In September 2025, the ATOAI Women’s Collective (AWC) held its first workshop in New Delhi on “The Potential of AI in the Travel Industry.” The event explored how AI is changing the way trips are planned, experienced, and personalized.

AWC also welcomed its new Chairperson, Ms. Akanksha Garg, Founder–Director of Waxpol Hotels & Resorts. She shared her vision of using technology, inclusivity, and sustainable tourism to empower women and shape the future of adventure travel.

The workshop featured Mr. Suyash Gupta of Travel Bureau India, who led sessions on AI tools, personalized itineraries, and business growth. Participants tried hands-on activities and gained fresh ideas for innovation in travel.

The message was clear: this is just the beginning. Under Ms. Garg’s leadership, AWC will continue to promote AI, women-led innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the travel industry.

Adventure Tourism Seminar in Hyderabad Highlighted Safety & Sustainability

Hyderabad, August 20, 2025 – The Ministry of Tourism (Hyderabad Office), in collaboration with ATOAI, successfully hosted the Adventure Tourism Seminar: Navigating Toward a Safer and Stronger Future, which drew nearly 90 participants from across the adventure tourism sector.

Speakers included Ms. Valluru Kranthi, IAS, who highlighted Telangana’s adventure potential, and Mr. D. Venkatesan, who shared the Government of India’s vision for globally recognized adventure tourism. Mr. Nirat Bhatt (ATOAI) emphasized safety standards and training.

A panel with experts from EEMA, NITHM, and ATOAI underscored the importance of training, crisis management, and adherence to adventure laws. Participants also took part in an interactive session to address challenges and explore collaboration.

The event concluded with the release of the ATOAI Safety Guidelines Book, reinforcing India’s commitment to safe, sustainable, and responsible adventure tourism.

Images from the seminar can be downloaded here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PrJXkhk8ZZu4gbW1A

The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) successfully hosted a landmark webinar titled “Safe Tourism Experience: Insurance Explained!”, focusing on the critical importance of travel insurance in today’s unpredictable travel environment.

As travel regains momentum post-pandemic, the webinar served as a timely reminder of the need for safety, preparedness, and resilience. The session reflected ATOAI’s unwavering commitment to creating a more informed and secure tourism landscape in India.

Highlights from the Session

Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI

Stressed that insurance is fundamental to responsible adventure tourism and advocated for proactive risk management rooted in trust and transparency.

Mr. Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism

Reaffirmed the government’s support for promoting insurance as a standard practice in the tourism sector.

Mr. Devesh Srivastava, Former Chairman & MD, General Insurance Corporation of India

Simplified key insurance concepts and highlighted its dual value for tour operators and travelers alike.

Mr. Dev Karvat, Founder & CEO, Asego Travel Insurance

Showcased innovative, tech-driven solutions that make travel insurance smarter, faster, and more accessible.

Moderator: Ms. Arshdeep Anand, Vice President, ATOAI

Led the discussion with clarity and precision, ensuring active engagement and thoughtful dialogue.

Key Takeaways

Insurance as a Norm: It must be a core part of travel planning—not a postscript.

Bridging Awareness Gaps: Stakeholders must work together to raise awareness across the sector.

Technology & Innovation: Tech is streamlining and personalizing the insurance experience.

Public-Private Collaboration: A shared vision between government and industry is essential for embedding insurance into the DNA of Indian tourism.

Participants hailed the webinar as “enlightening,” “solution-driven,” and “a must for modern tourism professionals.”