In an attempt to promote the adventure segment of tourism Madhya Pradesh is all set to host the AdventureNEXT in Bhopal from 3rd to 5th December, 2018. An initiative of Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) the event works towards putting emerging adventure destinations on the global map.
In the august presence of Chairman of Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Tapan Bhowmik, Hari Ranjan Rao, Principle Secretary Tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Ilayaraja T. Managing Director, MPSTDC, Bhawana Walimbe, AMD, MP Tourism Board, Capt Swadesh Kumar, President, ATOAI and a large number of stakeholders, ATTA conducted the curtain-raiser of the event in New Delhi.
While speaking at the event Bhowmik said: “We are delighted to host the global event AdventureNext in our state of Madhya Pradesh. I feel proud to know that India is the first Asian country to host this event, which is expected to put our destination on the global map for adventure lovers.”
“I extend my warm invitation to the stakeholders of this industry to participate at the event in a large number and make it a successful venture,” he added.
While addressing the media Hari Ranjan Rao, Principle Secretary Tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh said: “Despite the fact that we are hosting, AdventureNEXT is a country event. This path breaking initiative will make the way for other prominent events (i. e. Adventure Travel World Summit) to come to India.”
“It is a well known fact that Madhya Pradesh has so much to offer but the state does not ring the adventure bell. Perhaps, we need to understand that how to sell it in a manner which is acceptable to the world. This is what we are expecting from the event,” he added.
At AdventureNEXT, local suppliers are given opportunities to interact with international buyers and media. The event also hosts a wide variety of speakers and workshops for delegates who want to expand and professionalise their product offerings.
Elaborating more on this, Jake Finifrock, Regional Director – Asia, ATTA said: “The goal is to help our partners in India to develop this industry of adventure travel that brings together the idea of nature, culture and activities in a way that is sustainable, and brings maximum benefits to the local community.”
“The event will allow participants to develop connections, learn together and discuss important issues that might be facing by the adventure travel industry in the World and also specifically in India,” he added.
According to him, the host destination will benefit the most. “The broader they cast their net to connect with the adventure tour providers and be able to network with them prior to the event; there would be maximum benefit for the destination as well as the participant.”
In an attempt to find the right buyers, ATTA will see the average profile of the tourist coming to Madhya Pradesh, and the countries where the state would like to increase its presence. There would be buyers from 15 to 20 countries mainly from Asia, North America, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. The number of delegates is expected to be in between 300 to 350.
“Many buyers will apply but only 60 -70 are hosted so we will work with the local destination to choose the buyers that can really bring the most benefit to the destination. We will select the buyers who are professional, ethical and reputed in international community,” informed Finifrock.
According to Gergana Nikolova, Regional Manager – Europe, ATTA the most important components of the event are networking – among the hosted buyers and local suppliers, and exposure – to the destination. The event is aimed at focusing on real and authentic experiences.
“If there is a four days event, there should be one highlight/activity for the day and then focus on this throughout the day versus doing many short activities. Because when you get the deep involvement you get the real experience,” she added.
