IATO puts Indore on MICE map

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Convention 2015 held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, made it imperative for the organisers to ponder on whether an event of such magnitude should be held in smaller cities and towns or be left for the bigger ones

The selection of Indore as Host for the 31st IATO Convention was the reason why this question cropped up, as many felt that the city might not be able to handle such a big event. As many as 1,260 delegates attended the convention, and as IATO Convention Chairman Pronab Sarkar pointed out, over 350 potential delegates had to be refused participation due to a shortage of accommodation. He said that as a result of the convention in Indore, the IATO members would now be able to promote Madhya Pradesh (MP) destinations at shows like the ITB and WTM.

Raj Bajaj, MD, Adventure World, and an active IATO member, said that the MP administration has been very pro-active and the event helped delegates to learn about MICE and other facilities in the city. The quality and variety of food served came in for much praise, dispelling the view of some that smaller, newer towns were not suitable for conventions of such magnitude. The exposure to new areas far outweighed any minor drawbacks in the facilities, most delegates felt, even as some said that compelling the delegates to stay during the sessions was not the best way to ensure attendance.

Connectivity was another issue that drew some criticism from delegates from Odisha, who had to change flights more than once to get to Indore. Sudhir Patil, of Veena World, opined that minor inconveniences in smaller place were not serious and holding the meet in Indore was wise, as he could explore the region, just as he had done in Lucknow during the UP Travel Mart earlier this year. Patil, however, feels that time and schedules should be adhered to at all costs. The Grand Bhagwati Palace provided good networking opportunities, as there were no distractions, Patil said. Sehar Shamim, General Manager-Sales and Marketing, Mapple, was impressed by the quality of the food and service and the convention gave her an opportunity to explore a new area. Tanuja Panday, Founder and CEO, IncentiWise, was full of praise for the convention venue but was quick to add that a 200 room hotel near the convention centre would help promote the convention business. Promod Dalvi, Vice PresidentPR, Kesari Tours, praised the efforts of MP Chief Minister Shivaraj Singh Chauhan. He added that the infrastructure needs to be improved. Harish Mathur, Managing Director, Concord Travels, said MICE prospects were good and attention should be given to details. Also, safety was a matter of concern.

Andhra Pradesh Principal Secretary Tourism, Neerabh Prasad, used the convention to promote the State's experts and apex programmes. Amrawati, Tirupati and the Buddhist circuits must be promoted, he told the delegates.

Sunil Gupta, MD, Travel Bureau, Agra, said that it was not a question of small versus big cities, but one of old and new destinations for holding such meets. IATO stood for promoting new places and so Indore was the right choice, even if it meant overcoming some logistical challenges, like getting good coaches from far and near. Bjorn Noel De Niese, Director, Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino Gangtok, said that Indore gave him an opportunity to see a new area and destination. He felt that there was a need for star branded hotels in the region.

C Nagendra Prasad, Chairman, Travelexpress, took the opportunity to go on a post convention tour to Bhopal, which he had never visited earlier.