Hundred eminent Indian travel professionals to attend IATO Outbound Convention in SL
The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Outbound Convention will be held in Colombo from October 2-4.
Recognised by India’s Ministry of Tourism, IATO is India’s national apex body of tour operators with membership from around India exceeding 1,600 entities. Membership comprises of India’s inbound tour operators, travel agents, hotel chains, airlines and other stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry.
This annual outbound convention is a much anticipated even in the Indian travel operator’s calendar drawing in attendance from 1,200 to 1,400 participants annually. Delegates from India’s various states, senior politicians and administrative officials representing both India’s central and state governments also participate with vast trade and mainstream media coverage also being attracted. The convention is India’s main tourism sector assembly where delegates meet to formulate the upcoming year’s strategies and policies.
With the addition of outbound tourism to its main sections of activities, IATO has expanded its range, going beyond being restricted to inbound tourism alone.
IATO has also initiated a special Outbound Tourism Council and its first convention ever will be held in Colombo during the first week of October attracting roughly 200 Indian outbound tour operators providing Sri Lanka Tourism another opportunity to present the island’s many tourism products. In addition a business to business segment with Sri Lankan inbound tour operators, hoteliers, etc. will also be conducted.
The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau is hosting this event and is expected to prompt added Indian interest in Sri Lanka enabling the island to move closer to fulfilling its projected goal of attracting one million Indian tourists in 2020 by highlighting Sri Lanka’s range and variety of destinations and tourism products.
OSL TAKE:
The opportunity for Sri Lanka Tourism to highlight its many products, destinations and capabilities will boost the country’s ability to draw in Indian interest in terms of partnerships and collaborations.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/03102017/Z_8 |