Moving forward in challenging times - together

 

Convention highlights:

 
  • IATO President Subhash Goyal, in his welcome address, talked about the changing face of tourism in India and how the industry needs to move together to sustain the growth. Pointing that despite the global financial crisis, India maintained positive growth in international tourist arrivals, he laid emphasis on the need to develop niche tourism products and specialization in the operation of business.
  • Major Murli Dhar was awarded with Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution and progressive development of IATO.
  • NS Rathor, Chairman, IATO Maharashtra and Goa Chapter, was specially recognised for his excellent service rendered towards the organization of the 28th IATO Annual Convention in Mumbai and his wonderful co-ordination with State Governments at every stage.
  • Post convention tours were a huge draw and a great many members of IATO availed the opportunity in order to get the firsthand experience of the tourism products of Maharashtra
  • Bollywood evenings were highly entertaining for members as also the cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of Maharashtra.

President :           Mr. Subhash Goyal, Stic Travels Pvt. Ltd.
 
Chairman:            Mr. Rajeev Kohli, Creative Travel Pvt. Ltd.
 
Co Chairman:      Mr. Lally Mathews, Vacations Travels and Tours Pvt. Ltd.

Hall of Fame :       Mrs. Jyotsna Suri, Capt. C.P. Krishnan Nair

Chief Guest :        Mr. Prithviraj Chavan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra

Guest of Honours:
  • Mr. Ajit Anantrao Pawar, Dy. Chief Minister of Maharashtra
  • Mr. Chhagan Bhujbal, Tourism Minister of Maharashtra
  • Mr. Ranjit Kamble, Minister of State for Tourism, Maharashtra
  • Mr. Sunil Kumar Pintu, Tourism Minister of Bihar
  • Mr. Rachhpal Singh, Tourism Minister of West Bengal
  • Mr. Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister of Tourism
  • Mr. Ajit Singh, Union Minister of Civil Aviation
  • Mr. Chhagan Bhujbal, Tourism Minister of Maharashtra

Valedictory Address by:  H.E. Mr. K. Sankaranarayanan, Governor of Maharashtra

Other guest on the occasion:
  • Subodh Kant Sahay, Union Minister of Tourism
  • Ajit Singh, Union Minister of Civil Aviation
  • Chhagan Bhujbhal, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra
  • R H Khwaja, Secretary, Tourism, Government of India
  • Anand Kulkarni, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra

Business Sessions :    
 
  • The Affairs of the Industry
  • A Tale of Two India's
  • Standing out in a Crowded Market
  • New Dynamics in Tourism Development
  • Developing Skills for the Tourism Industry
  • The Treasures of Maharashtra
  • The Amazing story of Mumbai Dabbawalas
  • Trends in the North American Travel Market
  • Tour Operators & Hoteliers - Bridging the Gap
  • IATO - it’s your association
  • Sustainability and Tourism
  • A New Incredible India
  • The move to specialization - is that the future? 
  • Working towards a better and more inclusive India
  • Customer Service - Moving from transactional engagements to lifetime relationships
  • The Travel Industry Global Overview incorporating the WTM Vision Conference, Presenting the Euromonitor International Report.
  • Managing your business in a changing world Economy
  • The IATO Chill-out Zone- Stand up comics
  • Valedictory Session