An 8-day workshop was organised by ATOAI (Adventure Tour Operators’ Association of India) on skill development in adventure tourism from December 7 to 14 in Hanuwantiya, Indira Sagar Dam in Madhya Pradesh.

To provide ground level employment to the youth of Madhya Pradesh was the main purpose of the workshop which fits in beautifully with the government’s pro-poor agenda. The workshop was designed for local youth in the villages and small towns of Madhya Pradesh who have an interest in tourism. Keeping in line with the philosophy, ATOAI is conducting the first in a series of programs in the field of Adventure and Wild Life Tourism.

Akshay Kumar, President of ATOAI said, “The adventure travel industry in India is facing a big challenge in producing an adequate number of skilled manpower to manage and operate activities across states and regions. When ATOAI approached Hari Ranjan Rao, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (MPTDC), to start an adventure travel and tourism training program for the youth of Madhya Pradesh, he immediately understood the need and agreed to work closely with ATOAI to start this program.”

ATOAI is a national body comprising over 200 members across the country and abroad actively promoting adventure and eco-tourism in India. The association was founded with an aim to create awareness about the immense potential for adventure tourism in India and to harness this potential in a safe, sensitive and environment-friendly manner. ATOAI members are recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

“Tourism is all about providing safe and fulfilling experiences. The guide or instructor that leads a group can make the difference between a rich and rewarding experience that encourages other tourists to visit the area again or an experience that leaves a bad taste and leads to a negative impact on future arrivals,” said Mohan Tickoo, Vice President of ATOAI. He was also present in Hanuwantiya and is heading the workshops as Chairman Workshop Committee.