To make Adventure sports safer, the guidelines for the safety and quality on Adventure Tourism in India have been formulated by Ministry of Tourism along with the Adventure Tourism Operators Association of India.
Releasing the guidelines, Mr. KJ Alphons Tourism Minister, Government of India said, “India has immense potential for Adventure tourism ranging from the Himalayas to the coastal regions and these guidelines are the initial steps to build Adventure Tourism in India and extended whole support to all stakeholders for developing this niche sector so as to tap the whole potential offered”.
Speaking at the event, Mrs.Rashmi Verma, Secretary Tourism, said that the guidelines have been formulated in consultation with all stakeholders like State Governments, Tour operators and now they need to be adopted so that India could be an internationally acclaimed adventure tourism destination.
ATOAI President, Mr.SwadeshKumar extended his gratitude to the Ministry and other stakeholders in bringing out the guidelines document and added that the association is keen to bring all the stakeholders involved into the organised sector.
The aim of this initiative is to help adventure tour operators understand and execute safety guidelines in a better manner. These guidelines cover land, air and water based activities which include mountaineering, trekking, bungee jumping, paragliding, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, river rafting and many other sports. The guidelines have been framed for 15 Land Based, 7 Air Based and 7 Water Based activities which cover the entire gamut of Adventure Tourism available in India and that the guidelines codify the Standard Operating Procedures and instructions for Risk Mitigation and Emergencies as well as provide for details like Safety precautions, training required, insurance, etc
The information given covers some major areas such as the role of a guide, important equipment required, inspections and maintenance process, operating instructions, risk mitigation, medical safety etc. Detailed guidelines covered in the document focus on safety from every possible angle. It educates tour operators and other concerned agencies about important safety requirements and lesser-known dangers.
