The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has set an ambitious target of doubling tourism’s contribution to India’s GDP from around 5% to 10%, calling for stronger policy support, sustained global marketing, improved connectivity and closer government-industry collaboration to unlock the country’s tourism potential. The call was made at the 41st IATO Annual Convention in Visakhapatnam, held under the theme “India: The World’s Next Tourism Opportunity.” The convention has brought together more than 1,000 delegates, including tour operators, hospitality leaders, travel trade professionals, state tourism representatives and media, to discuss the next phase of growth for India’s inbound tourism sector.
IATO President Rajiv Gosain said tourism could become a significant engine of inclusive economic growth and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasised the need to move beyond fragmented promotional efforts and adopt a sustained, professionally managed global marketing strategy to strengthen India’s presence in key international source markets. As part of its international outreach, IATO has launched the Namaste India Roadshow in Europe following ITB and plans further promotional initiatives after WTM in November. The association has called for consistent and adequately funded global campaigns to re-energise the Incredible India brand.
IATO has also reiterated its demand for tourism to be accorded Strategic Export Sector status, citing the sector’s foreign exchange earnings, employment generation and contribution to thousands of MSMEs. According to the association, such recognition would enable tourism to receive policy treatment commensurate with its economic contribution. “India has reached a point where tourism can no longer be viewed only as a service sector; it must be treated as a strategic economic opportunity. The next leap will require sustained international marketing, seamless connectivity, skilled manpower and a visitor journey that is simple from visa application to the last mile,” said Gosain.
Technology and responsible tourism have also emerged as key priorities. IATO has trained more than 600 tour operators in technology and artificial intelligence, while the convention marks the formal launch of its Responsible Tourism Mission, supported by a policy framework and Standard Operating Procedures. The association has also initiated a carbon audit in collaboration with the Indian School of Nature and conducted beach-cleaning activities in Visakhapatnam under the Swachh Paryatan Abhiyan. Aviation and connectivity featured prominently in the discussions. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted the relationship between aviation and tourism, noting that India’s airport network has grown from 74 airports in 2014 to 166 today. He also highlighted the government’s extended UDAN vision, which envisages an investment of ₹28,840 crore for 100 additional airports over the next decade.
The convention has also placed Andhra Pradesh’s diverse tourism offerings in focus, including its coastline, Eastern Ghats, Buddhist heritage, Simhachalam Temple, Araku Valley and coffee culture. IATO has proposed a joint working mechanism with the state government to identify and package tourism circuits, develop marketable experiences and organise familiarisation tours for trade partners. With tourism, aviation, technology, sustainability and destination development emerging as central themes, the convention seeks to establish a stronger roadmap for India’s inbound tourism growth and global positioning.