Mountaineer Shekhar Babu named ATOAI Southern Chapter chairman

.Southern India has tremendous potential to emerge as one of the country’s leading adventure tourism regions, says ATOAI Southern Chapter chairman Shekhar Babu Bachinepally. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Mountaineer and Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award recipient Shekhar Babu Bachinepally has been nominated as chairman of the Southern Chapter of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI).The nomination recognises his over two decades of experience in mountaineering, adventure tourism, safety, professional training and the promotion of adventure activities among underprivileged and marginalised communities. He is also an elected member of the ATOAI Executive Committee, representing Transcend Adventures.An adventure tourism professional, Mr. Shekhar Babu summited Mount Everest in 2007. He has led several Indian and international mountaineering expeditions. He was mentor and expedition leader to Poorna Malavath, who became the youngest girl in the world at the time to summit Mount Everest in 2014.Mr. Shekhar Babu said he will focus on strengthening coordination among adventure tour operators, government departments and other stakeholders across southern India. His key priorities will include implementation of safety standards, development of skilled manpower, responsible destination development, environmental sustainability and creation of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.“Southern India has tremendous potential to emerge as one of the country’s leading adventure tourism regions. Our priority will be to develop this potential in a professional, responsible and sustainable manner, while creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for local communities,” said Mr. Shekhar Babu. Published - October 02, 2026 06:52 pm IST