TravTalk India Online Magazine
Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, emphasising on India’s goal to rank among the world’s top 10 adventure tourism destinations by 2034, sheds light on the association’s initiatives. With safety, sustainability and mega-trails at its core, ATOAI plans to launch Responsible Adventure Tourism Awards and RATG course this year, he informs.
Surbhi Sharma
With India’s adventure tourism sector positioned on the brink of a major transformation, industry leaders set forth a bold, actionable vision – one rooted in sustainability, safety and scale – at the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) Members Meet 2025, held recently in New Delhi.
Addressing the gathering at the meet, Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, said that due to continued hard work of the industry in the past, India’s global ranking has increased to 38, but it is not good enough given the potential. “Our goal is for India to be among the world’s top 10 adventure tourism destinations by 2034,” Bajaj said.
The meet put emphasis on four key pillars, comprising expanding adventure tourism responsibly, policy advocacy, member benefits and organisational capacity building, which define the association’s strategy. Highlighting the need for robust safety frameworks, Bajaj expressed concern over unregulated operators compromising the industry’s credibility.
Two government-backed mega trails – the Western Himalayan mega trail (from Jammu to Nepal via Ladakh, Spiti and Uttarakhand) and the Ganga Nature and Heritage mega trail (from Gaumukh to Gangasagar) – were unveiled at the meet. The 2,800-km long trails aim promote immersive and sustainable travel and boost local economies.
Addressing the meet, Arshdeep Anand, Vice President, ATOAI, reiterated the association’s commitment to sustainability, training and inclusivity by highlighting the successful initiatives taken by the association. “With robust state partnerships and an expanding member network, our presence is stronger than ever,” she said.
The association plans to launch Responsible Adventure Tourism Awards, RATG course-New destinations in Pune from 18-20 June, and ATOAI-PADI partnership this year.
