India’s adventure tourism sector is witnessing rapid growth, but industry leaders and policymakers say stronger safety systems, operational accountability, and risk management standards are now critical to ensuring long-term credibility and sustainable expansion.
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) hosted the Indian Adventure Tourism Risk Management Seminar in New Delhi, bringing together government officials, global adventure tourism experts, insurers, rescue professionals, and industry stakeholders to discuss safety frameworks and responsible tourism practices across the sector.
A key highlight of the seminar was a special session on responsible adventure tourism featuring Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, Rahul Kanwal, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, NDTV, and Ajeet Bajaj, Padma Shri Awardee and President, ATOAI.
Focus on safety and responsible growth
Discussions during the seminar centred on balancing adventure tourism growth with stronger governance, sustainability, and community participation.
Addressing the gathering, Shekhawat said the Government of India remained committed to developing tourism responsibly while ensuring safety, sustainability, and local community involvement remained central to tourism growth strategies.
He also highlighted adventure tourism’s potential to generate employment, strengthen local economies, and showcase India’s natural landscapes internationally.
Rahul Kanwal moderated discussions around experiential travel trends and the increasing importance of preparedness, accountability, and professional training within adventure tourism operations.
Global experts discuss operational frameworks
The seminar featured expert-led sessions covering global and Indian best practices across land, air, and water-based adventure activities.
International organisations including PADI and the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), alongside legal and risk management specialists, shared insights on standard operating procedures, safety management systems, incident reporting, and rescue preparedness.
Sessions also focused on ISO 21101 safety frameworks, guide skilling, equipment certification, insurance and liability systems, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance mechanisms.
Senior government officials, including Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, and Harikishore S., IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, shared updates on India’s newly approved Adventure Tourism Safety Framework.
Officials stressed the importance of stronger safety audits, guide certification systems, incident reporting protocols, and sustainable destination planning as India works towards positioning itself as a globally trusted adventure tourism destination.