Hans News Service Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnamis set to host a national conference ‘41st Indian Association of Tour Operators’ (IATO), with key discussions on the use of artificial intelligence and advanced technology in tourism along with carbon audit registration.

Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh announced that the prestigious conference will be held in Visakhapatnam from September 10 to 12.

Addressing a media conference in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, the minister unveiled the details of the three-day conference and highlighted its significance for Andhra Pradesh’s tourism sector being held for the first time. Minister Kandula Durgesh said the IATO is organising the national conference with the objective of accelerating the growth of inbound tourism in India. More than 1,000 representatives from the tourism sector, including leading tour operators, policymakers and industry leaders from across the country, are expected to participate in the conference, which is being organised under the theme ‘India – The World’s Next Tourism Opportunity’.

The minister said it was a matter of great pride for Visakhapatnam to host the IATO, one of the country’s leading organisations promoting inbound tourism that has a strong network of more than 2,068 members and delegates associated with the tourism industry.

He said the conference would provide Andhra Pradesh with an important platform to showcase its enormous tourism potential before national and international stakeholders.

The event would help place the state’s coastline stretching over 1,000 kilometres, rich spiritual heritage, scenic Araku Valley, vibrant tribal culture, historic Buddhist sites and abundant natural beauty prominently on the global tourism map.

Expressing confidence in the outcome of the conference, Minister Kandula Durgesh said IATO representatives would play a crucial role as a bridge between Andhra Pradesh and international tourists.

Through stronger partnerships with leading tour operators and tourism stakeholders, the state would be able to attract greater international tourist arrivals, investments and employment opportunities.

The minister said the state had attracted tourism investments worth around Rs.20,000 crore during the last two years. In Visakhapatnam alone, permissions have been granted for 16 tourism projects involving investments of Rs.5,529 crore. These projects are expected to add around 950 new rooms and generate direct employment opportunities for nearly 10,000 people. The Andhra Pradesh government is working towards creating an additional 50,000 rooms across the state by 2029 to encourage tourists to extend their stay and improve accommodation facilities at major tourist destinations, he informed. Minister Kandula Durgesh stated that the government is giving utmost importance to the upcoming Godavari Pushkaram and is preparing to organise the massive spiritual event in an eco-friendly and plastic-free manner across six districts, drawing inspiration from the large-scale arrangements made for the Kumbh Mela.