40th IATO Annual Convention in Puri, Odisha From 22nd to 25th August 2025

The 40th IATO Annual Convention will be held from August 22 to 25, 2025, in Puri, Odisha. Announcing the event, Mr. Rajiv Mehra, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), shared that Odisha will serve as the host state, with participation expected from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and 15 to 18 other states.

Swosti Premium Beach Resort, Puri, will be the venue for the convention, hosting all key activities including registration, the inaugural function, business sessions, and evening programs. Partner hotels for the convention include Taj Puri Resort & Spa, ITC Fortune Beachfront, Mayfair Heritage, Mayfair Waves, Sterling, Regenta Central, and Empires Hotel in Puri, Mr. Mehra further informed.

The theme of the convention and other logistical details are being finalized and will be shared in due course, he added.

Mr. Ravi Gosain, Vice President of IATO, stated that the convention is expected to attract approximately 900 to 1,000 delegates from across the country. Attendees will include senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, state governments, industry leaders, tourism and hospitality professionals, and travel trade media. To showcase Odisha's diverse offerings, post-convention tours will be organized, aiming to promote the state in both domestic and international markets.

Over the three days, business sessions will address pressing issues in the tourism industry, with insights from experts across various fields. In addition to these discussions, the event will feature the IATO Run for Responsible Tourism and an awards ceremony recognizing excellence across multiple categories. Evening entertainment programs will be held on all three days, allowing delegates to unwind and network in a relaxed setting.

A highlight of the convention will be the Indian Tourism Fair (Travel Mart), scheduled for August 23 and 24 at Swosti Premium Beach Resort. This platform will provide IATO members the opportunity to engage with state tourism departments and other industry stakeholders. Additionally, a Karaoke Singing Competition will be organized during one of the evening programs, adding a fun and interactive element to the convention's social calendar.