ATOAI and PADI Join Forces to Boost Sustainable Adventure Tourism and Diving in India
The Voice of Chandigarh :
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 15th October 2025 to advance Responsible Adventure Tourism and diving in India. The partnership, formalized in New Delhi, aims to elevate India as a premier global destination for diving enthusiasts and adventure seekers, while fostering environmental responsibility.
ATOAI President, Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, said:
“This collaboration with PADI marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in Responsible Adventure Tourism. By uniting ATOAI’s deep-rooted knowledge of India’s diverse adventure landscape with PADI’s internationally recognized expertise in diving safety and education, we aim to set new benchmarks in quality, safety and sustainability and showcase India as a world class diving and water sports destination. We propose to work closely with Bureau of Indian Standards & PADI to help develop and adopt robust national standards for scuba diving and other adventure activities. Together, we are committed to building a responsible and resilient adventure tourism ecosystem that not only offers world-class experiences, but also protects and celebrates our natural heritage.”
Thomas Knedlik, Vice President, PADI Asia Pacific, states:
“PADI is thrilled to partner with ATOAI to advance sustainable adventure tourism and diving in India. This collaboration will help showcase India as a world-class diving destination, enhance diver education and safety through PADI’s global standards, and contribute to the development and adoption of ISO standards for scuba diving in India. We look forward to inspiring more people to explore and protect India’s incredible underwater world.”
The MOU establishes key areas of collaboration, including:
Information Exchange: Sharing best practices in safety, environmental stewardship and adventure tourism management.
- Destination Promotion & Product Development: Joint initiatives to showcase India as a world-class adventure and diving hub and create new sustainable tourism products.
- Events & Outreach: Collaboration on national and international conferences, trade fairs and exhibitions to spotlight India’s diving, water sports and adventure tourism potential.
- Diving Education Enhancement: Implementation of training programs aligned with PADI’s global safety standards and the development of PADI Dive Centres and Resorts in India.
Under the agreement, ATOAI will coordinate efforts and represent Indian adventure tour operators, while PADI will contribute technical expertise, conduct site assessments and support the adoption of global safety and environmental standards. The MOU is effective immediately and is valid for five years, with provisions for renewal upon mutual consent.
This partnership reflects a shared vision for sustainable tourism, safety and environmental responsibility, aiming to propel India’s diving, water sports and adventure tourism sectors onto the international stage.
