Bringing together industry pioneers, policymakers, experts and key stakeholders from across the country, the convention aims to chart the future roadmap for Indian adventure tourism. Discussions during the four-day event are centred on revival, resilience and responsible growth, while showcasing Jammu & Kashmir’s immense potential as a world-class adventure and nature-based destination.
This year’s theme, “Indian Adventure Tourism: Safe, Sustainable & Resilient,” reflects a collective commitment to building a stronger, safer and environmentally responsible adventure tourism ecosystem. Reinforcing this vision, the convention is being curated as a net-zero event, ensuring sustainability principles are embedded across all aspects of planning and execution.
Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, highlighted the region’s natural advantage for adventure tourism. He emphasised that adventure tourism must be exciting yet safe, sustainable and repeatable, underlining the responsibility of operators to ensure high safety standards. Praising ATOAI for its proactive role, he noted that the association has been instrumental in setting strong guidelines for safe adventure tourism. He further stressed the importance of responsible tourism practices and individual as well as organisational efforts to mitigate the effects of global warming.
Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said that hosting the convention in Srinagar sends a powerful message of confidence, resilience and renewal for tourism in Jammu & Kashmir, both nationally and globally. He highlighted the role of adventure tourism in generating employment, promoting border tourism and enabling visitor dispersal, adding that today’s travellers seek immersive experiences beyond sightseeing. He reiterated that all adventure activities must be firmly rooted in sustainability.
ATOAI President Ajeet Bajaj lauded the Hon’ble Chief Minister for being a fellow adventurer and an active participant in activities such as marathons, rafting and skiing. He shared that ATOAI is working closely with state governments to regulate adventure tourism and strengthen safety frameworks. Highlighting key initiatives, he spoke about the development of mega trail projects, particularly the Western Himalayan and Eastern Himalayan trails. Describing adventure tourism as a USD 680 billion global industry, he reaffirmed ATOAI’s commitment to partnering with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to take Indian adventure tourism to new heights.
The 17th ATOAI Annual Convention stands as a strong platform for collaboration, innovation and responsible growth, reinforcing Jammu & Kashmir’s position at the forefront of India’s adventure tourism narrative.
