IATO Honors Puneet Chhatwal
Mr Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO of IHCL, was honoured with the Hall of Fame award by the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) at the 39th IATO Annual Convention. This award recognizes his outstanding contributions to the Indian tourism industry and his pivotal role in transforming the hospitality landscape. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Government of India, and Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, presented him with the award on 30 August in a ceremony in Bhopal.
Mr. Rajiv Mehra, President of IATO, said, “Puneet’s strategic vision and ability to anticipate market trends have propelled IHCL to new heights, contributing significantly to the broader tourism sector in India. This Hall of Fame award recognizes his relentless pursuit of growth and his commitment to elevating India’s position in global tourism. We congratulate him on this well-deserved honour and look forward to witnessing further milestones under his leadership."
About IATO
The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is the national body of the tourism industry. It has over 1600 members covering all segments of the tourism industry. Established in 1982, IATO has gained international acceptance and linkages. It has close connections and constant interaction with other US, Nepal, and Indonesia tourism associations, where USTOA, NATO, and ASITA are its member bodies. It is also increasing its international networking with professional bodies to facilitate better international travellers visiting India and the entire region.
IATO collaborates closely with the government to address crucial issues impacting the tourism industry in India, prioritizing tourism facilitation. The organization engages with government ministries, departments, chambers of commerce and industry, and diplomatic missions. As a liaison between decision-makers and the industry, IATO offers comprehensive insights to both parties, aligning their efforts towards the shared goal of promoting tourism.