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 …
Read More »#ExploreMore&MoreForLess: South African Tourism Partners with Ethiopian Airlines to Offer Lowest Ever Airfares to Indian Travellers
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, …
Read More »Intrepid Travel- India unveils its new adventure packages
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 …
Read More »OMRAN GROUP & GLOBAL LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT UNVEIL JOINT VENTURE FOR OMAN’S FIRST WATER & BIKE ADVENTURE CENTRE
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 …
Read More »Four international events to put Kerala on global adventure tourism map, 15 nations to participate
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.
Read More »Uttarakhand to unveil Himalayan Air Safari using gyrocopters; set to revolutionize tourism
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.
Read More »We aim to make India amongst the top 10 adventure tourism destination globally: Ajeet Bajaj
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.
Read More »Travellers are seeking more experiential and immersive experiences post-Covid, says Menon
Madhavan Menon, Executive Chairman, Thomas Cook Ltd believes that the tourism industry is facing big shifts post Covid. He said, “Travellers are seeking more experiential and immersive experiences, such as cultural tours, and adventure sports”.
Read More »With adventure sports and snorkelling, Oman proves to be an ideal destination for thrill-seekers
“Oman has proved to be an ideal destination for adventure-lovers, exploring Majlis AI Jinn, and snorkelling among coral reels of Dimaniyat Islands, aiming to provide memorable experiences to all the visitors,” underlined by Asma Al Hajry, Deputy Director General of Tourism Promotions.
Read More »ATOAI’s Mumbai seminar focuses on best practices in adventure, safety & insurance
ATOAI conducted its first regional event after covid in Mumbai yesterday. It started with a seminar followed by an adventire tourism roadshow where 13 sellers met with more than 160 buyers from mumbai. The seminar focuses on key topics such as best practices in adventure, safety and insurance in adventure travel.
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