In a bold stride toward sustainable and community-driven adventure tourism, the Madhya Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board (MPEDB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) on September 3 at Vallabh Bhavan, Bhopal. The agreement, formalized in the presence of Mr. Ashok Barnwal, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest), was executed by Dr. (Smt.) Sameeta Rajora, PCCF and CEO of MPEDB, along with Mr. Nirat Bhatt, Honorary Treasurer of ATOAI. Mr. Yog Chinmoy Dutt, Executive Committee Member and Co-chair of ATOAI’s Western & Central Region, also participated in the signing.
Under this landmark partnership, both organizations will collaborate to identify and fund priority projects, share technical expertise, uphold stringent safety standards, and spearhead capacity-building programs targeting local communities. A key focus will be promoting low-impact, carbon-neutral tourism models and mobilizing CSR/CER resources to strengthen tourism infrastructure and local livelihoods across the state.
On the same day, Mr. Barnwal conducted an on-site inspection of the newly developed eco-tourism location at Magarpath, near Kolar Dam and Ratapani National Park-reinforcing Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to responsible, community-led tourism infrastructure.
Founded in 1994, ATOAI is the national body representing over 700 adventure tour operators. The association actively contributes to policy advocacy, safety protocols, sustainability, and market development, positioning India as a world leader in adventure tourism.
This initiative builds on MPEDB’s ongoing efforts to expand eco-tourism offerings. As of August 2025, the board has started bookings across 12 designated sites and is planning over a dozen more-such as Magarpath and Bodakho-to deliver immersive, eco-conscious travel experiences.
With this collaboration, Madhya Pradesh is not just promoting tourism-it is setting a precedent for responsible, inclusive, and sustainable adventure tourism across India.
