Tag Archives: ATOAI

Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, has said that setting up the National Board for Adventure Tourism by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is a welcome step, “We have already had two board meetings and are gaining momentum. This inter-ministerial board with state governments’ participation will help resolve many issues pertaining to adventure tourism in India.”

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India has always believed in promoting adventure tourism in a safe and sustainable manner and aims to create this awareness and mitigate risk in adventure tourism activities. ATOAI is delighted to announce that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is organizing a Disaster Management Course for ATOAI Adventure Guides. 40 adventure guides with a minimum experience of 5 years will be trained by NDRF from 30th January 2022 to 4th February 2023 at 8 Battalion, NDRF, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.   The Adventure guides will be trained on: Disaster Management Search & Rescue First Aid & CPR. Fire Safety Water Emergencies Snake & Animal Bite Group Exercise / Leadership Miscellaneous & General Topics This course will be a force multiplier in providing rescue and support during natural disasters in our country and will also up skill adventure professionals / guides in providing safer adventure experiences to adventure tourists. ATOAI believes that such initiatives will go a long way in bringing India on top of the preferred adventure tourism destinations in the world. Adventure guides doing the program will also be made honorary wardens for keeping ‘the great outdoors’ pristine and ensure that the ATOAI safety guidelines are followed in letter and spirit.

ATOAI organised its 26th Virtual Members Meet recently, where they introduced ATOAI Member Advantage Card. The card will empower its members in their marketing, sourcing, contracting and lowest possible B2B purchases enhancing their profitability.

ATOAI wrote to Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, requesting all state and UT governments and Regional Directors Tourism to hold a video conference with all state and UT tourism departments to discuss key issues in the adventure segment. 

Vaibhav Kala, Officiating President, ATOAI, has revealed that ATOAI elections will be held on 21 September 2022. He said, “It has been one of the most eventful tenures in ATOAI history, not only due to the pandemic and business revival,  but ATOAI has had some major breakthroughs including formation of the National Board on Adventure Tourism, efforts to launch the first Himalayan Mountaineering and Adventure Tourism meet in 2023, assisting State governments with formation of rules and guidelines and many growth areas in the sphere of promotion of adventure tourism.” He added, “The new team will strive to continue the momentum gained over the last year and take all steps initiated, to their logical conclusion.”

Vinayak Koul, Honorary Secretary, ATOAI, has emphasized that adventure tourism is one of the niches of tourism in which 60-90 per cent money is retained in the region and goes to the local communities. To realize the vision of Responsible Tourism, he brought forth the significance of following SOPs and guidelines.

In a recent webinar, Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, expressed her concern on the lack of trained medical staff in tourism industry. “There is no dearth of medical personnel in India, then why are we not able to address the medical issues. That is something we need to work on immediately. More targeted and focused training by the ministry is required of the tour guides associated with the recognized tour companies” said Brar

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) will conduct its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election on January 20, 2021. The event, which will be organised virtually, will allow the association to discuss the proceedings and events of the past year, and also help it plan the agenda for 2021, informs Vinayak Koul, Hony. Secretary, ATOAI.

Swadesh Kumar, President, ATOAI, revealed that in their recommendation to the minister, they have said that the COVID-19 guidelines which have been formulated by ATOAI for the adventure tourism activities should be accepted by the MOT, so that it can be circulated to the entire country and the state governments.

President & Vice President of IATO along with Presidents of ATOAI and ADTOI met Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog today to seek government’s support for the survival and revival of tour operators and other stakeholders of the industry. During the meeting financial support was sought along with long term loans and a hike in SEIS incentive from 7% to 10%. The NITI Aayog CEO gave a patient hearing and has assured full support. During the meeting, Pronab Sarkar, President, IATO emphasised that Inbound Tour Operators who bring in foreign tourists and earn valuable foreign exchange for the country are on the verge of collapsing due to Covid-19 pandemic and need urgent help to survive as there is zero billing and consequently zero cash flow.  Apart from Sarkar, Rajiv Mehra, Vice President was representing IATO. Capt. Swadesh Kumar, President, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) and PP Khanna, President, Association of Domestic Tour Operators Association of India (ADTOI) were also present. The delegation sought financial support to tour operators so that tour operators do not close down and continue their business with their experienced staff after the COVID – 19 is controlled and tourism is back to business, under MSME Special Non-collateral and interest-free long term loans (5-10 years) to be provided to the tour operators for the survival of the business and aggressive marketing once tourism is back to business.  In addition, IATO sought an increase in incentive offered in Service Export from India Scheme (SEIS) from 7% to 10 % which will allow them to offer competitive packages vis a vis neighbouring countries. Kant gave a very patient hearing and assured the delegation full support to the tourism …