IATO Convention to put Andhra’s bookable tourism products in focus; eyes 15–20% growth post-show

With the 41st IATO Convention in Visakhapatnam just around the corner, the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) seeks to use the upcoming gathering as a platform to turn policy discussions, destination showcases and business interactions into tangible outcomes for inbound tourism and the host state, Andhra Pradesh.

With the theme “India: The World’s Next Tourism Opportunity,” the convention is expected to bring together about 1,000 delegates, including tour operators, policymakers, state tourism departments and senior government officials. 
Over 500 registrations had already been received as of last week in August, with IATO expecting total registrations to cross 700 soon, including spot registrations.

A focused set of policy asks 

Deepak Bhatnagar, Hony. Treasurer, IATO and Co-Chairman of the Convention, said the objective was to emerge from Visakhapatnam with a defined set of priorities rather than allowing discussions to remain at the level of broad recommendations. 

As inbound tourism remains IATO's larger concern, he added that the immediate priorities include rebuilding inbound tourism through sustained international marketing, reducing friction for international visitors through visa facilitation and better connectivity, and addressing issues affecting the business environment for tour operators, regulation, skills and infrastructure.

IATO has also been seeking a stronger international marketing push for India, including a proposed INR 1,000-crore allocation for “Incredible India” marketing, alongside a stronger public-private mechanism such as the National Tourism Board. The association is also looking at new source markets through its “Namaste India” roadshows.
The intended outcome from the convention, he said, is a focused set of policy asks covering visas, GST, infrastructure and connectivity, and tourism promotion, backed by responsible ministries or agencies and follow-up timelines.

Bhatnagar pointed to faster e-visa processing, easier group visas and simplified procedures as areas requiring attention, while better air connectivity remains critical for making emerging destinations commercially viable. He cited the designation of Visakhapatnam seaport and Vijayawada airport as e-visa entry points as an example of the kind of policy change that could support inbound growth.

On the three-day programme, Bhatnagar shared that the business sessions have already been finalised, and several key speakers have already confirmed their participation, while keeping more details under wraps. 

Additionally, the programme will include B2B meetings involving Andhra Pradesh agents and hoteliers, Chapter Chairmen meetings and interactions with the Ministry of Tourism, state governments and other stakeholders. Besides the usual IATO Run for Responsible Tourism and other key engagement activities, the post-event familiarisation tours have been designed to give delegates first-hand exposure to the state's products. 

Notably, the 41st IATO Annual Convention will be held at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach from September 10 to 12, expected to be attended by the Chief Minister of Andhra & Union & State tourism ministers, among other top officials.  

Andhra gets a larger role

IATO also plans to expose delegates to six tourism circuits, including newer propositions around Rajahmundry and Amaravati, with the expectation that tour operators will eventually incorporate these products into their itineraries. “The IATO President has said the association is targeting potentially 15–20% growth in tourism to Visakhapatnam, provided connectivity improves,” Bhatnagar told T3.

Adding to this, K Vijay Mohan, Co-Chairman, IATO Andhra Pradesh and Co-ordinator for the Convention, said the state now needs to make a shift from possessing tourism assets to creating standardised experiences that can be put directly into international itineraries.

“Having a coastline and Buddhist sites is not enough. What an international buyer needs is a fixed itinerary,” he said, pointing to the state’s initiative around 15 experiences in PVTG tribal villages. The next step, he said, would be standardisation through trained guides, safety SOPs, hygiene standards, fixed departures and clear pricing.
Mohan also outlined a broader strategy for positioning Andhra Pradesh within established international travel circuits. “We need a single-window system for MICE and weddings in Vizag, incentives for operators to add Andhra as an extension to the Golden Triangle, and dedicated overseas marketing for the Buddhist Circuit,” he said.

He also sees Amaravati as a potential international Buddhist tourism proposition. “Amaravati has a powerful global story — it’s where Lord Buddha delivered the first Kalachakra sermon. That should be our pitch to the 640 million Buddhists in ASEAN and East Asia,” he said. Connectivity and destination storytelling, however, will remain central to whether these propositions translate into actual arrivals. Mohan highlighted the need for better last-mile connectivity to Thotlakonda, Bavikonda and Araku, alongside stronger destination marketing.

His other pitch is to reposition Visakhapatnam beyond its beach identity and establish it as a gateway for multiple high-value segments.

Speaking on the convention, he said that it has been designed as “Structured & Action-Oriented”, adding that these events can’t “just be talk shops anymore.”

“Which is why we shall also be having a Destination Showcase on the state with intent. Delegates will experience the Buddhism Circuit, Tribal Circuit, MICE and Wedding venues, through FAM tours. The goal is to convert this into bookable products immediately,” Mohan said, adding that this focus could be particularly significant for Andhra Pradesh, which has a broad portfolio of tourism assets.