In The Mood For Adventure

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‘Let’s make India the adventure capital of the world’.

That’s the clarion call given by ATOAI (Adventure Tour Operators Association of India), and judging by their strength and commitment, chances are that this will happen.

With ‘Emerging Pathways’ as it’s theme, the 13th Annual Convention of ATOAI, held in Kumarakom, Kerala, from September  18 - 21, 2017, attracted some 300 delegates from all over and India, and presented sharp focus on India’s enormous adventure offerings, and the industry that harnesses it. The convention’s agenda included issues such as policy; capacity-creation; responsible tourism; and marketing.

The convention was kicked-off with an impressive inauguration led by Mr. Kadagampally Surendran, Honourable Minister of Tourism, Kerala, along with Mr. Satyajeet Rajan, Director General Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, and Dr. Venu V, Principal Secretary Tourism, Kerala.

Spear-headed by Capt. Swadesh Kumar, President ATOAI, and his dynamic team, the convention got down to business, and session after session espoused the cause of adventure promotion in India.

Kumar put things in perspective - “Every country has some adventure to offer, but India offers almost every adventure and active holiday experience one can seek. Even as the definition of adventure has expanded, India has upped its game to offer all this. From mostly being a mountain and wildlife destination, the country now offers much more: Skiing, water - rafting, treks, road trips, off-road adventure, biking, cycling, scuba - diving, river - cruising, angling, bungee - jumping, ballooning, caving, birding, adventure parks, nature retreats, culture, food, and mountaineering. At any given time of the year, one can indulge in these activities at some location in the country.”

ATOAI is inviting all stakeholders to join in the campaign to make India the adventure capital of the world. These include Government, tourism boards, industry, experts and media.

Kumar added that in order to achieve their desired objectives, ATOAI has proposed to the Ministry of Tourism that the year 2018 be declared a ‘Year of Adventure in India,’.

Rajesh Ojha, Convention Chairman, was equally upbeat: “Since 1994, ATOAI has been at the forefront of influencing policy, helping members create capacity, training, establishing safety standards, ensuring sustainable practices and marketing. The year 2017 marks a watershed when the association has decided to raise the bar.”

Well organised and well attended, the convention included sessions aimed at achieving these goals; networking; exhibits by state tourism boards and industry players; and FAM trips and a day of adventure that showcased Kerala’s unique topography and tourist attributes.  

A significant step was the great support extended by Kerala Tourism. Dr. Venu V,  Principal Secretary Tourism, Kerala, not only declared their full support to the adventure tourism sector, but also advocated and promoted ‘responsible tourism’. Stating that ‘responsible tourism’ was a principle that governed all their working,  
Dr. Venu voiced optimism about the future of adventure and general tourism in Kerala and elsewhere.

The convention was superbly handled by Deepika Chowdhry of Candid India, and her team, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the sessions went off smoothly.

ATOAI has ensured that its annual convention and events travel to different parts of the country to connect all stakeholders in the adventure tourism sector, and to focus attention and publicity on host destinations.


ATOAI
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India was founded in 1994 with a handful of members. Now it is a national body comprising hundreds of members from across the country and abroad, actively promoting adventure and eco-tourism in India. The association was founded with an aim to create awareness about the immense potential for adventure tourism in India, and to harness this potential in a safe, sensitive and environment - friendly manner.
                                

KUMARAKOM
The convention couldn’t have found a better location than Kumarakom. Nestled on the banks of the giant Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom is a gateway to Kerala’s renowned backwaters.

Our boat ride! What can I say? You can sail in houseboats inspired by long-ago kettuvalloms, but fully fitted with modern luxuries.  Thus surrounded by the captivating lull of the lake, elite holiday seekers from across the globe take pleasure in admiring the water and foliage that proliferates the region. Staff swirl around with attentive politeness, and refreshments come and go.

We crossed Lake Vembanad and entered a wide backwater. The shoreline closed in, the trees became larger, and ‘land’ activities came into focus. Paddy fields as green as green can get; crooked coconut trees swaying lazily or jutting out into and over the water; the occasional cottage hugging the shore; and fishermen plying their trade.

The ride was sheer bliss. And one felt that adventure awaited one around every bend in the backwaters.

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