ATOAI’s 18th Annual Convention to Spotlight Year-Round Adventure Tourism

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) has announced its 18th Annual Adventure Convention, scheduled from 13–16 December 2026 in Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand. Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, the convention will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, global experts and grassroots adventure operators.

Themed “India 365: Boundless Adventures”, with the pillars Stronger Destinations | Infinite Seasons | Endless Growth, the gathering will explore ways to develop sustainable, year-round adventure destinations across India.

Discussions will focus on moving beyond seasonal visitor peaks to create resilient tourism ecosystems across mountains, rivers, deserts, coastlines and forests. The objective is to strengthen business continuity for operators while generating sustained livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Welcoming the initiative, Shri Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, Secretary, Tourism, Government of Uttarakhand, said, “Uttarakhand has always been a natural home for adventure, and gatherings like this bring together the people who shape adventure travel in India. We warmly welcome all delegates to experience the hospitality and spirit of the Himalaya.”

Tejbir Singh Anand, President, ATOAI, said, "“India possesses an unmatched geographic diversity that uniquely positions us to become a premier global adventure hub, yet seasonality has traditionally limited our operational potential. With our theme for the 18th Annual Convention, ‘India 365: Boundless Adventures,’ we are driving a paradigm shift—moving from periodic tourist surges to building resilient, high-standard, year-round adventure ecosystems. Hosting this milestone convention in Kausani, in partnership with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, underscores our collective dedication to decentralizing tourism, empowering grassroots mountain communities, and expanding off-season travel corridors. ATOAI remains steadfast in upholding uncompromising safety standards, environmental stewardship through our Net-Zero and Leave No Trace commitments, and fostering sustainable economic viability for operators across all terrains and all seasons. Together, we are paving the path to establish India firmly among the top ten adventure destinations in the world.” 

The programme will feature plenary sessions on overcoming seasonality, developing monsoon and winter travel corridors, and strengthening destination infrastructure. Workshops will address safety protocols, risk management and environmentally sensitive operations aligned with national adventure guidelines.

B2B networking will connect regional operators with national and international travel businesses, while an exhibition will showcase adventure tourism products and experiences from across India. Plastic-free practices, a reduced carbon footprint and ‘Leave No Trace’ principles will guide the event’s sustainability efforts.

The convention will be chaired by Yog Chinmoy Dutt, ATOAI Treasurer and Chapter Chair–West-Central Region, with Mohit Gupta and Arvind Bharadwaj serving as Convention Co-Chairs.

Through the gathering, ATOAI aims to advance safe, responsible and economically inclusive adventure tourism, positioning more Indian destinations for business throughout the year.