ATOAI's 2nd Adventure Tourism Guide Course in Darjeeling

Exploring Adventure Tourism in West Bengal

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), together with the Ministry of Tourism and the Indian Institute of Travel & Tourism Management (IITTM), has announced the completion of the second edition of the Responsible Adventure Tourism Guide Course (RATG), which took place in Darjeeling from January 15 to 18, 2025.

The Ministry of Tourism has led this training initiative in partnership with ATOAI and implemented it throughout all five regions of the country. This strategic effort showcases the Ministry's unwavering commitment to promoting excellence and maintaining the highest safety standards in Adventure Tourism operations.

This transformative initiative, designed to foster safer, sustainable, responsible, and gender-inclusive adventure tourism practices in India, was made possible through the outstanding support of Mr Pranav Prakash, Regional Director of the Eastern Region, Ministry of Tourism, and Mr Jotirmoy Biswas, Assistant Director, India Tourism, who also graced the occasion.

ATOAI expresses gratitude to Mr. Avijit Mishra, Executive Director, and Mr. Dawa Sherpa, Field Director of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), for their crucial support in cultivating an outstanding learning environment that significantly improved the overall experience. A special mention is given to Mr. Amit Periwal, Executive Committee Member and Chapter Chairman East - ATOAI, for his outstanding leadership and careful training program management.

The Hanifl Center, a renowned authority on wilderness first aid and sustainable adventure education, conducted an intensive four-day training program for 43 adventure guides from eastern India. Supported by the expertise of the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), the program delivered a comprehensive curriculum designed to elevate the standards of adventure tourism.

Key topics covered included Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Leave-No-Trace (LNT) Principles, Sustainable Adventure Tourism Practices, Professional Guiding Techniques, ATOAI Safety Guidelines, Risk Management and Leadership, Liability and Negligence, Expedition Behavior and the Honorary Warden Pledge. The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) also emphasized the importance of gender-inclusive practices in tourism, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity.

Through this transformative training, participants earned globally recognized certifications in wilderness First Aid (WFA), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Epinephrine Auto-Injector (CPR & EAI), and Leave-No-Trace (LNT) Awareness. The course equipped them with critical skills to effectively manage emergencies in remote environments and adopt sustainable practices in their guiding careers.

The Responsible Adventure Tourism Guide Course concluded with the participants taking the Honorary Warden Pledge, a solemn commitment to uphold the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and responsibility in adventure tourism:

• Uphold safe and sustainable practices in Adventure Tourism
• Follow Leave No Trace principles
• Respect Nature and Host Communities
• Implement the Travel for Life Guidelines
• Promote Gender Inclusive Operations

A Step Forward for Responsible Adventure Tourism

dThis is a significant step towards shaping the future of responsible adventure tourism in India, ensuring that exploration goes hand in hand with preservation.