Tag Archives: Adventure Tourism

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) will hold its 16th annual Adventure Convention in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from 3rd to 8th December 2024. The six-day convention will bring together adventure tourism professionals from across the country to explore and highlight Arunachal’s immense potential as India’s next premier adventure destination. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu firmly believes that the state holds incredible promise as India’s leading adventure tourism destination and expressed optimism that the convention will showcase the untapped opportunities Arunachal has to offer, bringing both economic growth and global recognition of Arunachal. State’s Tourism Minister P D Sona too underscores the importance of investment in adventure tourism that will not only drive economic development but also preserve the natural and cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. He is of the opinion that nurturing sustainable tourism will create a bright future for India as a global adventure hub. The convention will feature a packed schedule of sessions, panel discussions, and awards recognising excellence in the industry. Adventure tourism leaders from across India will join local operators to foster partnerships, with an aim to create sustainable tourism models for Arunachal and beyond. Exclusive familiarisation (FAM) trips will allow attendees to explore the state’s breath-taking, unexplored terrains, showcasing its adventure potential. Preceding the convention, a specialised adventure guide training programme will be held in Itanagar, the state’s capital, led by experts to help build local capacity and professionalism in the adventure tourism sector. The unveiling of ATOAI’s roadmap for Arunachal Pradesh will further outline future growth and investment opportunities in the region. As per Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, the association is dedicated to making India one of the world’s premier destinations …

On 27th September 2024, Tourism Department Kargil in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Government Degree College, Kargil celebrated World Tourism Day 2024, on the theme “Tourism and Peace” in the seminar hall of GDC Kargil. The team of UTDRF, Fire and Emergency Services and Tourism Department displayed various equipments related to adventure tourism and search and rescue during the program and; large number of students were oriented of adventure tourism and firefighting techniques.   Aga Sayed Mujtaba Musavi, Executive Councillor was the chief guest of this event. Prof. Disket Angmo, Principal, Government Degree College;  Prof. Nazir Shabani, Commerce Department, Government Degree College, Kargil; Rehmatullah, Assistant Director Tourism; Haji Zaheer Bagh, General Secretary, AKTA; Muzammil Munshi, Root Ladakh; Goba Ali, Thang Turtuk and Er. Raveesh Sharma, Assistant Professor Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Government Degree College, Kargil made deliberation on tourism in Ladakh in special reference to Kargil tourism during panel discussion. Prof. Disket Angmo, Principal Government Degree College, Kargil stressed on the issue of unemployment related to tourism and hospitality industry and asked the AKTA General Secretary, Haji Zaheer Bagh if he can provide internship as well as on the job training and jobs for the students of tourism and hospitality industry. On this special occasion the Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Government Degree College, Kargil made the official announcement for the registration of college with Yuva Tourism Club, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. All the dignitaries, guests, faculty member and students were also present during the official announcement of the Yuva Tourism Club in the seminar hall of the GDC Kargil.

Nepal’s tourism capital, Pokhara, is gearing up to host its first-ever International Balloon Festival, set to take place from 24 December, 2024, to 1 January, 2025. Organised by Balloon Nepal, the event promises to coincide with the Christmas and New Year celebrations, offering a unique and vibrant attraction for both local and international tourists. Bishnu Bhakta Dhakal, Director, Balloon Nepal, expressed enthusiasm about the festival, noting that it will contribute significantly to Pokhara’s growing reputation as a hub for adventure tourism. “Pokhara is naturally rich and beautiful, and it has been steadily emerging as a sought-after destination for adventure tourism. The balloon festival will further enhance Pokhara’s aim to establish itself as a premier adventure destination on the global map,” said Dhakal. The festival will span a three-kilometer area from Lauruk to Chankhpur in the scenic Pame region of Pokhara. It is expected to feature around 30 professional ballooning companies from Nepal and various countries worldwide. Over the course of the week-long event, more than 500 professional balloon flights, along with an additional 300 non-commercial flights, are planned. These activities are aimed at promoting adventure tourism in the region and boosting Pokhara’s profile as a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers. In addition to balloon rides, the festival will host a variety of side attractions. Attendees will be able to enjoy mini balloon shows, cultural performances by both national and local artists, food stalls offering a range of local and international cuisine, and other entertainment activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. Organisers are confident that this diverse array of offerings will create an immersive and unforgettable experience for participants. Bikram Bade, Chairman, Balloon Nepal, highlighted the larger goals of the …

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 …

All-inclusive airfare starting at INR 37,839/- for Ethiopian Airlines flights from Mumbai/Delhi/Bengaluru/Chennai to Cape Town/Johannesburg In its endeavour to make the Rainbow Nation more accessible to Indian travellers, South African Tourism has partnered with Ethiopian Airlines to launch its #ExploreMore&MoreForLess campaign. Aiming to alleviate the burden of air travel costs while visiting international destinations, the campaign offers lowest ever fares for visiting South Africa from India at just INR 37,839/-. The airfare is applicable to Ethiopian Airlines’ routes from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai to Cape Town and Johannesburg and is up for grabs through the campaign period starting 1 September to 30 September 2024. Available exclusively through the Ethiopian Airlines’ website and mobile application, customers can choose to travel anytime between 01st October – 31 December 2024 while making their bookings during the offer period. As per the offer terms, travellers can further avail an additional discount of 10% on the base fare. Announced at the onset of festive season, the offer enables Indian travellers to effectively plan their long-haul journey keeping in mind two significant occasions – Diwali and Christmas. When travelling internationally, airfares are often a major deciding factor for families and individuals alike and play a vital role in selecting experiences one can choose to indulge in during their trip. South African Tourism, in its partnership with Ethiopian Airlines’ aims to empower travellers to curate their itinerary more freely and cherish their time away whole-heartedly. An extension to South African Tourism’s wildly popular More&More campaign, #ExploreMore&MoreForLess empowers Indian travellers to embark on as many quests from the 3,000 adventure activities, majestic wildlife and varied culinary experiences available in South Africa. Expressing his enthusiasm on the campaign launch, …

Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest adventure tourism experience provider company’s India office has launched its adventure packages tailored for the North Eastern States and Central India with an aim to provide vibrant experience of the rich culture heritage and wildlife and scenic beauty of India. The packages named as ‘Premium India Safari’ and ‘India Expedition: Sikkim, Assam, and Nagaland’, introduced with the aim of bringing around 12,000 inbound adventure travellers from across the word to India in 2024. Each package is led by seasoned experts and tour leaders dedicated to the group of 12-15 people. Premium India Safari is a 13 days long trip that offer sights, sounds and smells of India on a unique wildlife-focused adventure. The activities includes a hop on a rickshaw safari through the bird sanctuaries of Keoladeo, to take an evening boat and night time safari in Satpura National Park and cruise on jeep safaris through Bandhavgarh and Panna National Parks. The travellers will get a chance to see the birdlife, deer, flying foxes, leopards, sloth bears, monkeys and tigers and more. Whereas ‘India Expedition – Sikkim, Assam & Nagaland’ tour package tour is an expedition of 16 days to the unspoiled wildlife reserves, spectacular wetlands and rambling mountain villages in the northeastern India. There will be opportunities to learn about the cultures of Sikkim, Assam and Nagaland. Travellers will explore Kaziranga National Park for the iconic one-horned rhinoceros and will take a winding journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. From the floating villages of Majuli Island to the living root bridge- the handiwork of the Khasi people, this trip will offer a side of country few visitors see. Speaking about the new packages, Rama …

In a strategic move set to revolutionise the adventure and tourism landscape of the Sultanate of Oman, Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), and Global Leisure and Entertainment have entered a strategic joint venture. This collaboration is aimed at developing a state-of-the-art Water Sports and Biking Centre in Khasab, in the Governorate of Musandam. The announcement was made at ITB Berlin 2024, marking another key milestone in Oman’s tourism sector. The partnership aligns with OMRAN Group’s vision to enhance Oman’s status as a premier adventure destination while fostering economic development and cultural exchange. Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, stated, “This partnership with Global Leisure and Entertainment underlines our commitment to innovating Oman’s adventure tourism landscape. By launching the first adventure centre in Khasab, we are setting new benchmarks for experiential travel in the region.” Lennard Otto, Managing Director of Global Leisure and Entertainment echoed this sentiment, “Our collaboration with OMRAN Group is a step towards creating unparalleled adventure experiences in Khasab. We are dedicated to contributing to Oman’s vision by providing dynamic, world-class activities that attract global tourists and adventure enthusiasts.” The new venture will see Khasab transformed into the ultimate adventure sports district, catering to thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe. The initiative will introduce an array of experiences, from water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding to diverse biking trails offering mountain, beach, and urban explorations. Abdul Hafidh Al Harthi, Asset Manager of Experiences at OMRAN Group, highlighted the project’s significance, “This venture signifies a leap forward in our efforts to diversify Oman’s tourism appeal. The Khasab Adventure Centre is poised to become a cornerstone in our strategy to enhance the region’s …

Kerala is all set to kick-start four international events in 2024. The events include International Paragliding Festival, Surfing Festival, International Mountain Cycling Championship, and Malabar River Festival. More than 15 countries will participate in these events, says State Tourism Minister.

Uttarakhand is set to revolutionize tourism with the launch of India’s first-ever Himalayan AirSafari using gyrocopters. This pioneering venture promises to offer an unparalleled experience, blending adventure with breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas. Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, in collaboration with Rajas Aerosports and Adventures Pvt Ltd is introducing gyrocopters – compact, agile aircraft- as a novel way to explore its stunning landscapes. The state marks a new chapter in tourism with the successful completion of the first gyrocopter trial flight from Bairagi Camp, Haridwar, on December 16, 2023. Under the innovative Himalayan AirSafari scheme, part of the visionary Breakfast Tourism initiative, tourists will embark on a journey unlike any other. They will soar across the skies, enjoying aerial views of the majestic Himalayan ranges and serene rivers, transitioning smoothly from one exotic location to another. Additional Chief Executive Officer of Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, Col. Ashwini Pundir who was part of this trial flight, said that the Himalayan Air Safari scheme of various tourist places of the state will soon be launched through Gyrocopter. In this scheme tourists will fly from one place in a Gyrocopter, enjoy the natural beauty of the Himalayan peaks and rivers, reach another destination and after some time at the destination, return back to their place of origin. This venture is more than just a scenic tour; it’s a bridge connecting tourists to the lesser-known, remote jewels of Uttarakhand. It offers a unique opportunity to explore hidden destinations, all within a short, exhilarating gyrocopter ride. Get ready to experience the Himalayas like never before – from the skies! Join us as we unveil a new era of travel and exploration in India.  

Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI said, “We aim to make India amongst the top 10 adventure tourism destination in the world. Border tourism, sports tourism, adventure tourism will boost inbound tourism as well as foster India to become adventure tourism hub.