Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, announces its’ 15th Annual Convention. This pivotal event is slated to take place at the magnificent Statue of Unity in Gujarat from December 16-19, 2023. The four days will bring together stakeholders from all over the country to discuss and celebrate the exponential growth and potential of responsible adventure tourism in our nation.
Ajeet Bajaj, President ATOAI says “Adventure tourism, before the pandemic, was a burgeoning global industry valued at $683 billion, with a remarkable 21% Compound Annual Growth rate since 2012. The World Bank recognizes it as the largest niche market, attracting approximately 238 million travelers annually. Pre-pandemic projections from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and George Washington University, USA, anticipated that by 2024, adventure travel would burgeon into a trillion-dollar global industry. India, with its rich natural heritage, is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in this sector. Our diverse geographical terrains, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage make us an unparalleled destination for adventure enthusiasts. With the right strategies and initiatives, we can potentially double our inbound tourist figures in the next five years through Adventure Tourism alone. This not only boosts our economy but also promotes sustainable development in remote regions of our country.
Gujarat, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is emerging as a vibrant hub for adventure tourism in India. We are excited to unveil the untapped potential of this magnificent state, offering thrilling experiences and unforgettable journeys to adventure enthusiasts from around the world.”
Hareet Shukla (IAS), Secretary Tourism, Government of Gujarat says “We are thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to the esteemed members of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India to grace the iconic Statue of Unity in Gujarat for their annual convention, scheduled from December 16th to 19th, 2023. This monumental statue, standing as a tribute to the great Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is not just a testament to our rich history and cultural heritage, but also a symbol of unity and resilience. Gujarat, with its diverse natural heritage and vibrant traditions, offers a plethora of adventure and exploration opportunities. We believe that hosting the convention at this prestigious location will provide a unique and enriching experience for all attendees, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration within the adventure tourism community. We look forward to showcasing the best of what Gujarat has to offer, creating lasting memories together and working together to unleash the tremendous adventure tourism potential of Gujarat in a sensitive manner.”
ATOAI is driven by the vision to position India as the epicenter of global adventure tourism and be ranked among the top ten global destinations for Adventure Travel by 2033. This mission has been significantly propelled by the initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, most importantly, establishing the National Board for Adventure Tourism, a pivotal step towards the sustainable growth of Responsible Adventure Tourism in our nation. The recent initiatives, including the Adventure Tourism Safety Act and Regulations, capacity-building workshops and the development of mega-adventure trails, are commendable efforts in realizing this vision. The G20 summit held in March 2023 at Siliguri was a landmark event where adventure tourism was highlighted as a vehicle for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
As the adventure tourism sector continues its rapid ascent, it is of paramount importance that we grow sustainably, responsibly and with a strict adherence to the ‘leave no trace’ ethos. The theme for our convention this year is “Indian Adventure Travel: Exploring New Frontiers.”
Vaibhav Kala, Vice President & Convention Chair says, “The convention promises to be a melting pot of travel conglomerates, government dignitaries, media, and visionary leaders, all converging to strategize and sculpt the future of adventure tourism in India. Our ambition is to bridge the gap between grassroots operators from India’s hinterlands and global adventure tourism stalwarts, fortifying our collective strength.’’
The convention will also offer 3 FAM tours to the delegates helping them create exciting itineraries to promote adventure tourism in Gujarat.
In acknowledgment of the commendable initiatives by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the convention has dedicated a session to the “Travel for Life” programme for the industry. Furthermore, ATOAI pledges to uphold its’ commitment to the environment by ensuring the convention is devoid of single-use plastics.
