The Sher-i-Kashmir Convention Centre, situated on the banks of the Dal Lake, was the grateful host to the Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), held from December 17 to 20, 2025. The theme, ‘Indian Adventure Tourism: Safe, Sustainable and Resilient,’ brought together the largest congregation of stakeholders in the adventure tourism space from across the country.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in his inaugural address to the august gathering (ATOAI), emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir is ideally placed as a destination for adventure tourism activities. The Chief Minister applauded the efforts of ATOAI for organising its 17th Annual Convention at Srinagar. He further highlighted, “Jammu and Kashmir remained a pioneer in adventure tourism with great products such as skiing, mountaineering, trekking, etc.”
Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, said, “ATOAI will work closely with local stakeholders and the government to promote the region as a global tourist destination. ATOAI had held B2B sessions with local adventure operators to build direct business opportunities. We want to enhance the adventure network through which local businesses can eventually benefit their stakeholders. Kashmir is the jewel in the crown of our tourism sector. Everything is normal here, and we have seen it for ourselves. We are proud of our men and women in uniform and want to get more tourists back to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest.”
Bajaj also underlined the need for gradually reopening all adventure zones in the region as conditions improve. “We are keen that, slowly and steadily, all areas be opened for adventure tourism. The local people are welcoming, the mountains are magnificent, and Kashmir has everything that makes it a world-class adventure destination.”