ATOAI Convention to be held at Statue of Unity in Gujarat from Dec 16-19

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is set to organise its 15th Annual Convention at the Statue of Unity from December 16-19, 2023.

The theme of the convention this year is – Indian Adventure Travel: Exploring New Frontiers. ATOAI explores emerging hot spots in the country to showcase their potential as an adventure tourism destination bringing in focus the newer and established adventure products and exposing it to the adventure travel fraternity at large and providing networking opportunities with the local stakeholders.

The annual convention of the ATOAI is a gathering of relevant travel companies, tourism boards, Government officials, media and leaders – to discuss business and help create policy. “We bring small operators from far flung areas of the state and connect them with adventure tourism experts, introducing a day of adventure activities to strengthen the fraternity… The Gujarat Convention will offer a mix of activities keeping the tradition of active tour operator’s along with a lot of brainstorming pulsating sessions, which may answer a lot of questions which arise on a day to day basis,” the association said.

Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, said, “Adventure tourism, before the pandemic, was a burgeoning global industry valued at USD 683 billion, with a remarkable 21% Compound Annual Growth rate since 2012. The World Bank recognizes it as the largest niche market, attracting approximately 238 million travelers annually. Pre-pandemic projections from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and George Washington University, USA, anticipated that by 2024, adventure travel would burgeon into a trillion-dollar global industry. India, with its rich natural heritage, is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in this sector. Our diverse geographical terrains, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage make us an unparalleled destination for adventure enthusiasts. With the right strategies and initiatives, we can potentially double our inbound tourist figures in the next five years through Adventure Tourism alone. This not only boosts our economy but also promotes sustainable development in remote regions of our country.

Hareet Shukla (IAS), Secretary Tourism, Government of Gujarat, added, “We are thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to the esteemed members of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India to grace the iconic Statue of Unity in Gujarat for their annual convention, scheduled from December 16th to 19th, 2023. This monumental statue, standing as a tribute to the great Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is not just a testament to our rich history and cultural heritage, but also a symbol of unity and resilience. Gujarat, with its diverse natural heritage and vibrant traditions, offers a plethora of adventure and exploration opportunities. We believe that hosting the convention at this prestigious location will provide a unique and enriching experience for all attendees, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration within the adventure tourism community. We look forward to showcasing the best of what Gujarat has to offer, creating lasting memories together and working together to unleash the tremendous adventure tourism potential of Gujarat in a sensitive manner.”

In the past, ATOAI conventions were held in Araku in Andhra Pradesh, Hanuwantiya in Madhya Pradesh and Kumarakom, Kerala, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, Guwahati in Assam etc.

The annual convention is supported and hosted by Gujarat Tourism with ATOAI inviting all stakeholders to contribute in its resolve to make India the adventure capital of the world. These include Government, tourism boards, industry, experts and media.

The agenda will include sessions on how to achieve these goals, networking amongst delegates, exhibits by state tourism boards and industry players, and pre – FAM trips and a taste of adventure to showcase Gujarat as a unique adventure travel destination.

“We are excited by the buzz it is creating in the fraternity and are enthused by the widening prospects of adventure travel beyond the Himalayan frontiers. ATOAI is ready to lead this movement,” the association said.

The annual gathering of ATOAI’s convention is a vibrant mix that includes travel, business discussions, B2B networking and entertainment.

Business sessions will cover policy and taxation issues, marketing, branding, other matters of shared interests, presentations by tourism boards, and inspiring talks by great travellers.