The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) announced its new leadership team after concluding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the 2023-24 financial year, and held its elections for the 2024-26 term on September 16, 2024, at The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, New Delhi.
The Annual General Meeting 2023-24: saw the the AGM commence with a powerful and visionary 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: Honorary Treasurer, Nirat 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 stewardship of Returning Officer Rajiv Kohli, the ATOAI successfully conducted its elections, announcing the following unopposed leaders for the 2024-26 term:
Office Bearers
- President: Ajeet Bajaj, Padmashri Awardee, Managing Director, Snow Leopard Adventures Pvt. Ltd.
- Senior Vice President: Vaibhav Kala, Managing Director, Aquaterra Adventures India Pvt. Ltd.
- Vice President: Arshdeep Anand, Director, Holiday Moods Adventures Spectrum.
- Honorary Secretary: Ronny Gulati, Managing Director, Youreka Campouts Services Pvt. Ltd.
- Honorary Treasurer: Nirat Bhatt, Managing Director, Nidus Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.
Executive Committee Members
- Vishwas Makhija, Managing Director, India Insight Tours Pvt. Ltd. (Imm. Past President)
- Milind Bhide, Founder & Director, Countryside Adventure Holidays Pvt. Ltd.
- Amit Periwal, Clubside Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd.
- Yog Dutt, Founder Director, Junoon Adventure and Eco Tours Pvt. Ltd.
- Shekhar Babu, Director, Transcend Adventures Pvt. Ltd.
This new leadership team is set to spearhead transformative growth in India’s adventure travel sector. Their strategy emphasizes building strong partnerships with government agencies and industry leaders to promote forward-thinking policies and enhance India’s reputation as a top global destination for adventure tourism.
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, 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.
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