Arunachal set to host 16th ATOAI Adventure Convention from December 3-8, 2024

The 6-day convention will bring together adventure tourism professionals and highlight Arunachal’s immense potential as India’s next premier adventure destination.

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is set to hold its 16th annual Adventure Convention in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from 3rd to 8th December 2024. The 6-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 CM Pema Khandu 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.

Exclusive FAM trips are arranged for attendees to explore the state’s breath-taking, unexplored terrains, showcasing its adventure potential. Preceding the convention, a specialized adventure guide training program 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 its President Ajeet Bajaj, ATOAI is dedicated to making India one of the world’s premier destinations for responsible adventure tourism, and Arunachal Pradesh stands at the heart of this vision. “We look forward to showcasing Arunachal Pradesh as a model for responsible adventure tourism, setting new standards for both environmental stewardship and community-driven development in the region,” Bajaj said.

The 16th Adventure Convention aims to be a net-zero event, reducing its environmental footprint and championing responsible tourism. This year’s event will also highlight the importance of promoting Border Tourism, giving delegates the unique opportunity to visit strategic and historically significant sites such as Bumla Pass, a key border location. Additionally, attendees will tour the renowned NIMAS facility in Dirang. These programs focus on equipping youth and local tour operators with essential skills, fostering a generation of professionals who will lead the growth of adventure tourism in Arunachal Pradesh.

Oken Tayeng, ATOAI North East Chair, highlighted the importance of responsible tourism and offers that Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast hold immense potential for adventure tourism, but it’s vital that this growth translates into tangible economic benefits for local communities.

He remarked, “By focusing on sustainability and creating employment opportunities for our youth, we ensure that adventure tourism not only preserves the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these regions but also contributes to their long-term prosperity.”