Mr. Jackson Peter, Managing Director of the Bond Group of Companies and founder of Bond Safari Kovalam, was honored with the Adventure Tourism Leadership Award at the 17th Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) held in Srinagar on Tuesday, on December 17, 2025.
The award, presented by Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah, recognizes Peter’s significant contributions to advancing adventure tourism in India. The accolade comes as the country continues to position itself as a major destination for adventure travel.
Recognition for Industry Leadership
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India selected Peter for the honor based on his role in promoting safe, responsible, and sustainable water-based adventure tourism. His work through Bond Safari Kovalam has helped establish new benchmarks in safety standards, training protocols, and environmental stewardship within the sector.
“This award reflects the collective efforts of the Bond Group team, partners, and the broader adventure tourism community,” Peter said after receiving the honor. “Their continued dedication and professionalism have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”
Pioneering Sustainable Adventure Tourism
Under Peter’s leadership, Bond Safari Kovalam has emerged as a pioneering force in India’s adventure tourism landscape. The company has focused on developing water-based adventure experiences while maintaining strict safety protocols and promoting marine conservation awareness.
The Bond Group’s initiatives have extended beyond commercial operations to include skill development programs aimed at professionalizing the adventure tourism workforce. These efforts have contributed to destination branding and helped strengthen India’s credentials as a competitive global adventure tourism destination.
National Platform in Kashmir
The 17th ATOAI Annual Convention brought together national and international adventure tourism stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders in Srinagar. The event provided a platform for discussing the future of adventure tourism in India and exploring opportunities for growth in the sector.
The choice of Srinagar as the convention venue underscores the region’s growing importance in India’s adventure tourism strategy, with Jammu & Kashmir offering diverse opportunities from trekking and mountaineering to river rafting and winter sports.
Growing Adventure Tourism Sector
India’s adventure tourism industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with domestic and international travelers increasingly seeking experiential and adventure-based travel options. Industry leaders like Peter have played a crucial role in ensuring this growth is accompanied by appropriate safety measures and environmental responsibility.
The recognition of Peter’s work highlights the importance the industry places on sustainable practices and professional standards as it continues to expand. His focus on marine conservation awareness aligns with broader efforts to promote responsible tourism that protects natural resources while providing economic opportunities.
The ATOAI award adds to growing recognition of Kerala’s role in India’s adventure tourism sector, particularly in water sports and coastal adventure activities centered around destinations like Kovalam.
