Manipur's tourism potential showcased
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 23 2025:
Manipur Tourism is taking part in the 40th Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) held in Puri, Odisha, from August 22 to 25 to showcase its rich heritage and boost the State's travel industry.
The participation aims to highlight the diverse and captivating attractions of Manipur as a must visit tourist destination, while also serving as a catalyst for revitalizing the tourism sector within the State, said a release issued by Bidyananda Hanjabam, Manager (PR & Events), the Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited (TCML) .
The Manipur Tourism team was led by Lourembam Bikram (IAS), Director (Tourism), Manipur and consisted of dedicated Tourism officials and tour operators from the State.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture; Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha; Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Neelu Sharma, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board.
The opening session featured inspiring speeches by industry leaders and distinguished guests, alongside the launch of the IATO Manual 2025 and the presentation of the prestigious IATO Hall of Fame Awards 2025.Furthermore, the convention provided an excellent opportunity for Manipur Tourism to network with influential industry stakeholders, exchange ideas, and explore innovative strategies to promote the State's tourism potential.
It is worth mentioning that the IATO Annual Convention is one of the most significant events in India's travel industry, drawing over 90 per cent of the country's leading tour operators.
It provides an ideal platform for Manipur Tourism to engage with key stakeholders, share information about the State's unique offerings including its vibrant festivals like the Shirui Lily Festival in May and the Manipur Sangai Festival scheduled for November-and forge new partnerships to boost tourism growth.
With this focused engagement, Manipur aims to position itself as a must-visit destination in India, leveraging its unique cultural festivals, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality to attract travellers from across the country and beyond.




