ATOAI, SDA vow to boost adventure tourism in Sonamarg

Umar Raina
Comments 0
19 Dec 2025

Ganderbal, Dec 19: The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), the apex national body representing adventure tourism operators, on Friday held a significant meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA), Bilal Mukhtar, along with local hoteliers, to discuss measures for strengthening adventure tourism in the scenic Sonamarg region. The meeting focused on fostering collaboration among stakeholders to enhance adventure tourism activities, improve tourist infrastructure, ensure strict safety standards, and promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices in the destination. Issues related to destination promotion, capacity building, and better coordination between tour operators, hoteliers, and the administration were discussed in detail. ATOAI representatives highlighted the vast potential of Sonamarg to emerge as a premier adventure tourism hub in the country, citing its natural landscape and growing tourist interest. The association reiterated its commitment to work closely with the SDA and local stakeholders to develop structured adventure tourism products while preserving the fragile ecosystem of the region. CEO Mukhtar assured full support from the authority, stating that planned development, safety compliance, and eco-friendly tourism remain key priorities for Sonamarg. He stressed that coordinated efforts would help enhance visitor experience and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. The participants agreed that such collaborative initiatives would play a crucial role in positioning Sonamarg prominently on the national and international adventure tourism map.