Indian Express Online, in collaboration with Meghalaya Tourism, Presenting Partner, is proud to announce the Adventure Tourism Meet (ATM) 2024, to be held on October 4, 2024 in the scenic city of Shillong. The daylong event will bring together tourism leaders, adventure enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders for engaging discussions, workshops, and cultural performances.

The event, to be held at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, will feature distinguished speakers and panellists from across the country. The aim of the meet is to explore the immense potential of adventure tourism in India and its vital role in revitalizing local economies, with a special focus on Meghalaya. Along with Meghalaya Tourism, the event is also supported by Incredible India, Odisha Tourism, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, Bodoland Tourism and Uttar Pradesh Tourism.

ATM 2024 will kick off with an inauguration ceremony featuring notable dignitaries including Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, who is the Chief Guest of the event; Dr Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner and Secretary – Tourism, Government of Meghalaya; and Smt. Pravati Parida, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Odisha, who is the Guest of Honour at the event.

Attendees can look forward to an engaging day of learning and exchange of knowledge on adventure tourism and its potential in India. Here are some highlights of ATM 2024:

Panel discussions

Expert-led sessions focusing on themes like “Revitalising Local Economies Through Adventure Tourism” and “The Role of State Governments in Adventure Tourism” will feature prominent industry leaders sharing their deep insights on the present and future state of adventure tourism in India. 

Key sessions:

  • Revitalising Local Economies Through Adventure Tourism: This panel discussion will explore how adventure tourism can serve as a catalyst for local economic growth, especially in rural and lesser-known regions. 
  • The Role of State Governments in Adventure Tourism: This session will focus on the strategic role state governments play in developing adventure tourism infrastructure and policies.
  • The Unlimited Adventure Potential of Meghalaya: This session will showcase the vast untapped potential of Meghalaya in adventure tourism
  • Women in Adventure: This fireside chat will celebrate the role of women in adventure tourism, featuring:
    • Ms. Shelley Diengdoh, Certified Caver
    • Ms. Wansuk Myrthong, Everester
  • The Future of Adventure Tourism: This final session will focus on the emerging trends and future of adventure tourism in India.

Special presentations

  1. Caving in Meghalaya: A deep dive into the mystical caves of Meghalaya by the renowned Brian Kharpran Daly, showcasing the state’s unparalleled potential for caving tourism. 
  2. Tales of an Explorer: A captivating address by Mandip Singh Soin FRGS, Founder & MD, Ibex Expeditions, sharing his adventures and advocating responsible tourism. 

Workshops

Skill development workshops for adventure tour operators and stakeholders are scheduled for the afternoon, covering topics such as responsible adventure tourism and safety guidelines.

Cultural performances

The event will also showcase the vibrant cultural heritage of Meghalaya with captivating performances that will offer a glimpse into the region’s rich traditions.

The Adventure Tourism Meet, Shillong, will serve as a platform for industry leaders to discuss sustainable adventure tourism strategies, enhance collaboration between government and private sectors, and promote the rich diversity of adventure tourism across India. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with key players, share ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of adventure tourism. ATM 2024 promises to be a landmark event for adventure tourism in India, offering a platform to foster partnerships and explore new avenues of sustainable and responsible tourism. With the participation of major tourism stakeholders from the Northeast and high-level government officials, as well as expert panellists from across India, the Meet promises to be a thought-provoking and action-oriented event that will shape the future of tourism in Meghalaya and the Northeast and in India as a whole.

The Adventure Tourism Meet 2024 also showcases Indian Express Online Media’s commitment to creating impactful conversations around important subjects including sustainability and the future of adventure tourism.