Tourism Breaking News
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the 2023-24 financial year and held its elections for the 2024-26 term on 16 September 2024, at The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, New Delhi. The event concluded with an exclusive Fellowship Dinner aiming to promote unity and camaraderie among its members who had gathered from various parts of the country.
Annual General Meeting 2023-24
The AGM commenced with a powerful and visionary address by Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI who emphasised the association’s relentless pursuit of advancing sustainable and responsible adventure tourism in India. He lauded the united efforts of ATOAI members in fostering responsible tourism initiatives; while highlighting the remarkable progress and transformative achievements the association has accomplished over the past year.
Ronny Singh Gulati, Honorary Secretary, presented the comprehensive annual report, showcasing ATOAI’s transformative initiatives and significant accomplishments throughout the 2023-24 period.
Nirat Bhatt, Honorary Treasurer, presented a detailed overview of the financial performance report for the year 2023-24. His thorough analysis covered critical financial metrics and insights into the association’s financial stability and operational performance during this period.
Resolutions passed at the AGM include:
- Approval of the Previous Minutes: The AGM passed the minutes from the 2023 AGM, held on 20 September, 2023.
- Financial Overview: Nirat Bhatt, Honorary Treasurer, presented the financial report for 2023-24, which was unanimously approved by the AGM.
- Auditor Appointment: The AGM formalised the appointment of SPH & Associates, represented by Pawan Kumar Ambawta, as auditors for the 2024-25 financial year.
Tejbir Singh Anand, Senior Vice President, delivered the vote of thanks, extending deep appreciation to the ATOAI Executive Committee, Secretariat, members, the Ministry of Tourism, state governments and the Indian Army for their invaluable support in propelling the adventure tourism sector forward.
Elections 2024-26
Under the stewardship of Rajiv Kohli, Returning Officer, ATOAI successfully conducted its elections, announcing the following unopposed leaders for the 2024-26 term:
Office Bearers
- President: Ajeet Bajaj, Padmashri Awardee, Managing Director, Snow Leopard Adventures
- Senior Vice President: Vaibhav Kala, Managing Director, Aquaterra Adventures India
- Vice President: Arshdeep Anand, Director, Holiday Moods Adventures
- Honorary Secretary: Ronny Gulati, Managing Director, Youreka Campouts Services
- Honorary Treasurer: Nirat Bhatt, Managing Director, Nidus Enterprises
Executive Committee Members
- Vishwas Makhija, Managing Director, India Insight Tours (Imm. Past President)
- Milind Bhide, Founder, Director, Countryside Adventure Holidays
- Amit Periwal, Clubside Tours and Travels
- Yog Dutt, Founder, Director, Junoon Adventure and Eco Tours
- Shekhar Babu, Director, Transcend Adventures
This new leadership team is set to spearhead transformative growth in India’s adventure travel sector. Their strategy emphasises building strong partnerships with government agencies and industry leaders to promote forward-thinking policies and enhance India’s reputation as a top global destination for adventure tourism.
Fellowship Dinner
The AGM and elections concluded with a grand Fellowship Dinner, an evening dedicated to celebrating the synergy and shared vision within the adventure tourism fraternity. The evening was graced by the esteemed presence of Col. Vijay Singh, VSM (retd), President, Honorary Secretary, Indian Mountaineering Foundation, who pledged unwavering support to ATOAI reinforcing their commitment to the industry’s growth. Brigadier Ashok Abbey, AVSM (retd), Honorary Patron, ATOAI, emphasised the transformative role ATOAI has played in setting new benchmarks for industry standards, enhancing safety protocols, and championing eco-conscious practices. His words of admiration underscored the vital importance of our collective mission to position India as a world leader in adventure tourism. Adding prestige to the occasion was the presence of Col. Preetinder Singh Chohan, Director, Army Adventure Wing. His participation further highlighted the event’s significance.
