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IATO Convention to focus on North East

To be held between August 7-10

Jyoti Koul - New Delhi

Following close on the heels of TAAI, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has also confirmed its convention dates. Keeping its tradition of regional focus, the convention 2008 will be held from August 7th to 10th in Orrisa. The three-day long convention will take place at hotel Swosti in Bhubaneshwer. While IATO is still working on the theme, the convention is slated to focus on the north-eastern region a great deal. According to Gour Kanjilal, executive director, IATO, "We will be giving special focus to the seven sisters of the north-east due to the convention's (venue) proximity to the region. We will try to highlight the issues affecting them, and at the same time we will showcase their potential. We will also offer a special price for participation to the members from north-east and we will also provide them a special area to showcase their tourism products." As far as the theme of the convention is concerned, Kanjilal remarked, "We are in the process of finalising the same. We will take up pertinent issues like shortage of guides especially language guides, challenges of sustainable tourism, the skilled manpower crunch, etc."

Arjun Sharma, MD, Le Passage to India, has been appointed as the chairman of the convention committee. The convention is expected to be attended by about 1400 members and delegates.