ATOAI Tourism Certification Program Skilling Madhya Pradesh Initiative

New Delhi: 15/12/2016- ATOAI organised an 8 day Workshop on Skill Development in Adventure Tourism

(Adventure, Water Sports and Nature related) from 7th to 14th December in Hanumantia, Indira Sagar Dam in Madhya Pradesh.

The objective of the workshop was to provide ground level employment to the youth of Madhya Pradesh which fits in beautifully with the Government’s pro poor agenda. This program was designed for local youth in the villages and small towns of Madhya Pradesh who have an interest in tourism.

At the opening of the workshop, Mr. Akshay Kumar- President of ATOAI said, “The adventure travel industry in India is facing a big challenge in producing adequate number of skilled manpower to manage and operate activities across states and regions. When ATOAI approached Mr. Hari Ranjan Rao, MD MPTDC, to start an adventure travel and tourism training program for the youth of MP, he immediately understood the need and agreed to work closely with ATOAI to start this program.

He further added that MPTDC team along with ATOAI have worked tirelessly to start this training workshop in MP. ATOAI is privileged to be working with the Madhya Pradesh Government to conduct the first in a series of programs in the field of Adventure and Wild Life Tourism.

Mr. Mohan Tickoo- Vice President of ATOAI who is heading the Workshops as Chairman Workshop Committee was also present in Hanumantiya, said “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”.

Mr. Tickoo also said, “The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is committed to raise awareness at the ground level that empowers local communities to create their own product and offer it to international and domestic travelers. We are delighted to run skill development workshops for Madhya Pradesh Tourism and are sure that the local youth will be empowered for Wildlife and adventure tourism making a big impact and boosting their economy”.

The workshop culminated on 14th December in Hanumantiya where the participants were given an aggressive eight day training covering the basics of tourism, communication, wild life and birding, running adventure travel activities, learning how to set up and manage camps, identify and mange risk and last but not the least a focussed capsule on First Aid and CPR techniques.

Each participant will be given an opportunity to intern with one of our member companies who will expose the

students to ground level operations, said Mr. Akshay Kumar.

This was the first of its kind workshop ever organised by ATOAI with a state tourism body.

ABOUT ATOAI

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) was conceptualized by seven dynamic founder

members from the adventure travel trade, who envisioned ATOAI to be strong support group that led to both group and individual profits by establishing adventure as one of the main tourism attractions to India. With her natural topography of towering mountains, steep cliffs & dizzying heights on one hand and swiftly flowing currents,

cascading rapids & fierce swells on the other – India is a natural paradise for the discerning traveler.

ATOAI’s aim is :

To promote national integration, international welfare and goodwill.
To institute chairs and fellowship in India.
To conduct seminars, group discussions, course of studies, cultural meetings.
To promote adventure tourism in India.
To take all steps which may be necessary for promoting, encouraging and assisting in the development of

Adventure Tourism throughout the country and to take initiative to secure the welfare of the

Adventure Tourism Trade.

ATOAI today is a strong body of over 300 adventure travel professionals who are not only passionate adventurers themselves, but also promote adventure tourism with the same passion.

For any further information, please write to our Admin Head, Ms. Deepika Chowdhry at atoai.india@gmail.com or atoaiadmin@gmail.com