The Ministry of Tourism (Regional Office – West & Central), Government of India, in collaboration with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), has concluded a four-day Adventure Guide Training Programme and Adventure Tourism Seminar in Bhopal, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s adventure tourism ecosystem.
Held from March 17–20, 2026, the initiative brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to focus on enhancing safety standards, building professional capacity, and supporting sustainable growth across the sector.
A total of 33 adventure professionals across trekking, mountaineering, and water-based disciplines completed the intensive training programme. Supported by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and the Madhya Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board, the programme was facilitated by VIVO Healthcare and EKO India. It focused on first aid, CPR, wilderness emergency response, risk assessment, and crisis management through a mix of classroom sessions and practical simulations.
The programme culminated in a national seminar themed “Adventure Strategy for a New Era,” outlining a roadmap for future growth. Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, highlighted the sector’s potential for livelihood generation and regional development, while emphasising the goal of positioning India among the top global adventure tourism destinations by 2034.
Delivering the keynote address, Ilayaraja T, Secretary (Tourism) and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, underlined the state’s emergence as a leading adventure tourism destination and called for stronger institutional collaboration to support policy development and capacity building.
A panel discussion moderated by Milind Bhide brought together experts including Arvind Abhay Bedekar, L. Krishnamoorthy, Nirat Bhatt, and Aly Rashid. Discussions focused on safety frameworks, regulatory reforms, adoption of global best practices, and the role of technology and AI in scaling the sector.
The seminar also included a business masterclass by Daksh Sharma on leveraging AI and digital marketing, along with an expert session on scaling adventure businesses without compromising safety.
With participation from over 80 delegates, including tour operators, eco-tourism stakeholders, and hospitality partners, the initiative marked a milestone in the professionalisation of India’s adventure tourism sector. Key outcomes include improved safety standards, enhanced skill development, and stronger industry collaboration, positioning India as a competitive global destination for adventure tourism.
