ATOAI Champions Safety and Sustainability in New Webinar

As India rockets up the global adventure tourism rankings—from 99th to an impressive 38th—ensuring safety, sustainability, and responsible practices is more essential than ever. In a powerful move to align growth with accountability, the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) hosted an insightful webinar titled “Safety First: Risk Mitigation in Adventure & Outdoor Tourism” on April 4, 2025.

The session brought together experts from across the country to lay a strategic roadmap for building a secure and resilient adventure tourism ecosystem in India. With an ambitious goal of entering the top 10 in global adventure tourism rankings by 2034, ATOAI emphasized that growth must be supported by a solid foundation—comprising trained professionals, certified gear, strong regulatory systems, and clearly outlined SOPs.

Delivering the keynote, Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, President of ATOAI, called for a mindset shift in the industry. “India’s momentum is undeniable. But with growth comes the responsibility to protect lives, earn trust, and raise the bar,” he said. He reiterated the urgent need to embed safety, sustainability, and standardization into the very DNA of the sector.

The webinar featured leading voices who addressed key safety concerns and offered tangible, action-oriented solutions:

• Mr. Shantanu Pandit, Consultant at EKO India, highlighted that risk management isn’t a one-time checklist but an ongoing culture. He advocated for activity-specific risk assessments, operational mapping, and a structured approach to training and SOPs.

• Ms. Navita Shyam, of Alpine Adventures Trail Tours, spoke about medical preparedness being a shared obligation between operators and travelers. She introduced the “3 Ps”—Plan, Prepare, Practice—and emphasized the importance of first-aid education, wilderness rescue skills, and transparency in health declarations by tourists.

• Mr. Prateek Gupta, from ASC 360, spotlighted the critical role of insurance. He pointed out that most claims originate from unregistered or poorly equipped operators. “Trying to cut costs often leads to cutting corners. That’s where accidents happen,” he warned, advocating for quality gear and professionally trained staff.

ATOAI also introduced its “Seven Sigma” safety model, a framework promoting zero-incident operations by mandating certified equipment, skilled guides, and rigorously followed protocols.

Ms. Arshdeep Anand, Vice President of ATOAI, adeptly moderated the session, weaving the diverse insights into a powerful collective message: Safety is not optional—it must be ingrained in every adventure.

With India poised to become a global leader in adventure tourism, ATOAI is at the forefront, advocating for long-term, ethical growth grounded in safety, responsibility, and sustainability. This webinar stands as another significant step in their mission to build an industry that grows not just in numbers, but in values.

Watch the full webinar recording here: https://youtu.be/XtziXoqD-vQ