(Industry Leaders, Policymakers and Global Experts Unite to Strengthen Safety Standards in Adventure Tourism)
TTT NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI | 19 MAY 2026
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) successfully hosted the Indian Adventure Tourism Risk Management Seminar in New Delhi bringing together senior government officials, global adventure tourism experts, rescue professionals, insurers, expedition leaders and tourism stakeholders for a landmark dialogue on strengthening safety, sustainability and responsible growth in India’s rapidly expanding adventure tourism sector.
The seminar underscored the urgent need for stronger safety frameworks, professional risk management systems, standardized operating procedures and deeper collaboration between government and industry to position India as a globally trusted adventure tourism destination.
A major highlight of the seminar was a special conversation on “Responsible Adventure Tourism” featuring Union Minister of Tourism & Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, alongside Mr. Rahul Kanwal, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, NDTV and Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, Padma Shri Awardee President, ATOAI. The discussion focused on balancing growth with responsibility, strengthening safety governance, empowering local communities and ensuring the sustainable development of India’s adventure tourism ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to developing tourism responsibly, while ensuring that safety, sustainability and community participation remain central to the country’s tourism growth strategy. He highlighted the immense potential of adventure tourism to generate employment, strengthen local economies and showcase India’s diverse natural landscapes on the global stage.
Mr. Rahul Kanwal moderated an engaging discussion on the evolving landscape of experiential travel and the growing importance of preparedness, accountability and training in adventure tourism operations.
Speaking during the seminar, Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, said: “The future of adventure tourism in India depends on how responsibly we grow. Risk management is the foundation of a credible, sustainable and globally competitive adventure tourism ecosystem.”
The seminar featured extensive expert-led sessions on global and Indian best practices in risk management across land, air and water-based adventure activities. International experts from organizations including PADI, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and leading global risk management specialists and legal experts shared insights on standard operating procedures, incident reporting systems, safety management frameworks and international best practices.
Key sessions focused on:
- Adventure tourism safety frameworks
- ISO 21101 and safety management systems
- Rescue preparedness and emergency response
- Equipment inspection and certification
- Guide skilling and capacity building
- Insurance and liability frameworks
- Sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism
- Regulatory systems and compliance mechanisms
Senior government officials, including Mr. Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Mr. Harikishore S., IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, shared key updates on India’s newly approved Adventure Tourism Safety Framework. They emphasized the need for stronger safety audits, guide certification systems, incident reporting mechanisms and sustainable destination planning.
The seminar concluded with an open-house discussion where industry stakeholders exchanged recommendations on improving risk management systems, strengthening safety awareness and enhancing operational accountability across India’s adventure tourism sector.
ATOAI reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, state governments and industry stakeholders to establish India as a global benchmark for safe, sustainable and responsible adventure tourism.
About ATOAI:
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is the apex body representing India’s adventure tourism industry. The association works towards promoting responsible adventure tourism practices, improving safety standards, supporting skill development and encouraging sustainable tourism growth across the country.
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