The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) hosted an inspiring Curtain Raiser for its 16th Annual Convention at The Park Hotel, New Delhi, setting the stage for an extraordinary event scheduled to take place in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from December 3 to 8, 2024. This evening’s event highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s vast potential as a global adventure tourism hub while emphasizing ATOAI’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices.
The event began with an engaging address by Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, who emphasised the transformative potential of sustainable adventure tourism. “Arunachal Pradesh is India’s Last Shangri-La and our next big adventure destination. This convention will set the stage for responsible adventure tourism and showcase how sustainability is the future of our industry. This convention promises to be a milestone event, further positioning Arunachal Pradesh and North East India at the forefront of adventure tourism in India and the world,” he remarked. This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Oken Tayeng, MLA and Convention Chairperson, who called Arunachal “a playground of possibilities” and underlined the need for a sustainable roadmap to unlock its adventure tourism potential.
Adding to the evening’s momentum, Mr. Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the importance of collaboration in developing adventure tourism in India. He noted, “India’s natural assets make it a top contender for global adventure tourism and Arunachal is a shining gem of the country.”
Mr. Ranphoa Ngowa, Secretary of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, further emphasized the state’s readiness to host global adventure seekers, pointing out its unique combination of untouched rivers, dense forests and rich tribal heritage.
The Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, addressed the audience with a vision for positioning Arunachal as a global leader in adventure tourism. He highlighted the region’s unparalleled opportunities for activities such as river rafting, paragliding, and trekking, while also showcasing the significant strides made in infrastructure and connectivity.
“This convention is not just about showcasing our breathtaking landscapes; it’s about our commitment to responsible tourism. We aim to ignite global interest in Arunachal as a premier destination for adventure, where culture and nature coexist harmoniously,” he said.
The evening also featured a captivating short film, Exploring Arunachal – India’s Last Shangri-La, which left the audience captivated by the state’s pristine beauty and cultural richness. A dynamic Q&A session followed, allowing attendees and media representatives to delve deeper into the convention’s objectives and Arunachal’s adventure tourism offerings.
Reflecting on the success of the evening, Mr. Vaibhav Kala, Senior Vice President of ATOAI, expressed gratitude to all attendees and emphasized the role of the convention in reshaping perceptions of adventure tourism in India. “This is the start of a fabulous journey for Arunachal Pradesh to become one of the top adventure travel destinations on the planet, rivalling regions in Peru, Chile, Costa Rica and many more: with a roadmap for developing adventure tourism in the State,” he remarked.
