The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) today inaugurated its 17th Annual Convention in Jammu & Kashmir, marking a significant moment for the region’s tourism sector amid challenging circumstances faced during the year.
Inaugurating the convention, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged that the tourism industry has navigated a difficult year due to incidents and adverse weather conditions, but praised the resilience and commitment of local stakeholders. He emphasized that adventure tourism plays a crucial role in opening lesser-known areas of the region while calling for a strong focus on safety, sustainability and responsibility.
Addressing the gathering, ATOAI President Ajeet Bajaj said the association was proud to partner with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, adding that the convention sends a strong message of unity and confidence to the travel trade. He described Jammu & Kashmir as the “jewel in the crown of Indian tourism” and stressed the need to preserve its natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
Senior government officials and tourism stakeholders highlighted the importance of structured guidelines, responsible operations and collaboration between the government and industry to position Jammu & Kashmir as a leading adventure tourism destination.
