ATOAI puts best foot forward
Adventure tourism was more affected than any other tourism trade due to the pandemic and other factors. Now, ATOAI is proactively improving products to meet the client needs and deliver best results.
Adventure tourism is passing through a difficult phase. "Adventure tourism is more affected than other tourism business since it involves longer travel times, connecting flights, destinations that may or may not be prepared for SOPs, smaller accommodations and roadheads that may not be perceived as safe. As a result of the pandemic, supply lines for equipment are drying up,” shared Vaibhav Kala, Officiating President, ATOAI.
“Many people are talking about their travel plans in 2022. Bookings for quick getaways are coming in at short notice, but conversations for longer vacations are still going on. We anticipate tourist surges with the relaxation of restrictions and increased vaccinations. There is a need to adapt, innovate, offer new products, instil sense of security among customers and reach out to them in a better way," Kala added.
Vinayak Koul, Honorary Secretary, ATOAI, said, “Due to the current scenario, it is extremely difficult to plan for the future. Nevertheless, ATOAI is focusing on improving its products and doing its homework, so that when the time comes to meet the clients' needs, it would be ready to deliver the best.”
Koul said the association members know how to operate tours safely amid the pandemic. He advised customers to be proactive in keeping up with the changes in state and national travel advisories, and follow the protocols that the association recommends.
He sought the government’s support to overcome the challenges. "It is important that the government supports the adventure tourism industry through increased marketing at national and international level, especially for inbound tourism, as well as by easing out the requirements as much as possible. We have seen this trend all over the globe. Every country has put its best foot forward and is trying to market themselves. So, only when you keep yourself out in the open before the customer, you can expect them to think about travelling and booking holidays."