The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is all set to kick-start its 14th annual convention on January 17 this week to be held at the scenic Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh. The three day event, to be held on January 17-19, has been themed “Adventure travel: Future challenges & opportunities in the digital age” this year. Over 250 delegates are expected to attend the event, including the leading adventure tour operators and DMCs, apart from hotels, state tourism boards, among others.
According to ATOAI President, Capt. Swadesh Kumar, “The convention promises a mix of activities, from various adventure tourism programmes to some incisive and well thought out business sessions designed to help delegates enhance their skills and offerings. Moreover, the delegates will discover a new and unique destination that was unheard of earlier but is probably one of the most endowed destinations on the East coast when it comes to adventure tourism. Araku has everything and more, to be transformed into one of the foremost adventure destination in the country.
“Araku convention is being vitalized by a great activity schedule which will have delegates explore and experience Para-motoring, hot-air ballooning, zorbing, high ropes, zip-line, kayaking and ATVs. The conference and exhibition arena is set in the outdoors at the Forest Institute which was recently also the venue for the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet meeting. Interspersed with sessions, networking and activities, away from the resident enclave; the evenings are opportunities to savor local Dimsa dance, exchange some notable moments, renew and make new alliances,” said Vaibhav Kala, Convention Chairman.
Apart from discussing various sectoral issues, challenges and opportunities; the convention will also seek to put the spotlight on Araku and various other destinations in Andhra fit for adventure exploits. The convention promises delegates a number of experiences unique to adventure tourism and new destinations like Araku that Indian adventure tour operators can put on their itineraries.
