In a push to strengthen India’s adventure tourism ecosystem, the Ministry of Tourism (West & Central Region), in collaboration with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), concluded a four-day Adventure Guide Training Programme and seminar in Bhopal from March 17–20, 2026.
The initiative brought together policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders to enhance safety standards, build professional capacity and promote sustainable growth in the sector.
A total of 33 adventure professionals from trekking, mountaineering and water-based disciplines completed intensive training supported by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and Eco Tourism Development Board. The programme, facilitated by VIVO Healthcare and EKO India, covered first aid, CPR, wilderness emergency response, risk assessment and crisis management through practical simulations.
Highlighting the sector’s potential, ATOAI President Ajeet Bajaj said, “Adventure tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments globally, offering India immense potential for livelihood generation, high-value tourism and balanced regional development. We aim to position India among the top 10 global adventure tourism destinations by 2034 through stronger public-private collaboration.”
Delivering the keynote address, Ilayaraja T, IAS, Secretary (Tourism) and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said, “Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a leading adventure tourism destination. Deeper institutional collaboration with ATOAI will be key to co-creating policies, developing destinations and strengthening capacity-building efforts, positioning the state as a model for integrated and sustainable tourism development.”
The programme concluded with a national seminar themed “Adventure Strategy for a New Era”, where stakeholders discussed safety frameworks, regulatory reforms, adoption of global best practices, use of technology and AI, and investment-led destination development.
The event saw participation from over 80 delegates, including tour operators, adventure clubs, training institutions, eco-tourism stakeholders and hospitality partners, marking a significant step toward professionalising India’s adventure tourism sector.
