The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) successfully
hosted the Indian Adventure Tourism Risk Management Seminar in New Delhi bringing
together senior government officials, global adventure tourism experts, rescue professionals, insurers,
expedition leaders and tourism stakeholders for a landmark dialogue on strengthening safety,
sustainability and responsible growth in India’s rapidly expanding adventure tourism sector.

The seminar underscored the urgent need for stronger safety frameworks, professional risk
management systems, standardized operating procedures and deeper collaboration between
government and industry to position India as a globally trusted adventure tourism destination.

A major highlight of the seminar was a special conversation on “Responsible Adventure
Tourism” featuring Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism & Culture Shri Gajendra Singh
Shekhawat, alongside Mr. Rahul Kanwal, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, NDTV and Mr. Ajeet Bajaj,
Padma Shri Awardee President, ATOAI. The discussion focused on balancing growth with
responsibility, strengthening safety governance, empowering local communities and ensuring the
sustainable development of India’s adventure tourism ecosystem.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reaffirmed the Government of India’s
commitment to developing tourism responsibly, while ensuring that safety, sustainability and
community participation remain central to the country’s tourism growth strategy. He highlighted the
immense potential of adventure tourism to generate employment, strengthen local economies and
showcase India’s diverse natural landscapes on the global stage.

Mr. Rahul Kanwal moderated an engaging discussion on the evolving landscape of experiential travel
and the growing importance of preparedness, accountability and training in adventure tourism
operations.

Speaking during the seminar, Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, said:

“The future of adventure tourism in India depends on how responsibly we grow. Risk
management is the foundation of a credible, sustainable and globally competitive
adventure tourism ecosystem.”

The seminar featured extensive expert-led sessions on global and Indian best practices in risk
management across land, air and water-based adventure activities. International experts from
organizations including PADI, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and leading global
risk management specialists and legal experts shared insights on standard operating procedures,
incident reporting systems, safety management frameworks and international best practices.

Key sessions focused on:

● Adventure tourism safety frameworks
● ISO 21101 and safety management systems
● Rescue preparedness and emergency response
● Equipment inspection and certification
● Guide skilling and capacity building

● Insurance and liability frameworks
● Sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism
● Regulatory systems and compliance mechanisms

Senior government officials, including Mr. Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary & Director
General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Mr. Harikishore S., IAS, Joint
Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, shared key updates on India’s newly
approved Adventure Tourism Safety Framework. They emphasized the need for stronger safety
audits, guide certification systems, incident reporting mechanisms and sustainable destination
planning.

The seminar concluded with an open-house discussion where industry stakeholders exchanged
recommendations on improving risk management systems, strengthening safety awareness and
enhancing operational accountability across India’s adventure tourism sector.

ATOAI reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, state
governments and industry stakeholders to establish India as a global benchmark for safe,
sustainable and responsible adventure tourism.