IATO Convention Gives AP Tourism a Fresh Boost

The 41st annual convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) was inaugurated at the Novotel Hotel in Visakhapatnam under the theme “India – The World’s Next Tourism Opportunity”. Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu attended the event as chief guests. The IATO Manual Book and the “The Godavari Calls” poster were unveiled during the inaugural session. Durgesh said Andhra Pradesh was being developed as a key tourism destination in India. He highlighted the industry status granted to tourism and the incentives offered to investors under the new Tourism Policy 2024–29.

The minister said seven special tourism circuits had been planned along the Godavari region in view of the upcoming Godavari Pushkarams. The circuits will connect major spiritual and heritage destinations, including Pancharama temples, Shakti Peethas, Vaishnava temples, Pushkar ghats, Papikondalu and Antarvedi. Andhra Pradesh is also promoting wellness, eco, adventure, heli and seaplane tourism. Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu praised the state’s tourism initiatives and assured full support from the Centre. He said better air connectivity, new airports and seaplane services would make travel to major tourist destinations across Andhra Pradesh easier and faster.