The ATOAI AGM and elections for the 2024-26 term fostered camaraderie among members gathered from across the country. This event celebrated their shared commitment to advancing adventure tourism in India.
Team TTJ
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) successfully held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 16, 2024, at The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa in New Delhi. The event, which concluded with a Fellowship Dinner, featured inspiring addresses from leadership, a comprehensive review of achievements, and elections for the 2024-26 term, setting the stage for the future of adventure tourism in India.
The AGM started with a powerful and visionary address by ATOAI President Ajeet Bajaj, who emphasised the association’s relentless pursuit of advancing sustainable and responsible adventure tourism in India. He lauded the united efforts of ATOAI members in fostering responsible tourism initiatives while highlighting the remarkable progress and transformative achievements the association has accomplished over the past year.
Ronny Singh Gulati, Honorary Secretary, presented the comprehensive annual report, showcasing ATOAI’s transformative initiatives and significant accomplishments throughout the 2023-24 period. Nirat Bhatt, Honorary Treasurer, presented a detailed overview of the financial performance report for the year 2023-24. His thorough analysis covered critical financial metrics and insights into the association’s financial stability and operational performance during this period.
Several important resolutions were passed during the AGM, including:
Approval of Previous Minutes: The minutes from the previous AGM, held on September 20, 2023, were approved by the members.
Financial Report: The AGM unanimously approved the financial report for 2023-24, presented by Nirat Bhatt.
Auditor Appointment: The appointment of SPH & Associates, represented by Pawan Kumar Ambawta, was formalised as auditors for the 2024-25 financial year.
Senior Vice President Tejbir Singh Anand delivered the vote of thanks, extending deep appreciation to the ATOAI Executive Committee, Secretariat, members, the Ministry of Tourism, state governments, and the Indian Army for their invaluable support in propelling the adventure tourism sector forward.
Elections for the 2024-26 Term
Under the stewardship of Returning Officer Rajiv Kohli, the AGM conducted its elections for the 2024-26 term, appointing a new leadership team that will steer the association’s future endeavours.
The following office bearers were elected unopposed:
President: Ajeet Bajaj, Managing Director, Snow Leopard Adventures
Senior Vice President: Vaibhav Kala, Managing Director, Aquaterra Adventures India
Vice President: Arshdeep Anand, Director, Holiday Moods Adventures Spectrum
Honorary Secretary: Ronny Gulati, Managing Director, Youreka Campouts Services
Honorary Treasurer: Nirat Bhatt, Managing Director, Nidus Enterprises
The new Executive Committee members include:
Vishwas Makhija, Managing Director, India Insight Tours (Immediate Past President)
Milind Bhide, Founder & Director, Countryside Adventure Holidays
Amit Periwal, Clubside Tours and Travels
Yog Dutt, Founder Director, Junoon Adventure and Eco Tours
Shekhar Babu, Director, Transcend Adventures
The newly elected leadership team will focus on expanding India’s adventure tourism sector by collaborating with government agencies, industry leaders, and international partners. Their efforts will aim to bolster India’s position as a top global destination for adventure tourism while ensuring sustainability and safety.
Fellowship Dinner
The AGM and elections concluded with a grand Fellowship Dinner, an evening dedicated to celebrating the synergy and shared vision within the adventure tourism fraternity. The evening was graced by the esteemed presence of Col. Vijay Singh VSM (retd), President and Honorary Secretary of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, who pledged unwavering support to ATOAI, reinforcing their commitment to the industry’s growth.
Brigadier Ashok Abbey AVSM (retd), Honorary Patron of ATOAI, emphasised the transformative role ATOAI has played in setting new benchmarks for industry standards, enhancing safety protocols, and championing eco-conscious practices. His words of admiration underscored the vital importance of our collective mission to position India as a world leader in adventure tourism. Col. Preetinder Singh Chohan, Director of the Army Adventure Wing, added prestige to the occasion. His participation further highlighted the event’s significance.
