Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh will host the 6th annual convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI). Under the theme “Exploring Arunachal Pradesh: India’s Last Shangri-La”, the convention will take place in Tawang from December 3-8.
Organized in partnership with the Arunachal Pradesh Government and supported by the Union Ministry of Tourism, the convention aims to highlight the untapped potential of adventure tourism in the northeastern state.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu said, “We invite adventure enthusiasts to explore new trends, connect with industry leaders, and be inspired by the majestic Himalayas.”
The convention is expected to be a landmark event, further solidifying the position of Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast India as premier destinations for adventure tourism in India.
ATOAI president Ajit Bajaj stated that the convention would showcase the numerous opportunities that the state offers, with the aim of stimulating economic growth and attracting global attention.
The convention will involve travelling to Tawang from Guwahati (Assam) via Dirang.
“We will go up to Bumla and spend significant time networking and sharing knowledge with adventure tour operators to explore the possibilities of adventure tourism,” he said.
The itinerary will also include a visit to the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports at Dirang in West Kameng district.
Bajaj emphasized that the convention would be a net-zero event. “We will calculate the carbon footprint and aim to reduce it to champion responsible tourism, showcasing it to chart the route for the entire industry,” he said.
The six-day convention will bring together adventure tourism professionals from across the country to explore Arunachal Pradesh’s immense potential as India’s next premier adventure destination.
This year’s event will also highlight the importance of promoting border tourism, giving delegates the unique opportunity to visit strategic and historically significant sites such as Bumla Pass, a key border location.
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ATOAI North East chairman Oken Tayeng stressed the significance of responsible tourism and highlighted the vast potential of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast region for adventure tourism.
