Andhra Pradesh has invited India’s travel trade to partner with the state in unlocking its tourism potential and positioning it as a major domestic and international tourism destination. The invitation was extended by Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography, Government of Andhra Pradesh, during a press conference organized in New Delhi ahead of the 41st Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).
The convention is scheduled to take place from September 10 to 13, 2026, at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach in Visakhapatnam. The event will also feature the IATO-Andhra Pradesh Travel Mart, bringing together travel professionals, tourism stakeholders, and industry representatives to explore new business and tourism opportunities in the state.
Minister Calls for Partnership with Travel Industry
Addressing IATO members and the media, Minister Durgesh emphasized that Andhra Pradesh is seeking more than participation in the convention and wants the travel trade to actively partner with the state in developing new tourism products and circuits. “I have not come merely to invite you to the convention. I have come to invite you to partner with Andhra Pradesh in building India’s next major tourism success story,” Durgesh said.
Describing Andhra Pradesh as a “destination waiting to be discovered,” the minister highlighted the state’s diverse tourism assets, ranging from spiritual and heritage attractions to coastal, nature, adventure, tribal, culinary and cultural experiences. He pointed to destinations such as Tirumala-Tirupati, Srisailam, Lepakshi, Gandikota, Araku, Rajahmundry and the Godavari region as key attractions that can be further developed and promoted among domestic and international travellers.
Focus on New Tourism Circuits and Products
Durgesh called on IATO members to create and promote integrated tourism circuits covering pilgrimage, Buddhist, coastal, heritage, rural and tribal tourism. He also identified adventure, cruise and river tourism, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), weddings, cuisine, crafts and handlooms as areas with significant potential.
The minister also highlighted the Godavari Pushkaralu 2027, a major religious and cultural event held once every 12 years, as an important opportunity to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s spiritual traditions, cultural heritage and tourism offerings to a wider audience.
IATO to Promote Andhra Pradesh in International Markets
Ravi Gosain, President of IATO, said the association is committed to working closely with Andhra Pradesh Tourism to take the state’s tourism products to international markets. “Andhra Pradesh has all the ingredients to become a major international tourism destination,” Gosain said, adding that the objective of the convention is not only to showcase the state but also to enable IATO members to develop new products and incorporate Andhra Pradesh into the itineraries of overseas travellers. He said greater collaboration between the state government and the travel trade could help transform the state’s tourism potential into marketable products for international visitors.
More Than 350 Registrations for Convention
Sunil Mishra, Honorary Secretary of IATO, said the convention had already received more than 350 registrations, with registrations continuing. The strong participation is expected to bring together travel operators and other tourism stakeholders from across India. The convention is expected to provide a platform for networking, business-to-business engagement and discussions on emerging opportunities in the tourism sector.
AI, Technology and Sustainable Tourism on the Agenda
Sanjay Razdan, Vice President of IATO, said the convention programme would focus on several emerging issues shaping the future of tourism. Key discussions will include artificial intelligence and technology, sustainable tourism, high-growth tourism opportunities and stronger partnerships within the industry.
The programme will also feature cultural evenings designed to showcase the heritage and traditions of Andhra Pradesh. The focus on technology and sustainability reflects the changing priorities of the tourism industry, while the business sessions are expected to encourage travel companies to identify new products and markets.
Government-Industry Collaboration Emphasized
Rajnish Kaistha, Senior Vice President of IATO, stressed the importance of closer cooperation between the government and the private tourism sector in converting Andhra Pradesh’s considerable tourism potential into actual visitor growth.
The 41st IATO Annual Convention is therefore expected to serve not only as an industry gathering but also as a platform for strengthening government-industry collaboration, developing new tourism circuits and expanding Andhra Pradesh’s presence in domestic and international travel itineraries.
With its combination of pilgrimage sites, heritage attractions, beaches, forests, tribal culture, rivers, cuisine and adventure experiences, Andhra Pradesh is seeking to position itself as one of India’s emerging tourism destinations through stronger industry partnerships and targeted promotion.
