Ajeet Bajaj
“Development of infrastructure, such as better roads, air connectivity in the remote parts of India under the Udaan scheme, more accessible transport options and digital connectivity, has made remote and previously inaccessible areas within reach. This improvement not only opens up new avenues for adventure tourism but also contributes to the sustainable development of these regions, bringing economic benefits to local communities”
India’s tourism sector, a vibrant tapestry of culture, heritage and natural beauty, is on the cusp of a transformative era, especially in the realm of adventure tourism. This segment, characterized by its thrilling and exploratory nature has witnessed exponential growth and holds immense potential for the nation. There cannot be a better time to celebrate the remarkable strides we have made in adventure tourism, a journey significantly bolstered by improved connectivity and visionary initiatives by the Government of India.
Adventure tourism, before the pandemic, was a burgeoning global industry, valued at $683 billion with a remarkable 21% Compound Annual Growth Rate since 2012. Recognized by the World Bank as the largest niche market, it attracted approximately 238 million travellers annually. Pre-pandemic projections anticipated that by 2024, adventure travel would grow into a trillion-dollar global industry. India, with its rich natural heritage, diverse geographical terrains, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in this sector. Our vision is clear: to position India by 2033 as the epicenter of global adventure tourism and be ranked among the top ten global destinations for Adventure Travel.
The establishment of the National Board for Adventure Tourism by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India marks a significant step towards the sustainable growth of Responsible Adventure Tourism in our nation. Recent initiatives, including the Adventure Tourism Safety Act, capacity-building workshops and the development of mega adventure trails, are commendable efforts in realizing this vision. The G20 summit held in March 2023 at Siliguri was a landmark event, highlighting adventure tourism as a vehicle for achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The announcement of two Mega Trails, the Ganga Mega Trail and the Western Indian Himalayan Mega Trail, during the summit, underscores the government’s commitment to prioritisingadventure tourism in India. Adventure Tour Operators Association of India has been working closely with the Ministry of Tourism for promoting tourism to Vibrant Villages and Border Tourism to remote regions of the country.
Improved connectivity has played a crucial role in the enhancement of adventure tourism activities. The development of infrastructure, such as better roads, air connectivity in the remote parts of India under the Udaan scheme, more accessible transport options and digital connectivity, has made remote and previously inaccessible areas within reach. This improvement not only opens up new avenues for adventure tourism but also contributes to the sustainable development of these regions, bringing economic benefits to local communities.
Adventure tourism in India offers an array of activities, from trekking in the Himalaya, white-water rafting in the Ganges, paragliding in Bir Billing, to scuba diving in the Andaman Islands. The improved connectivity has led to a significant increase in the accessibility of these adventure spots, making them more attractive to both domestic and international tourists. This accessibility has the potential to double our inbound tourist figures in the next five years through Adventure Tourism alone.
As the adventure tourism sector continues its rapid ascent, it is of paramount importance that we grow responsibly, adhering to the safety guidelines of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India and a strict ‘leave no trace’ ethos in our operations. The initiatives taken by the government and the private sector are geared towards ensuring that adventure tourism in India is not just about thrill and exploration but also about preserving the environment and enriching local communities.The future course of Adventure Tourism must have a clear focus on risk mitigation and sustainability to set India on a path to becoming a global adventure tourism hub
The author is President, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI)
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