Andhra Pradesh to host 41st IATO convention in Visakhapatnam from Sept 10
Andhra Pradesh will host the 41st IATO national convention in Visakhapatnam from September 10-13, 2026, with over 1,000 tourism industry delegates expected.
Visakhapatnam is set to host the 41st National Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) from September 10 to 13, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh announced on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference, Durgesh said the event is expected to draw more than 1,000 leading inbound tour operators, domestic travel companies, destination management firms, hoteliers, and airline representatives from across the country.
"The convention would provide an opportunity to showcase Andhra Pradesh's tourism potential and establish direct business linkages between local tourism stakeholders and leading tour operators," he said.
The minister noted that this marks the first time the convention is being held in the state since its bifurcation, adding significance to the gathering. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is scheduled to arrive in Visakhapatnam on Thursday to participate in the programme.
Durgesh highlighted that IATO, with over 2,068 members, is one of the country's leading associations in inbound tourism, and its convention would offer a strong platform to promote Andhra Pradesh's destinations and tourism products.
To encourage local participation, registration fees for representatives from Andhra Pradesh have been reduced to ₹3,000, compared to ₹6,000 for IATO members and ₹8,500 for non-members.
The minister appealed to IATO representatives and tourism stakeholders to prepare an action plan for developing tourism activities in the state and share their ideas and suggestions with the government.
"Ultimately, our objective is to develop Andhra Pradesh as a leading tourism destination, and the participation of tour operators and other stakeholders is crucial," he said.
Durgesh also revealed that the state has attracted investments of around ₹20,000 crore in the tourism sector over the past two years, with several projects cleared through the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB). In Visakhapatnam alone, 16 tourism projects with a combined investment of ₹5,529 crore have received SIPB approvals, expected to add around 950 rooms and create direct employment for about 10,000 people.
The government is also working towards adding 50,000 additional hotel rooms in the state by 2029, he added.
On preparations for the Godavari Pushkarams, the minister said the government is organising the 2027 event on a large scale, on the lines of the Kumbh Mela.
IATO president G. Ravi, chairman Sunil Mishra, AP Tourism Development Corporation officials, and others were present at the press conference.