IATO’s 43rd Annual General Meeting in New Delhi focuses on tourism revival, policy reforms and digital growth, ETTravelWorld

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) held its 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Claridges Hotel, New Delhi, marking over four decades of service to India’s domestic tourism sector. The annual event attracted the participation of leading tour operators, policy makers and government representatives to deliberate on key policy issues, market recovery and digital transformation of travel trade.

In his welcome address, Ravi Gosain, Chairman, IATO, reiterated the association’s commitment to strengthening India’s global tourism profile through united policy advocacy and strategic engagement with government bodies. He emphasized the progress IATO has made on critical issues, including rationalization of the Goods and Services Tax, reopening of the Chinese market, and adoption of technology-based initiatives to support members. “IATO’s strength lies in its unity, credibility and ongoing advocacy,” Goossen said. “We are committed to ensuring that the interests of our members remain at the forefront of national tourism policy discussions.”

Gossin highlighted the ongoing efforts by IATO which led to amendments by the GST Council, bringing down the GST rate on hotels below INR 7,500 from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, while maintaining the 5 per cent rate on tour operator services. He reiterated IATO’s continued support for export industry status for foreign exchange-earning tour operators, a unified 5 percent GST on passenger transportation and catering services, and recognition of tourism as an essential export service on par with the IT sector. He also called for facilitating faster visa processing, reinstating e-visas, and simplifying biometric processes to accelerate growth in the Chinese market. The President also announced capacity building programs, including first responder and generative artificial intelligence workshops, aimed at equipping members with advanced technological skills. He also unveiled the upgraded IATO website which features enhanced member access, carousel tracking and an integrated communications dashboard.

Presenting the Annual Report, Sunil Mishra, Honorary Secretary of IATO, reviewed the Association’s key policy interventions, advocacy initiatives and international commitments. He expressed concern over the sharp decline in the Ministry of Tourism’s foreign marketing budget – from INR 33 lakh to INR 3 lakh – and called for at least INR 1,000 crore to be allocated for annual marketing to achieve the target of 30 million foreign tourists by 2028.

Mishra emphasized the need for tax refund for tourists (TRT), consideration of export status for inbound operators, and enhanced Marketing Development Assistance (MDA). He also highlighted IATO’s active participation in leading international trade fairs such as WTM London, ITB Berlin, FITUR Madrid, ATM Dubai and GITB Jaipur.

The event concluded by reaffirming IATO’s commitment to collaborative growth and to a more digitally enabled, policy-driven and globally competitive tourism ecosystem in India.

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