The Indian Association of Tour Operators has announced that the 41st IATO Annual Convention will be held from 10–13 September 2026 in Visakhapatnam, popularly known as the City of Destiny and the Jewel of the East Coast.
The convention will be organised under the theme, “India: The World’s Next Tourism Opportunity,” reflecting the industry’s growing optimism about India’s emergence as a leading global tourism destination.
According to Ravi Gosain, the convention aims to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, tourism professionals, and stakeholders to discuss the future direction of India’s tourism sector and explore new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Sunil Mishra will serve as the Chairman of the Convention, while Deepak Kumarr Bhatnagar will take on the role of Co-Chairman. Vijay Mohan will coordinate the event locally.
The convention venue will be the Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, where registration, business sessions, networking activities, and evening programmes will be hosted over the three-day event.
The event is expected to receive strong support from the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Senior dignitaries, including N. Chandrababu Naidu and Kandula Durgesh, are expected to attend the inaugural session.
The convention is expected to attract nearly 1,000 delegates from across the country. A major highlight will be the Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart), scheduled for 11–12 September, which will facilitate interactions between tour operators, tourism boards, and industry stakeholders.
In addition to business sessions and policy discussions, the convention will feature initiatives such as the IATO Run for Responsible Tourism, recognition awards, post-convention destination tours, and networking activities designed to showcase the tourism potential of Andhra Pradesh.
With its strong industry participation and strategic focus, the 41st IATO Annual Convention is expected to further strengthen India’s position as one of the world’s most promising tourism destinations.
