ATOAI Concludes AGM 2023-24 and Announces New Leadership for 2024-26 Term

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), where it announced its newly appointed office bearers. The AGM saw industry leaders come together to discuss the future of adventure tourism in India and to strategize ways to promote safe, sustainable, and responsible adventure travel.

The AGM began with an inspiring address by ATOAI President, Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, who focused on the association's unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible adventure tourism in India. He praised the collective efforts of ATOAI members in advancing responsible tourism practices and highlighted the significant progress and key milestones the association achieved over the past year.

Honorary Secretary Mr. Ronny Singh Gulati presented a detailed annual report, showcasing ATOAI’s key initiatives and major accomplishments during the 2023-24 period.

Honorary Treasurer Mr. Nirat Bhatt provided a comprehensive financial report for the year 2023-24, offering critical insights into the association’s financial health and operational performance.

Key resolutions passed during the AGM included:

• Approval of the previous meeting’s minutes from the AGM held on September 20, 2023.
• Unanimous approval of the 2023-24 financial report presented by Mr. Nirat Bhatt.
• Formal appointment of SPH & Associates, represented by Mr. Pawan Kumar Ambawta, as auditors for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Senior Vice President Mr. Tejbir Singh Anand extended heartfelt thanks to the ATOAI Executive Committee, Secretariat, members, the Ministry of Tourism, state governments, and the Indian Army for their support in advancing the adventure tourism sector.

2024-26 Elections:
Under Returning Officer Mr. Rajiv Kohli’s supervision, the following office bearers were elected unopposed for the 2024-26 term:

Office Bearers:

• President: Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, Padmashri Awardee, Managing Director, Snow Leopard Adventures Pvt. Ltd.
• Senior Vice President: Mr. Vaibhav Kala, Managing Director, Aquaterra Adventures India Pvt. Ltd.
• Vice President: Ms. Arshdeep Anand, Director, Holiday Moods Adventures Spectrum.
• Honorary Secretary: Mr. Ronny Gulati, Managing Director, Youreka Campouts Services Pvt. Ltd.
• Honorary Treasurer: Mr. Nirat Bhatt, Managing Director, Nidus Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.

Executive Committee Members:

• Mr. Vishwas Makhija, Managing Director, India Insight Tours Pvt. Ltd. (Immediate Past President)
• Mr. Milind Bhide, Founder & Director, Countryside Adventure Holidays Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Amit Periwal, Clubside Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Yog Dutt, Founder Director, Junoon Adventure and Eco Tours Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Shekhar Babu, Director, Transcend Adventures Pvt. Ltd.

This new leadership team will drive growth in the adventure travel sector, focusing on forging strong partnerships with government bodies and industry leaders to enhance India’s global standing in adventure tourism.

The AGM concluded with a Fellowship Dinner, a celebration of the shared vision within the adventure tourism community. The event was attended by distinguished guests such as Col. Vijay Singh VSM (retd), President of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, and Brigadier Ashok Abbey AVSM (retd), Honorary Patron of ATOAI, who praised ATOAI’s role in raising industry standards and promoting eco-conscious practices. Col. Preetinder Singh Chohan, Director of the Army Adventure Wing, also graced the occasion, further emphasizing the event's importance.