Adventure tourism body urges scientific and destination-specific regulations to address overcrowding, environmental degradation and safety concerns
New Delhi, September 9, 2026: The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) has called for urgent regulation of high-volume, low-cost trekking models, citing increasing pressure on India’s fragile mountain ecosystems and the need to protect the long-term tourism potential of destinations that support responsible tourism and multiple stakeholders.
In a policy brief released on September 9, ATOAI urged governments to adopt a scientific, responsible and destination-specific regulatory framework for trekking. The association said adventure tourism is one of India’s fastest-growing tourism sectors and an important source of livelihood for mountain communities. However, the absence of destination-specific regulations has resulted in overcrowding, environmental degradation and growing safety concerns.
According to ATOAI, several recent developments at prominent mountain destinations highlight the consequences of exceeding ecological limits. These include the closure of Stok Kangri, restrictions on the Chadar Trek and Nanda Devi Sanctuary, and the Uttarakhand High Court’s ban on ‘bugyal camping’.
The association said such measures serve as reminders that when destinations exceed their ecological limits, blanket bans can ultimately affect the larger adventure tourism industry.
ATOAI proposes carrying-capacity-based regulation
As part of its policy recommendations, ATOAI has called for carrying-capacity-based permit systems for trekking destinations.
The association has also recommended mandatory guide-to-trekker ratios, minimum safety standards, enhanced emergency preparedness and stronger accountability for trek operators.
The proposed measures are aimed at creating a regulatory framework that can address the environmental and safety pressures associated with high-volume trekking while safeguarding fragile destinations and the livelihoods connected to adventure tourism.
ATOAI has called upon State Governments and Union Territories to initiate consultations with the association and other key stakeholders to develop practical and evidence-based regulations.
The association has emphasised that such regulations should take into account the specific requirements of individual destinations and should be developed through consultation with those involved in the adventure tourism ecosystem.
A call for collaboration
Tejbir Singh Anand, President of ATOAI, said adventure tourism has an opportunity to become one of the strongest and most sustainable pillars of India’s tourism future.
“Adventure tourism has an extraordinary opportunity to become one of the strongest and most sustainable pillars of India’s tourism future. Our mountains, forests and great outdoors are a national treasure, while the communities living in these destinations are an integral part of the adventure tourism ecosystem,” Anand said.
He stressed the importance of cooperation between governments, adventure tourism operators, local communities and other stakeholders.
“With thoughtful planning, responsible practices and collaboration between governments, operators, local communities and other stakeholders, we can create an environment where adventure tourism continues to grow while enhancing safety, protecting our natural heritage and creating meaningful livelihoods,” he said.
Anand further said that India has the opportunity to establish a global benchmark for responsible adventure tourism by adopting a balanced, science-based and destination-specific approach.
“By working together, we can unlock the full potential of trekking and other adventure activities, ensuring that our destinations remain vibrant, safe and sustainable for generations to come,” he added.
Focus on sustainable adventure tourism
ATOAI said the need for a responsible regulatory framework is particularly important as adventure tourism continues to grow and mountain destinations remain an important part of India’s tourism landscape.
The association’s policy brief seeks to encourage a balance between the growth of adventure tourism, the protection of natural heritage, visitor safety and the interests of communities living in mountain destinations.
Rather than allowing destinations to come under increasing pressure, ATOAI has called for practical regulations based on scientific assessment and the carrying capacity of individual locations.
The association has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Ministry of Tourism, State Tourism Departments, State Governments, Union Territories and other stakeholders to foster a safe, sustainable and globally respected adventure tourism ecosystem in India.
About ATOAI
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) was founded in 1994 by a group of travel industry pioneers with the vision of positioning India as a premier global adventure travel destination.
Today, ATOAI brings together adventure tour operators and tourism professionals from across the country and works towards advancing the interests of the adventure tourism sector through industry advocacy, safety, sustainability, training, capacity building and responsible tourism practices.
Through its latest policy brief, ATOAI has placed the need for responsible regulation of high-volume trekking at the centre of the discussion around India’s adventure tourism sector, while calling for collaboration between governments, operators, local communities and other stakeholders to protect India’s fragile mountain destinations and sustain the livelihoods connected to them.