New Leadership in IATO for 2025-2027: Ravi Gosain Takes the Helm

IATO’s Biennial Election Results

The recent elections of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) resulted in the selection of a new executive committee for the term 2025–2027. The election, held on May 10 at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, saw active participation from the sector, with 389 out of 448 eligible members casting their votes. With strong engagement from the industry, a shift in leadership was initiated, ushering in a fresh vision for the association.

President and Key Office Bearers

The esteemed managing director of Erco Travels, Ravi Gosain, has been elected President of IATO with an overwhelming 263 votes. He succeeds Rajiv Mehra, who now assumes the role of Immediate Past President as outlined in IATO’s Memorandum of Association.

The election has brought forth notable office bearers, including:

• President: Ravi Gosain, Erco Travels Pvt. Ltd. (263 votes)
• Senior Vice President: Rajnish Kaistha, Paradise Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. (250 votes)
• Vice President: Sanjay Razdan, Razdan Holidays (253 votes)
• Honorary Secretary: Sunil Mishra, Cosmos Tours & Travels (253 votes)
• Honorary Treasurer: Deepak Kumar Bhatnagar, Minar Travels India Pvt. Ltd. (254 votes)
• Honorary Joint Secretary: Viney Tyagi, Uni Crystal Holidays Pvt. Ltd. (229 votes)

Executive Committee Members

The new Executive Committee has the following members representing a variety of companies:

Active EC Members

1. Harish Mathur, Concord Travels & Tours (248 votes)
2. Tony Marwah, Indian Travel Promotion Co. Pvt. Ltd. (240 votes)
3. Manoj Kumar Matta, Oriental Vacations & Journeys Pvt. Ltd. (222 votes)
4. Sejoe Jose, Marvel Tours (221 votes)
5. 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)

The elections showcased healthy competition, with notable contenders including Amaresh Tiwari, who garnered 124 votes for the presidential role, and Rajesh Mudgill, who received 134 votes for Senior Vice President. The tight races were indicative of the members’ desire for change and progress within IATO.

A Vision for IATO’s Future

Following the election, the Returning Officer, Homa Mistry, congratulated the newly elected team and acknowledged the respectful nature of the election process. The core commitment of IATO is to advance India’s inbound tourism sector. Mistry expressed optimism in the new leadership, expecting them to steer the association with renewed energy and strategic focus.

In a speech post-election, Ravi Gosain expressed gratitude and a commitment to his role. He emphasized collaboration and innovation among members as a foundation for promoting India as a world-class tourism destination. His intention to strengthen the association and support its members speaks volumes about the direction IATO aims to take.

Strategic Priorities

With a renewed mandate, the new committee plans to focus on:

• Industry Recovery: Building strategies to recover from recent challenges.
• Global Outreach: Expanding India’s presence in the global travel market.
• Digital Transformation: Utilizing technology to enhance operational efficiency.
• Policy Advocacy: Engaging with policymakers to support the tourism sector.

The Impact on Taxi and Transfer Services

As IATO embarks on this new chapter with its leadership, the transformation within the organization could resonate significantly within the taxi and transfer services in India. Enhanced facilitation and growth of inbound tourism can lead to increased demand for reliable transport options. Companies like LocalsRide will benefit from this momentum, as travelers require efficient and tailored transportation solutions to complement their explorations in India.

Conclusion

In summary, the recent election of IATO’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for the organization. Under Ravi Gosain’s presidency, the association looks poised to tackle the challenges facing the tourism sector, supporting both recovery and growth. With the industry shifting gears, including transport and service sectors, systems like LocalsRide.com can play a critical role in enhancing the travel experience, providing verified options to travelers. This platform allows users to choose specific vehicles with full details, ensuring transparency and catering to the evolving needs of the modern traveler. Embracing the trends within IATO will align with LocalsRide’s overarching commitment to convenience and reliability. Now is the time to explore these new opportunities—book your ride today at LocalsRide.com.