The Full Form of IATO is‍ Indian Association of Tour Operators.

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is the National body of the tourism industry. It has over 1600 members covering all segments of Tourism Industry. Established in 1982, IATO today has international acceptance, and linkages. It has close connections and constant interaction with other Tourism Associations in US, Nepal and Indonesia, where USTOA , NATO and ASITA are its member bodies; and is increasing its international networking with professional bodies for better facilitation to the International traveler visiting not only India but the entire Region.

IATO interacts closely with the Government on all critical Issues affecting the Tourism Industry in India with the highest priority to Tourism facilitation. It interacts closely with all Government Ministries / Departments, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Diplomatic Missions etc. It acts as the common medium between the Decision Makers and the industry, and presents the complete perspective to both sides, synergising their common agenda of Tourism facilitation. All IATO members observe the highest standards of professional ethics and offer personalized service to their clients.

Being the National Apex Body of the Tourism industry, IATO is always actively responsive to its social responsibility. All IATO members actively participate in meeting their Social Obligations not only during national emergencies and natural calamities. but also as an ongoing venture. During the recent years IATO Members contributed generously for the National Defense Fund and also organized Blood Donation camps during the Kargil conflict, carried out relief work in the Cyclone affected areas in Orissa, set up emergency relief supplies for the victims of Gujarat Earthquake, besides adopting a village and providing them the necessary relief and rehabilitation infrastructure. IATO has contributed whole heartedly to the Prime Minister’s Relief fund, also to help the Government in their efforts during the national Crisis.

IATO has five categories of membership: Active, Allied, Associate, International and Honorary. All its active members are recognized and approved by the Indian government’s Department of Tourism and have at least three years experience of handling International Tourists to India, before being admitted to the IATO fraternity

IATO’s affairs are managed by an Executive Committee, elected by the Active Members every two years. The Executive Committee is headed by The President with a team of six Office Bearers and 9 Executive Members. The Executive Committee meets every month to discuss current Tourism Industry and Membership Issues. IATO networks through its State Level Chapters at the local level where all local issues are handled at the appropriate level.

IATO has 12 Action Committees, each focused on a specialized area headed by a Convenor assisted by his committee members. They are:

• Adventure Tourism Development Committee
• Civil Aviation, Press & PR Committee
• Domestic Tourism Development Committee
• Grievances Committee
• Guides Coordination Committee
• Host Committee
• Hotel Relations Development Committee
• IATO News Committee
• Legal Affairs, Insurance & Consumer Committee
• Privilege Card Development Committee
• Railways Co-ordination & Dev. Committee
• Surface Transportation Development Committee
• Website Development Committee

Indian Association of  Tour Operators (IATO):- Over the year the functions of the travel companies have increased considerably. The travel agencies are no more acting as middlemen between the vendors and tourists. They are specialized in one product line i.e. tour packaging. Today, they are the manufacturers of tourism products and are commonly known as ‘tour operators‘.