th IATO Annual Convention and their spouses were treated to an immersive experience of the destinations of Odisha, which enabled them to take back with them a slice of the state’s rich offerings as indelible memories.
Carefully curated itineraries took participants beyond the convention halls to explore iconic sites such as Puri, Konark, Raghurajpur, and Bhubaneswar, along with experiences at Chilika Lake, Gopalpur, and Dhenkanal. These tours allowed industry professionals to witness firsthand the state’s blend of heritage, spirituality, nature, and culture, equipping them with authentic stories to share with global travellers. By combining exploration with learning, the post-fam tours strengthened Odisha’s positioning as a vibrant, multifaceted destination for inbound tourism.
Valedictory Ceremony At The 40th IATO Annual Convention in Puri, Odisha
At the valedictory function of the 40th IATO Annual Convention in Puri, Shri Prithviraj Harichandan, Hon’ble Minister of Law, Works, and Excise, Government of Odisha, delivered an inspiring address. He lauded IATO for bringing global attention to Odisha’s immense tourism potential and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure, connectivity, and hospitality standards.
Emphasising collaboration between government and industry, he highlighted how sustainable tourism can empower local communities and preserve Odisha’s cultural and natural heritage. His words resonated with optimism and determination, leaving delegates assured of Odisha’s vision to position itself as a premier destination on the world map.
Far beyond a congregation of industry players, the 40th IATO Annual Convention in Puri marked a turning point in the story of India’s inbound tourism. With engaging sessions, policy dialogues, cultural showcases, and experiential tours, the convention highlighted both the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead. Odisha, as a gracious host, positioned itself as a destination where heritage, nature, and modern infrastructure converge. From the spirited run for responsible tourism to post-fam tours, the event balanced vision with action. As delegates departed, the message was clear: India’s tourism future rests on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration.
We hope this post on the 40th IATO Annual Convention 2025, held from 22nd to 25th August in Puri, Odisha, offered you an insightful glimpse into the convention’s significance. Please share this post on your social media and join us in celebrating this milestone event in India’s travel and tourism journey.
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