Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach will host the 41st Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Annual Convention from 10–13 September 2026, bringing one of India's prominent tourism industry gatherings to Visakhapatnam.

Supported by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the annual convention will bring together tour operators, hospitality leaders, policymakers, tourism boards and other tourism stakeholders from across India.

The event is expected to further highlight Visakhapatnam's growing position as a business and tourism destination, particularly its potential in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) segment.

As the official venue, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach will host several key components of the convention, including delegate registrations, the inaugural ceremony, business sessions, networking events and evening cultural programmes.

The hotel will also host the Indian Tourism Fair Travel Mart on 11 and 12 September, providing a platform for tourism stakeholders to connect and showcase destinations and travel offerings.

The inaugural session is expected to be attended by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, the Union Minister of Tourism, senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and representatives from nearly 18 State Tourism Departments.

Located on Beach Road overlooking the Bay of Bengal, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach is positioned as one of the city's MICE destinations, with event spaces suited to large-scale conferences, meetings and industry gatherings.

Hosting the IATO Annual Convention provides the property with an opportunity to welcome travel and tourism professionals from across the country while showcasing Visakhapatnam's hospitality infrastructure and destination potential.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said: "We are delighted to host the 41st IATO Annual Convention at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach. It is a proud opportunity to welcome India's travel and tourism fraternity and showcase Visakhapatnam's growing potential as a leading destination for leisure and MICE tourism. We look forward to delivering an exceptional experience that reflects the warmth and hospitality of the city."

The four-day convention will feature discussions on the future of Indian tourism, sustainable travel, destination development and industry collaboration.

Alongside the business sessions, the programme will include the IATO Run for Responsible Tourism, tourism awards, cultural evenings and post-convention tours across Andhra Pradesh.

These activities are expected to give delegates an opportunity to engage with the state's tourism offerings while exploring its cultural and destination experiences.

By hosting the 41st IATO Annual Convention, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach further strengthens its position as a venue for major tourism and industry events.

The convention also provides an opportunity to place Visakhapatnam on a wider national tourism platform, reinforcing the city's growing prominence as both a leisure destination and a location for business events and MICE tourism.