ATOAI Pre-Convention Event Highlights Arunachal's Potential

 ATOAI Event Showcases Arunachal's Adventure Potential

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) held an inspiring Curtain Raiser for its 16th Annual Convention at The Park Hotel in New Delhi, setting the stage for an extraordinary event scheduled to take place in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from December 3 to 8, 2024. The evening highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s immense potential as a global adventure tourism hub while emphasizing ATOAI’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices.

The event commenced with an engaging address by Mr Ajeet Bajaj, President of ATOAI, who underscored the transformative potential of sustainable adventure tourism.

“Arunachal Pradesh is India’s Last Shangri-La and our next big adventure destination. This convention will lay the groundwork for responsible adventure tourism and demonstrate that sustainability is the future of our industry. This convention promises to be a milestone event, positioning Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast India at the forefront of adventure tourism in India and the world,” he stated. 

This sentiment was echoed by Mr Oken Tayeng, MLA and Convention Chairperson, who referred to Arunachal as “a playground of possibilities” and stressed the necessity of a sustainable roadmap to unlock its adventure tourism potential.

Building on the evening’s excitement, Mr. Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the importance of collaboration in developing adventure tourism in India.

He remarked, “India’s natural assets make it a top contender for global adventure tourism, and Arunachal is a shining gem of the country.”

Mr Ranphoa Ngowa, Secretary of Tourism for the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, further emphasized the state’s readiness to welcome global adventure seekers, noting its unique combination of untouched rivers, dense forests, and rich tribal heritage.

The Tourism Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pasang Dorjee Sona, addressed the audience with a vision for positioning Arunachal as a global leader in adventure tourism. He emphasized the region’s unparalleled opportunities for activities such as river rafting, paragliding, and trekking while showcasing significant progress in infrastructure and connectivity. 

“This convention is not just about showcasing our breathtaking landscapes; it’s about our commitment to responsible tourism. We aim to ignite global interest in Arunachal as a premier destination for adventure, where culture and nature coexist harmoniously,” he stated.

The evening also featured a captivating short film titled *Exploring Arunachal – India’s Last Shangri-La, which captivated the audience with the state’s pristine beauty and cultural richness. A dynamic Q&A session followed, allowing attendees and media representatives to delve deeper into the convention’s objectives and Arunachal’s adventure tourism offerings.

Reflecting on the evening's success, Mr. Vaibhav Kala, Senior Vice President of ATOAI, expressed gratitude to all attendees and emphasized the convention's role in reshaping perceptions of adventure tourism in India.

“This marks the beginning of a remarkable journey for Arunachal Pradesh to become one of the top adventure travel destinations on the planet, rivalling regions in Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, and many others, with a comprehensive roadmap for developing adventure tourism in the state,” he remarked.

The upcoming convention in Tawang promises to be a landmark event. It will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and adventure enthusiasts to explore Arunachal Pradesh's untapped potential. With its focus on sustainable practices, knowledge-sharing, and immersive experiences, the convention is poised to redefine India’s global adventure tourism map position.