Journalism of Courage
The Adventure Tourism Meet (ATM) 2025 held in Shillong brought together some of the most inspiring voices in India’s adventure travel industry for a day of powerful discussions, immersive presentations, and cultural showcases.
The FinancialExpress.com Adventure Tourism Meet (ATM) 2025, organised by Indian Express Online Media, successfully concluded its third edition at the State Convention Centre in Shillong on October 14, 2025. The event brought together some of the most inspiring voices in the adventure tourism industry—pioneers, entrepreneurs, and conservationists—who shared their perspectives on shaping a responsible and globally competitive future for adventure tourism in India.
Organised in association with Meghalaya Tourism, the Presenting Partner, ATM 2025 served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, collaboration, and vision-sharing among stakeholders from across India and beyond. The event witnessed rich discussions, thought-provoking presentations, and cultural interludes celebrating the spirit of Meghalaya—the “Abode of Clouds.”
The day began with a ceremonial lamp lighting by dignitaries, followed by a warm welcome note by Roshun Povaiah, Editor, FinancialExpress.com.
A folk music performance by Meghalaya-based artists followed.
The discussions throughout the day reflected the theme of balancing adventure with accountability.
The first panel, “Beyond Borders: Positioning India as a Global Adventure Tourism Hub”, saw leading industry figures such as Toby Sinclair (&Beyond), Akanksha Garg (Waxpol Hotels & Resorts), Altaf H. Chapri (ABChapri Retreats), and Jnandip Borgohain (Kite Manja) share insights on India’s rising profile in global adventure tourism, and was moderated by Roshun Povaiah. The speakers highlighted India’s vast diversity—mountains, rivers, deserts, and coasts—as a competitive advantage, while stressing the need for global standards in safety, training, and marketing. The collective optimism and vision of the panelists inspired the audience to think beyond traditional markets and embrace innovation and inclusivity in tourism promotion.
A presentation by Raj Singh, Founder of Antara River Cruises, followed, highlighting the untapped potential of river cruise tourism in India. Singh emphasised the enormous potential of India’s river systems—not only as luxury experiences but as immersive journeys through heritage and biodiversity. His case studies from the Ganga and Brahmaputra river cruises showcased how adventure can coexist with sustainability and local livelihoods.
The second panel—“The Meghalaya Advantage: Adventure in the Abode of Clouds”—turned the spotlight on Meghalaya, with dynamic locals voices like E Banlumlang Blah (President, NEITC & TOAM), Dr. Pynshailang Syiemiong (President, Core Geo Expeditions), Febronia Effie Pajat (Owner, Cabana Serene), and Gerald Duia (Co-Chairman, ATOAI North Eastern Region). The discussion, moderated by Raj Basu, explored how Meghalaya’s rugged terrain, waterfalls, caves, and living root bridges form the foundation for an extraordinary adventure circuit. The panelists spoke passionately about engaging local communities, maintaining ecological integrity, and empowering youth as guides and entrepreneurs. The session concluded on an inspiring note: that Meghalaya is not just a destination, but an experience of connection—with nature, people, and purpose.
Akanksha Garg who is also Chairperson of the ATOAI Women’s Collective, presented a powerful case for inclusivity in adventure travel. Through examples from her own journey, she spoke about building leadership among women in outdoor enterprises and encouraged the creation of safe, supportive ecosystems that enable women to explore, lead, and thrive in adventure tourism.
Post-lunch, acclaimed photographer and mountaineer Sujoy Das, Founder of South Col Expeditions, presented a stirring visual narrative titled “Mountain Moments — Photographs from the Himalaya”. His evocative images from the Himalayas were a soulful tribute to the spirit of exploration, capturing the spiritual essence of adventure and the fragility of the mountains, leaving the audience deeply moved.
The final session—titled “Thrill with a Conscience: Adventure Tourism for a Sustainable Future” and featuring Raj Singh, Toby Sinclair, Dorjay Namgyal (Director, Kailash Expeditions India), and Raj Basu—offered a fitting finale to the day. Moderated by Povaiah, the discussion addressed the delicate balance between thrill and responsibility, calling for climate-smart adventure practices, better waste management in mountain regions, and community-based conservation models. Speakers urged policymakers and operators alike to look beyond commercial success and adopt long-term sustainability frameworks. The tone was inspiring, uniting the industry around a common goal—to make India not only the next adventure tourism hub, but also the most ethical one.
The meet concluded with a vote of thanks by Mukesh Singh, VP & Revenue Head, Indian Express Online Media, who acknowledged the invaluable participation of the speakers, panelists, and partners in making ATM 2025 a success.
