Journalism of Courage
Indian Express Online Media is proud to announce the third edition of the ADVENTURE TOURISM MEET (ATM), scheduled to take place on October 14, 2025, at the State Convention Centre, Shillong. Building on the momentum of its previous editions, ATM 2025 returns to the Northeast—the region where this pioneering initiative first began—to further strengthen India’s positioning as a global hub for sustainable and inclusive adventure tourism.
Over the past few years, Indian Express Online Media has established itself as a vital convener in India’s tourism landscape, creating thought-led platforms that enable collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators. With adventure tourism emerging as one of the most dynamic sectors globally, ATM 2025 in Shillong seeks to amplify the discourse around sustainability, safety, community participation, and innovation that underpin responsible adventure travel.
Adventure tourism offers more than just thrill—it creates livelihood opportunities, promotes cultural preservation, and fosters environmental awareness. The Abode of Clouds, Meghalaya, with its dramatic limestone caves, living root bridges, cascading waterfalls, and mist-cloaked plateaus, represents the very spirit of this growing movement.
By hosting ATM 2025 in Shillong, supported by Presenting Sponsor Meghalaya Tourism, the event celebrates the state’s growing reputation as one of India’s most exciting adventure destinations, blending local wisdom with new-age travel practices.
Through a day-long series of panel discussions, presentations, and cultural performances, ATM 2025 will explore the evolving narrative of adventure travel in India:
1. Beyond Borders: Positioning India as a Global Adventure Tourism Hub
This opening session will explore India’s potential to compete in the global adventure tourism landscape—by integrating infrastructure, policy, and innovation with its unparalleled natural and cultural diversity.
2. The Meghalaya Advantage: Adventure in the Abode of Clouds
A deep dive into how Meghalaya is transforming from an offbeat destination to a world-class adventure tourism hub. The discussion will examine opportunities in caving, trekking, kayaking, and eco-based tourism while addressing challenges in policy and infrastructure.
3. Thrill with a Conscience: Adventure Tourism for a Sustainable Future
The concluding session will highlight the critical need for balance between thrill and responsibility, focusing on green practices, ethical exploration, and community-based models that safeguard fragile ecosystems.
In addition, special presentations will spotlight niche subjects such as river cruise tourism in India, women’s leadership in adventure travel, and a visual journey through Himalayan expeditions, while musical performances by local artists will add a touch of Meghalaya’s vibrant cultural essence.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Sanjay Sindhwani, CEO, Indian Express Online Media, said:
“Adventure tourism represents India’s next great travel story—one that blends conservation, culture, and commerce. With Shillong hosting the third edition of ATM, we return to where it all began, to celebrate the Northeast’s pioneering role in shaping the future of responsible adventure travel.”
ATM 2025 comes at a time when India’s adventure tourism sector is rapidly evolving, supported by greater policy focus and international visibility. The event will bring together voices from government, industry, and the community to frame actionable insights that can drive sustainable growth and global competitiveness in this segment.
