IATO will bring tourism revolution in Madhya Pradesh: Shukla

IATO will play an important role in bringing tourism revolution in the country and Madhya Pradesh. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla was addressing the closing ceremony of the 39th session of IATO at Hotel Taj. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Shukla said that promotion of tourist places is very important to attract tourists. Through this convention, IATO members will get to know the tourism of Madhya Pradesh closely and will give information about it to the tourists. This will significantly increase the number of foreign tourists in Madhya Pradesh in the future. Deputy Chief Minister encouraged IATO member tour and travel operators to promote the tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh among foreign tourists and motivate them to visit Madhya Pradesh.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism and Religious Trusts and Endowments, Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh will become the leading state in the country from the tourism perspective. IATO will play an important role in increasing the number of tourists in Madhya Pradesh. Minister Shri Lodhi informed the IATO members about the tourism offerings of Madhya Pradesh and the government’s efforts to develop tourism facilities. Minister Shri Lodhi said that after the convention, all IATO members will get first-hand experience of destinations of Madhya Pradesh through post tours. All the members will be able to know closely about the natural beauty, historical heritage and rich culture of Madhya Pradesh. Minister Shri Lodhi also encouraged all IATO members to invite maximum numbers of tourists to Madhya Pradesh.

IATO President Shri Rajiv Mehra gave the welcome address. He also gave assurance on behalf of IATO members to bring more tourists to Madhya Pradesh.  IATO President Shri Rajiv Mehra presented the statue of Lord Shri Krishna to Deputy Chief Minister Shri Shukla and Minister of State Shri Lodhi as a mark of respect. Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Chapter of IATO, Shri Mahendra Pratap Singh expressed his gratitude.

‘Best Promotional Publication by State’ Award to Madhya Pradesh

IATO honoured states and organizations that have done remarkable work in the field of tourism. In this, Madhya Pradesh was honoured with the ‘Best Promotional Publication by State’ Award. Tourism Board’s Additional Managing Director Ms. Bidisha Mukherjee received it. 

At the closing ceremony of the program, renowned stand-up comedian Sugandha Mishra performed and entertained the people present in the conference hall with her mimicry, songs and dance style.

Managing Director State Tourism Development Corporation Mr. Ilayaraja T, Additional Managing Director Tourism Board Ms. Bidisha Mukherjee, IATO Vice President Mr. Ravi Gosain were also present on this occasion.

500 members participated in Responsible Tourism Run

The third day of the convention started with ‘Run for Responsible Tourism’. The 5 km race started from VIP Road was flagged off by Managing Director, Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Ilayaraja T and Additional Managing Director of Tourism Board, Ms. Bidisha Mukherjee. More than 500 IATO members from across the country took part in the race and spread the message of eco-friendly tourism. The race culminated at Gauhar Mahal via Imperial Segway. During this time he got to see the natural beauty and heritage of Bhopal.

350 members will visit Madhya Pradesh through FAM Tour

Post FAM tours are being conducted to make tourists from all over the world aware of the natural beauty, glorious history, culture and diverse wildlife of Madhya Pradesh. IATO members will be taken to tourist destinations like Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, Rewa, Pachmarhi, Bhojpur, Bhimbetka, Sanchi etc. and made aware about the features and tourist facilities of the tourist places. More than 350 IATO members are participating in a total of 10 FAM Tours.

Associations need to work jointly

In the first session of the third day, discussions were held on ‘Synergy in Tourism and Hospitality Industry’.  During this, the officials of various organizations leading the apex body of tourism and hospitality industry in the private sector in India stressed the need for collaboration and networking by identifying joint areas. In this session, Padmashri Ajeet Bajaj, Vice Chairman of Faith Organization Amaresh Tiwari, President of IATO Rajiv Mehra, President of TAAI Jyoti Mayal presented their views.