The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) in partnership with the Hanifl Centre and Indian Mountaineering Foundation, has announced the successful conclusion of its Adventure Guide Training Programme, an initiative aimed at empowering industry professionals with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic world of adventure tourism.
The programme spanning four days was conducted in three batches at the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) from April 10th to April 21st, 2024. The programme brought together adventure guides and industry stakeholders from various parts of the country; Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
The seasoned experts from the Hanifl Centre had prepared a comprehensive curriculum encompassing various aspects of adventure guiding such as Wilderness First aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Leave No Trace (LNT), Risk management, Leadership, sustainability and environmental conservation. They engaged in a combination of theoretical sessions, practical workshops and field exercises, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to real-world scenarios to hone their skills. Industry veterans and subject matter experts shared valuable insights, best practices and anecdotes, enhancing the learning journey and motivating participants to pursue excellence.
Ajeet Bajaj, President ATOAI, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response and the caliber of participants in the programme. He remarked, “The Adventure Guide Training Programme serves as a cornerstone in our efforts to elevate the standards of adventure tourism in India. By providing guides with vital skills and cultivating a professional ethos, we are not just improving the safety of adventure tourists but also bolstering the sustainable advancement of the industry. ATOAI is grateful to Mr. Akshay Shah, Director Hanifl Centre and Col. Vijay Singh, VSM, President, Indian Mountaineering Foundation for their support.”
In addition to enhancing technical competencies, the programme emphasized the importance of responsible tourism practices, environmental stewardship, and cultural sensitivity. Participants were encouraged to uphold ethical standards, respect local communities, and minimize their ecological footprint, aligning with ATOAI’s commitment to promoting sustainable adventure tourism.
Participants were awarded 4 international certificates: Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EAI), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Leave No Trace (LNT) Awareness Certificate.
As the adventure tourism sector continues to thrive in India, ATOAI remains committed to its mission to nurture a skilled workforce capable of providing exceptional experiences, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism and sustainability.
ATOAI endeavors to conduct similar events in all adventure tourism hubs, commencing from July 2024.
