The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) recently organized its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the 2023-24 financial year and held its elections for the 2024-26 term in New Delhi.
Annual General Meeting 2023-24:
The AGM commenced with an address by ATOAI President, Ajeet Bajaj, who emphasized 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.
Resolutions passed at the AGM include:
Approval of the Previous Minutes: The AGM passed the minutes from the 2023 AGM, held on September 20, 2023.
Financial Overview: Bhatt, presented the financial report for 2023-24, which was unanimously approved by the AGM.
Auditor Appointment: The AGM formalized the appointment of SPH & Associates, represented by Pawan Kumar Ambawta, 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 2024-26: Under the returning officer Rajiv Kohli, Joint Managing Director, Creative Travel, ATOAI successfully conducted its elections, announcing the following unopposed leaders for the 2024-26 term:
Office Bearers:
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.
Executive Committee Members
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.
This new leadership team is set to spearhead transformative growth in India’s adventure travel sector.
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 presence of Col. Vijay Singh VSM (retd), President, and the 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, emphasized 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. Adding prestige to the occasion was the presence of Col. Preetinder Singh Chohan, Director of the Army Adventure Wing. His participation further highlighted the event’s significance.