At the Adventure Tourism Meet in Shillong, Akanksha Garg brought a strong and inspiring voice to the conversation around gender inclusivity and sustainability in adventure tourism. As Chairperson of the ATOAI Women’s Collective (AWC) and Founder & Director of Waxpol Hotels & Resorts, she represents both the entrepreneurial and advocacy sides of the industry. For Garg, the conversation about adventure goes far beyond destinations and activities—it’s about building equitable access and creating safe, empowering spaces for women travelers and professionals.
Reflecting on her journey, Garg said that the ATOAI Women’s Collective was formed with the goal of amplifying women’s presence and leadership in adventure tourism. “We’re seeing more women enter this field as trekkers, climbers, guides, and entrepreneurs,” she said. “But for this participation to grow meaningfully, we must ensure safety, mentorship, and the right infrastructure.” The Collective has been working on programs that focus on training women in adventure skills and safety protocols, while also highlighting their success stories to inspire others.
As the founder of Waxpol Hotels & Resorts, Garg also spoke about how her hospitality philosophy integrates conservation and community engagement. Her properties, many located in wildlife-rich regions, follow sustainable models that involve local communities and protect natural habitats. “Adventure and sustainability have to go hand in hand,” she emphasized. “If tourism harms the very environment it depends on, it defeats its purpose.”
Garg also praised Meghalaya’s efforts to position itself as an adventure destination, calling the Adventure Tourism Meet a “vital platform for dialogue and collaboration.” She noted how engaging local youth, especially women, could become the state’s biggest strength. “Events like this show young people what’s possible,” she said. “They remind us that adventure isn’t just about adrenaline—it’s about awareness, respect, and shared growth.”
With her work at ATOAI and Waxpol, Garg continues to bridge the gap between passion and purpose, ensuring that India’s adventure tourism story includes women at every step—on the trails, in leadership, and in shaping the industry’s sustainable future.