Ministry of Tourism and ATOAI Mark a Milestone with Adventure Guide Training and Seminar in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

In a significant step toward strengthening India’s adventure tourism ecosystem, the Ministry of Tourism (Regional Office – West & Central), Government of India in collaboration with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) successfully concluded a four-day Adventure Guide Training Programme and Adventure Tourism Seminar in Bhopal from March 17–20, 2026.

Building Skilled Adventure Professionals
- 33 adventure professionals trained across trekking, mountaineering, and water-based disciplines.
- Training supported by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and Eco Tourism Development Board.
- Facilitated by VIVO Healthcare and EKO India, focusing on:
- First aid & CPR
- Wilderness emergency response
- Risk assessment & crisis management
- Emphasis on ethical and environmentally responsible practices.

National Seminar – “Adventure Strategy for a New Era”
- Highlighted adventure tourism as a fast-growing global segment.
- ATOAI President Ajeet Bajaj set a vision: India among the top 10 global adventure destinations by 2034.
- Called for stronger public-private collaboration to ensure safety and world-class experiences.

State Leadership & Collaboration
- Ilayaraja T, IAS (Secretary, Tourism, MP) emphasized Madhya Pradesh’s role as a leading adventure destination.
- Advocated deeper collaboration with ATOAI for policy-making, destination development, and capacity-building.

Panel Discussion – Key Focus Areas
Moderated by Milind Bhide (ATOAI) with panelists from government and industry:
- Strengthening safety frameworks
- Regulatory reforms
- Adoption of global best practices
- Technology & AI integration
- Investment-led destination development

Industry Insights
- Daksh Sharma (Iffort): AI & digital marketing for scalable growth.
- Nirat Bhatt (ATOAI Treasurer): Scaling adventure businesses without compromising safety.

Participation & Outcomes
- Over 80 delegates: tour operators, adventure clubs, training institutions, eco-tourism stakeholders, hospitality partners.
- Outcomes:
- Enhanced safety standards
- Strengthened industry capabilities
- Support for progressive policy development
- Positions India as a global hub for safe, sustainable, high-quality adventure tourism.

This initiative is a milestone in professionalizing adventure tourism in India, blending safety, sustainability, and growth.