TravTalk India Online Magazine
The 16th ATOAI Convention, held in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, unveiled an ambitious roadmap to position India as a global hub for sustainable adventure tourism. The association’s strategy aimed to attract global adventurers while preserving local heritage.
Janice Alyosius from Tawang
The 16th ATOAI Convention, held from 3-8 December 2024 in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, showcased how strategic initiatives, robust infrastructure development, and sustainable practices can position India as a global leader in adventure tourism.
During the convention, ATOAI launched the Roadmap & Toolkit for Arunachal Pradesh, presenting the state as a model for sustainable adventure tourism. The initiative aims to enhance Arunachal’s identity as the ‘Last Shangri-La’ by integrating ecological, cultural, and technological advancements. It promises a balanced approach to delivering pristine experiences while preserving local heritage.
Pema Khandu, Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh, emphasised the state’s strategic push towards high-value, low-volume adventure tourism. He highlighted a key realisation: “High-value, low-volume tourism, such as adventure tourism, is what truly pays back to society. It contributes significantly to the local economy, while leaving a very low footprint.”
The Chief Minister further highlighted the Vibrant Village Programme and the partnership with the Indian Army to promote adventure tourism in border areas. Khandu revealed that two major trekking routes are already in planning, with the Trans-Himalayan trekking trail seen as a promising opportunity for global tourists.
Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism, Government of India, shed light on the Ministry of Tourism’s strategic initiatives to boost India’s adventure tourism sector. Speaking virtually, Sinha emphasised the country’s potential to become a global destination for adventure sports. “Adventure sports are a key anchor activity for attracting tourists, and we want people from across the world to experience the diverse adventure offerings India has,” she said, highlighting the government’s role in creating a framework for growth.
Sinha outlined several key initiatives aimed at developing adventure tourism across the country. “Through initiatives like Swadesh Darshan and the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASKI) scheme, we have focused our attention on developing the adventure tourism circuit,” she said. The ministry is working on both new itineraries and enhancing existing destinations, ensuring that they are ‘adventure-ready’ through investments in infrastructure that guarantee safety, sustainability, and responsible tourism practices. A major focus is on developing wildlife tourism circuits in the country. “We are spending about `200 crore to develop two new wildlife trails,” Sinha revealed. The ministry is also working on several new adventure tourism circuits. “There will be a total allocation of over `800 crore for these projects,” said Sinha.
Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, outlined a vision for the growth and development of adventure tourism in India. “Our vision is to have our country ranked among the top 10 destinations for adventure tourism, specifically for responsible adventure tourism, in the next 10 years,” he said.
Bajaj, citing the ATOAI’s comprehensive safety guidelines and initiatives to train trip leaders in responsible tourism practices, said that India is firmly on the path to achieve the vision. “We are investing significantly in training our trip leaders in responsible adventure tourism, while also sensitising them to act as guardians of our natural heritage,” he added.
The 17th ATOAI Convention will take place in Madhya Pradesh in 2025. The announcement was made by
Dr Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, through a special video message during the closing ceremony in Tawang.
