The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), successfully concluded the Responsible Adventure Tourism Guide Course (RATG) in Chennai from December 16–19, 2024. Sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism and conducted in partnership with India Tourism (South) and the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), the initiative aimed to advance safe, sustainable, and gender-responsive practices in adventure tourism.
The program, hosted at the Institute of Hotel Management in Chennai, was supported by Mr. D. Venkatesan, Regional Director, Southern Region, Ministry of Tourism, and his team. Led by the Hanifl Center, a recognized leader in wilderness and sustainable adventure education, the training provided 31 adventure guides from South India with comprehensive knowledge and skills. Key topics included Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, sustainable practices, professional guiding techniques, risk management, leadership skills, liability, and expedition behavior.
Participants earned internationally recognized certifications, including WFA, CPR & Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EAI), and LNT Awareness, equipping them with critical emergency response capabilities for remote environments. The course concluded with participants taking the Honorary Warden Pledge, reinforcing their commitment to safe and sustainable adventure tourism, adherence to Leave No Trace principles, respect for nature and host communities, implementation of Travel for Life Guidelines, and promoting gender-responsive operations.
This successful initiative marks a significant milestone in ATOAI’s mission to promote responsible adventure tourism in India. It underscores the association’s dedication to sustainable exploration while safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage of the country.
