TOURISM INDIA MARCH 2019 Tourism India January 2019 IA | Page 28

COVER STORY
convention was the participation of
large number of women delegates
compared to previous conventions
and women adventurers with a focus
on shifting their carrier options
from corporate to adventure travel.
Convention has also had witnessed
sessions on ‘Women in Adventure’,
and future of ATOAI & Adventure
Travel in India. Amidst the busy
business sessions and networking
lunches and dinners, the delegates
were found time to explore and
experienced the world of adventures
at the Araku Valley like para-motoring,
hot air ballooning, zip line, high ropes,
zorbing, kayaking and ATVs.
As part of the convention, ATOAI
has also organised an adventure
tourism exhibition, which includes
the manufacturers, distributors,
tour operators, adventure activity
providers and state tourism boards
came together to promote adventure
tourism.
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Tourism India January 2019
From Kerala a team lead by Kerala
Adventure Tourism Promotions
Society and Eco Tourism directorate
were participated and exhibited the
new adventure travel products from
God’s Own Country to the convention
delegates and visitors.
More than 300 delegates from
adventure travel fraternity, industry
players state tourism boards, local
stakeholders and media persons were
actively participated in the three-day
event (January 17- 19). The annual
convention of ATOAI, the umbrella
organization of Adventure Tour
Operators in India, was hosted and
supported by Andhra Pradesh Tourism
Authority with a focus of promoting
adventure tourism in the state.
The conference and exhibition arena
was set up in the outdoors at the
Forest Institute, Araku Valley which
was recently the venue for AP Cabinet
meeting.
ATOAI in association with Andhra
Pradesh Tourism authority was
organized, two pre- familiarization
trips for the travel media and
convention delegates. The first fam trip
covered Vijayawada – Bhavani Island
– (the largest sweet water island)-
Kadapa – Gandikota, Tirumala and
Darhsan of Sri Venkateshwara Temple,
Talakona – Waterfall visit, and Drive
to Horsley Hills circuit and second
fam trip has covered Vishakhapatanam
circuit.