Ministry of Tourism and ATOAI Advance Adventure Tourism with Training Programme & Seminar in Bhopal
In a major step toward strengthening India’s adventure tourism ecosystem, the Ministry of Tourism (Regional Office – West & Central), Government of India, in collaboration with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), successfully concluded a four-day Adventure Guide Training Programme and Adventure Tourism Seminar held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from March 17–20, 2026.
The initiative brought together policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders from across the country, reinforcing a shared commitment to enhancing safety standards, building professional capabilities, and promoting sustainable growth in the sector.
Enhancing Skills & Safety in Adventure Tourism
A total of 33 adventure professionals representing trekking, mountaineering, and water-based activities completed the intensive training programme, supported by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and the Madhya Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board.
Conducted by VIVO Healthcare and EKO India, the programme focused on first aid, CPR, wilderness emergency response, risk assessment, and crisis management. Combining theoretical learning with practical simulations, participants were equipped with essential life-saving skills required to operate in remote and high-risk environments, while also promoting environmentally responsible practices.
ATOAI Seminar Sets Vision for Future Growth
The programme concluded with a national seminar themed “Adventure Strategy for a New Era,” outlining a forward-looking roadmap for the industry.
Mr Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, highlighted adventure tourism as one of the fastest-growing global segments, offering India significant opportunities for livelihood creation, high-value tourism, and balanced regional development. He emphasised the vision of positioning India among the top 10 global adventure tourism destinations by 2034, underscoring the importance of robust public-private partnerships to ensure safety, trust, and world-class experiences.
State Leadership & Collaborative Approach
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Ilayaraja T, IAS, Secretary (Tourism) and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, highlighted the state’s emergence as a leading adventure tourism destination. He called for deeper collaboration with ATOAI to co-develop policies, enhance destination development, and strengthen capacity-building initiatives, positioning Madhya Pradesh as a model for sustainable and integrated tourism growth.
Industry Dialogue & Strategic Insights
A high-level panel discussion on “Adventure Strategy for a New Era: Solutions & Roadmap for the Next Decade” brought together senior leaders from government and industry. The session was moderated by Mr Milind Bhide (Executive Committee Member & Chapter Chair – West & Central Region, ATOAI).
Panellists included:
- Dr Arvind Abhay Bedekar – Additional Managing Director, MPTB
- Mr L. Krishnamoorthy – CEO, MPEDB & APCCF (Wildlife)
- Mr Nirat Bhatt – Hon. Treasurer, ATOAI
- Mr Aly Rashid – Executive Director, Jehan Numa Palace Pvt. Ltd.
Key discussions focused on strengthening safety frameworks, regulatory reforms, adoption of global best practices, integration of technology and AI, and investment-driven destination development.
Driving Growth Through Knowledge Sharing
The seminar also featured:
- A business masterclass by Mr Daksh Sharma, Co-Founder, Iffort, on leveraging AI and digital marketing for scalable growth
- An expert session by Mr Nirat Bhatt on expanding adventure tourism businesses while maintaining uncompromised safety standards
Strong Participation & Way Forward
The event witnessed participation from over 80 delegates, including tour operators, adventure clubs, training institutions, eco-tourism stakeholders, and hospitality partners.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the professionalisation of India’s adventure tourism sector. Key outcomes include improved safety standards, enhanced industry capabilities, and support for progressive policy development—further positioning India as a global hub for safe, sustainable, and high-quality adventure tourism.
