Leadership Changes at IATO: New President Ravi Gosain Takes the Helm

Election Overview

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) recently witnessed a significant leadership transition for the 2025–27 term. On May 10, an active election was conducted at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, where strong participation underscored the importance of this event within the travel industry. A total of 389 out of 448 eligible members cast their votes, highlighting the engaged community within the tourism sector.

New Executive Committee

At the heart of this election was the appointment of Ravi Gosain, the Managing Director of Erco Travels, as the new President. He emerged as a leader with 263 votes, taking the position previously held by Rajiv Mehra, who has now assumed the role of Immediate Past President in accordance with the IATO’s Memorandum of Association.

Key Office Bearers

The election also saw the appointment of various key office bearers who will collectively steer IATO’s initiatives over the next two years. Below is a summary of the appointed leaders:

Executive Committee Members

The new Executive Committee (EC) includes five active and three allied members, reflecting a mix of skills and experience essential for upcoming challenges in the sector:

• Active EC Members:
  • Harish Mathur, Concord Travels & Tours (248 votes)
  • Tony Marwah, Indian Travel Promotion Co. Pvt. Ltd. (240 votes)
  • Manoj Kumar Matta, Oriental Vacations & Journeys Pvt. Ltd. (222 votes)
  • Sejoe Jose, Marvel Tours (221 votes)
  • Rishi Kapoor, Abercrombie & Kent India Pvt. Ltd. (206 votes)
• Allied EC Members:
  • P. Vijayasarathy, Benchmark Hotels Pvt. Ltd. (276 votes)
  • Ashok Dhoot, Harsh Travels (261 votes)
  • Wasim Shaikh, Active Holidays (171 votes)

Competitive Atmosphere

While the newly elected leadership enjoyed a majority, the election was marked by healthy competition from opposing candidates. Notable contenders included Amaresh Tiwari, who garnered 124 votes for the presidency, and Rajesh Mudgill, who received 134 votes for the Senior Vice President position. Other candidates attracted considerable attention, showcasing the robust democratic processes at work in IATO.

Future Direction and Commitment

In the aftermath of the election, Returning Officer Homa Mistry commended the newly elected committee and all candidates for their participation in the respectful election process. Highlighting the importance of the new leadership, Mistry stated, “IATO remains committed to advancing India’s inbound tourism sector. We look forward to the new leadership steering the association with renewed energy and strategic focus.”

Gosain, the newly elected President, expressed gratitude towards the association’s members, asserting, “This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to each one of you who believed in the vision of progress, togetherness, and innovation.” With this sentiment, he looks forward to steering India as a world-class tourism destination while enhancing collaboration within the community.

Conclusion

As the new IATO leadership embarks on its journey, priorities include industry recovery, expanded global outreach, digital transformation, and policy advocacy. This fresh leadership signals an encouraging chapter for the tourism sector, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and a focus on elevating India’s tourism potential. For those gearing up to explore travel experiences, adventure activities, and unique tours, GetExperience.com stands out by offering a variety of options tailored to personal preferences.

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