40th IATO Annual Convention in Puri: Odisha Leads Inbound Tourism 2030 ‣ The Orissa Today

Puri, August 22, (OT Webdesk): Odisha Tourism, in partnership with the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), is hosting the 40th IATO Annual Convention in Puri from August 22 to 25, 2025. The event kicked off today with a grand inaugural ceremony at Swosti Premium Beach Resorts in Puri, marking a significant occasion for both the State of Odisha and the broader Indian tourism industry.

The inaugural session featured key dignitaries, including Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India; Smt. Pravati Parida, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha; Shri Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary & DG Tourism, Government of India; and Shri Balwant Singh, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Tourism, Government of Odisha. Their participation symbolises the collaborative spirit among the Union Government, the State, and industry stakeholders to enhance India’s inbound tourism efforts.

With the theme “Rejuvenate Inbound @2030,” the convention has attracted nearly 1,000 delegates, including national and international tour operators, tourism professionals, investors, and media representatives. The convention aims to provide a dynamic platform for dialogue, policy discussions, and business networking, with the shared goal of formulating a renewed vision for inbound tourism over the next decade.

**Convention Highlights:**

**Business Sessions & Knowledge Exchange:** Key discussions will centre on the future of inbound tourism, revitalising Brand India, sustainable tourism, immersive travel experiences, and new opportunities in areas such as cruise tourism, film tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Senior policymakers, state tourism leaders, and industry experts will lead these sessions.
**Special Focus on Odisha:** A dedicated session will highlight Odisha’s diverse tourism offerings, including heritage, eco, coastal, and spiritual tourism. This session will also detail the State’s forward-looking strategies as part of Vision 2036 and Vision 2047.**Post-Convention Tours:** Delegates will have the opportunity to participate in curated tours across Odisha, allowing them to experience the state’s cultural landmarks, natural landscapes, tribal traditions, and eco-tourism assets firsthand.

By hosting this landmark convention, Odisha reaffirms its commitment to using tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural preservation, and livelihood generation. Furthermore, it positions itself as a rising hub in the global tourism landscape. Through this collaboration with IATO, Odisha Tourism aims to foster stronger partnerships with tour operators, engage more deeply with stakeholders, and secure a more prominent place for the State on the world tourism map.