ATOAI Announces 18th Annual Convention to Promote Year-Round Adventure Tourism in India
Themed ‘India 365: Boundless Adventures’, the convention will bring together industry stakeholders in Uttarakhand from 13–16 December 2026 to explore sustainable, all-season adventure tourism opportunities.
NEW DELHI, 28 October 2026: The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), has announced its 18th Annual Adventure Convention, scheduled to take place in Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand from 13 to 16 December 2026.
The convention will centre on the theme ‘India 365: Boundless Adventures – Stronger Destinations | Infinite Seasons | Endless Growth’, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, global experts and grassroots adventure operators to discuss strategies for positioning India as a leading global adventure tourism destination.
As India works towards strengthening its position in the international adventure tourism market, the convention will focus on addressing one of the sector’s key challenges: seasonality. Discussions will explore ways to transform seasonal tourism hotspots into sustainable, year-round destinations by leveraging the country’s diverse landscapes, including mountains, rivers, deserts, coastlines and forests.
The initiative aims to expand travel opportunities beyond traditional peak seasons, strengthen destination infrastructure, improve business viability for adventure operators and create sustained economic opportunities for local communities.
Leadership perspectives
Shri Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, Secretary, Tourism, Government of Uttarakhand, said, “Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board is proud to be among the sponsors of the ATOAI Annual Convention in Ramnagar. Uttarakhand has always been a natural home for adventure, and gatherings like this bring together the people who shape adventure travel in India. We warmly welcome all delegates to experience the hospitality and spirit of the Himalaya.”
Shri Tejbir Singh Anand, President, ATOAI, said, “India possesses an unmatched geographic diversity that uniquely positions us to become a premier global adventure hub, yet seasonality has traditionally limited our operational potential. With our theme for the 18th Annual Convention, ‘India 365: Boundless Adventures’, we are driving a paradigm shift—moving from periodic tourist surges to building resilient, high-standard, year-round adventure ecosystems.
“Hosting this milestone convention in Kausani, in partnership with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, underscores our collective dedication to decentralising tourism, empowering grassroots mountain communities, and expanding off-season travel corridors. ATOAI remains steadfast in upholding uncompromising safety standards, environmental stewardship through our Net-Zero and Leave No Trace commitments, and fostering sustainable economic viability for operators across all terrains and all seasons. Together, we are paving the path to establish India firmly among the top ten adventure destinations in the world.”
Key focus areas of the convention
The multi-day convention will feature a programme designed to encourage collaboration, strengthen industry standards and promote sustainable adventure tourism.
Addressing seasonality: Plenary sessions and panel discussions will explore strategies for developing monsoon and winter travel corridors, improving destination infrastructure and creating more resilient tourism economies.
Safety and operational standards: Workshops and interactive masterclasses will focus on safety protocols, risk management and environmentally responsible operations, aligned with national adventure tourism guidelines.
B2B networking and community integration: The convention will facilitate connections between grassroots adventure operators, regional tourism stakeholders and national and international travel businesses, helping local enterprises access wider markets.
Sustainability and responsible tourism: Continuing ATOAI’s environmental commitments, the convention will emphasise reducing its carbon footprint, plastic-free practices and adherence to Leave No Trace principles across sessions and activities.
Adventure tourism exhibition: A dedicated exhibition will showcase adventure tourism products, experiences and offerings from across India, providing exhibitors with opportunities for industry visibility, networking and business development.
Building an all-season adventure tourism ecosystem
The 18th ATOAI Annual Adventure Convention aims to encourage a shift from seasonal tourism demand towards a more diversified, year-round adventure travel economy. By promoting responsible practices, strengthening safety standards and integrating local communities into tourism value chains, the convention seeks to support sustainable growth across India’s varied adventure destinations.
The initiative also reinforces ATOAI’s commitment to developing India as a globally competitive adventure tourism destination while ensuring environmental responsibility and economic inclusion.
Convention leadership team
The convention will be led by:
- Convention Chairman: Yog Chinmoy Dutt, Treasurer, ATOAI and Chapter Chair – West-Central Region
- Convention Co-Chairs: Mohit Gupta, Senior Member, ATOAI; and Arvind Bharadwaj, Executive Committee Member, ATOAI
