ATOAI delegation meets CEO SDA, Sonamarg hoteliers to boost adventure tourism

Sonamarg, Dec 19: The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), the apex body representing adventure tourism operators in the country, held a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA), Bilal Mukhtar, along with local hoteliers and representatives of the Sonamarg Traders Union to discuss measures for strengthening tourism in the region.

The meeting focused on enhancing adventure tourism activities, improving tourist infrastructure, ensuring safety and quality standards, and promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices in Sonamarg. Participants also deliberated on destination promotion and the need for better coordination among various stakeholders to improve the overall visitor experience.

ATOAI representatives highlighted Sonamarg’s vast potential as a premier adventure tourism hub, given its natural landscape and suitability for activities such as trekking, mountaineering and winter adventure sports. The association expressed its willingness to work closely with the SDA, local hoteliers and traders to develop structured adventure tourism products and attract more domestic and international tourists.

The CEO, SDA, assured the stakeholders of the authority’s support in facilitating tourism-related initiatives and strengthening coordination with tour operators and local businesses. He stressed the importance of safety protocols and sustainable practices to ensure long-term growth of tourism in Sonamarg.

Local hoteliers and traders raised issues related to infrastructure, facilities and seasonal challenges, and sought greater engagement with national-level adventure tourism bodies to improve visibility and tourist inflows.