The Ministry of Tourism and ATOAI have concluded a national-level training and seminar in Bhopal, signalling a push towards professionalising India’s adventure tourism sector. The initiative focused on safety, skill development, and policy alignment to support sustainable growth in a high-potential tourism segment.
The Ministry of Tourism (Regional Office – West & Central), Government of India, in collaboration with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), conducted a four-day Adventure Guide Training Programme and Adventure Tourism Seminar in Bhopal from Monday, 17 March to Thursday, 20 March 2026.
The initiative brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to strengthen safety standards, build professional capacity, and accelerate the growth of adventure tourism in India.
Training programme focuses on safety and skills
A total of 33 adventure professionals from trekking, mountaineering, and water-based disciplines completed the training programme. Supported by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and the Madhya Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board, the sessions were facilitated by VIVO Healthcare and EKO India.
The programme covered first aid, CPR, wilderness emergency response, risk assessment, and crisis management, combining classroom learning with practical simulations. The training aimed to equip participants with skills required for operating in remote and high-risk environments while promoting responsible and sustainable practices.
Seminar outlines sector roadmap
The programme concluded with a national seminar themed “Adventure Strategy for a New Era”, focusing on the future growth of the sector.
Ajeet Bajaj, President, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India, highlighted that adventure tourism is among the fastest-growing segments globally. He emphasised India’s potential for livelihood generation and regional development, and outlined a vision to position India among the top 10 global adventure tourism destinations by 2034.
Ilayaraja T, Secretary (Tourism) and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, underscored the state’s emergence as an adventure tourism destination. He called for stronger collaboration with ATOAI to develop policies, destinations, and capacity-building initiatives.
Industry dialogue and participation
A panel discussion on “Adventure Strategy for a New Era: Solutions & Roadmap for the Next Decade” featured stakeholders from government and industry, focusing on safety frameworks, regulatory reforms, adoption of global best practices, and the use of technology and AI.
The seminar also included a business session by Daksh Sharma, Co-Founder, Iffort, on leveraging AI and digital marketing, and an expert session by Nirat Bhatt, Hon. Treasurer, ATOAI, on scaling adventure businesses.
The event saw participation from over 80 delegates, including tour operators, training institutions, eco-tourism stakeholders, and hospitality partners.
The initiative marks a step towards strengthening India’s adventure tourism ecosystem through improved safety standards, industry capability, and policy support.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.
