TBM Staff - Mumbai The 16th ATOAI (Adventure Tour Operators Association of India) Convention commenced today in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on the theme of sustainable tourism development in India’s border regions.
Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI; Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (DCOAS) for Information Systems and Coordination (IS & C) of the Indian Army; Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh; Pasang Dorjee Sona, Tourism Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and Capt. Swadesh Kumar, Founding President, ATOAI, addressed the gathering.
Senior delegates at the convention emphasized the need for responsible tourism practices that safeguard the ecological integrity of these sensitive areas while fostering economic growth and job creation.
Among the notable speakers, Lt. Gen. Rakesh Kapoor highlighted the dual importance of showcasing the pristine beauty of border areas to the world and empowering local communities through infrastructure and employment opportunities. However, he cautioned that development must avoid the pitfalls of overtourism and adhere to eco-conscious practices.
Keynote speaker Rohit Kapur, MD of Arthur D Little, shared his insights on “Adventure Tourism, The Broader Footprint,” addressing the potential and challenges of adventure tourism in India.
The convention underscores the growing recognition of sustainable tourism as a critical component of development in border regions, with a balanced focus on ecological preservation and community upliftment.
