Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) will organize its 29th Annual Convention from 8th -11th September, 2013 at Le Meridien, Kochi in Kerala. The theme of the convention is ‘Tourism – Innovations & Partnerships’. The subjects for the business sessions are being finalized. Arun Anand is the Chairman and Lally Mathews and E.M. Najeeb are the Co-Chairmen for this year convention. This was announced by Subhash Goyal, President in an interactive meeting held recently.
“Kerala has set an unprecedented growth in tourism. With IATO’s support most of the states where we had our earlier conventions achieved a blistering pace of development. We usher the state into a future of progress and prosperity. This has been a reality in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Karnataka, Gujarat & Maharashtra where we had our previous conventions” said Goyal.
Arun Anand, Convention Chairman said “every year, we try to promote a new state and work for an integrated growth. We have also earlier been to Kerala and this year, Kerala was in our mind from very beginning for our annual convention due to sea change in the tourism scene in Kerala. In view of the overwhelming response and support from the state Government and also from the travel industry, we had no hesitation to go for Kerala. Kerala with its infrastructural developments holds lot of prospects and potential for inbound tourism.”
Mathews mentioned that “Our objective of innovating and re-innovating to build our members trust, consumers interest to the destination being focused, establish connection with decision makers in the state and one to one basis promote the new destination products, to draw-out special strategies to attract customers with value additions, launching new products which offer unique experience of the state and create job opportunities for locals in motivating us for this selection. Thus the partnership which we form with the State Govt. can go beyond our convention period”.
E.M. Najeeb, Co-Chairman Convention & Chapter Chairman IATO Kerala Chapter mentioned that unique tourism potential, of Kerala with its beaches are being developed in a big way. Kerala Trade is deeply involved in all respects for the development of Kerala in an integrated manner. Post convention tours have been drawn up to give a real experience of Kerala. These are being given final touch. Our members must take advantage of the Post Convention tours covering Kumarakom, Thekkady, Munnar, Kovalam, and Wayanad and workout enchanting package for their clients overseas.
Goyal invited the members of IATO to join in numbers with families & friends. He also requested IATO members to make investments in hotels and resorts. “We must develop long term relationships and Kerala Govt. will extend all possible help for such ventures.”
