Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh announced that Visakhapatnam will host the 41st IATO annual convention from September 10-12, offering significant fee waivers for local businesses.

  • 41st IATO National Annual Convention scheduled in Visakhapatnam from Sept 10-12.
  • Complete waiver of ₹10,000 admission fee for Andhra Pradesh tourism stakeholders.
  • Reduced registration fees for local delegates to boost participation.

In a major boost to the regional hospitality sector, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh announced on Thursday that the state will host the 41st national annual convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) in Visakhapatnam from September 10 to 12.

Speaking at the Secretariat in Amaravati, Minister Durgesh emphasized that the convention will serve as a premier platform, bringing together leading tourism representatives, tour operators, hotel managers, and policymakers from across India. The event is designed to showcase the state's diverse tourist destinations on a national stage.

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Strategic Incentives for Local Stakeholders

To ensure maximum participation from the local industry, the state government and IATO have introduced significant financial concessions. The ₹10,000 (plus GST) one-time admission fee typically required for IATO membership has been completely waived for tourism stakeholders based in Andhra Pradesh. This waiver remains valid for applications submitted until December 31, 2026.

Furthermore, the convention's registration fee, which usually stands at ₹6,000 for members and ₹8,500 for non-members, has been slashed to just ₹3,000 for delegates hailing from Andhra Pradesh. Eligible local representatives can apply through the official IATO portal without any initial admission costs.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that hosting a high-profile national convention like IATO is a strategic move to integrate local hospitality providers with the national travel ecosystem. By lowering the barrier to entry, the state is effectively democratizing access to high-level business networking for smaller operators and homestay owners.

This convention acts as a critical catalyst for transforming Andhra Pradesh from a transit destination into a primary tourism hub.

The convention is expected to draw over 1,000 industry leaders, including domestic travel companies, destination management companies, and airline representatives. This provides a unique, low-cost promotional opportunity for local hotels and resorts to establish direct business relationships with major tour operators.

Historical Background

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is a premier organization representing the inbound tourism industry in India, boasting over 2,068 members. Its annual conventions are pivotal for setting industry trends and fostering B2B connections that drive national tourism growth.

Did You Know?: Visakhapatnam, often called Vizag, is one of India's most prominent coastal cities, known for its unique blend of hills and beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can local tourism businesses apply for the concessions?
Eligible businesses can apply online via the official IATO website at https://iato.in/Register/form.

2. What is the deadline for the membership fee waiver?
The waiver on the ₹10,000 admission fee is applicable for applications submitted by December 31, 2026.