Adventure tourism asked to enhance its safety measures

Chennai: Adventure sports activities, including trekking and cycling which are more common in Tamil Nadu, will have to meet stringent safety measures from now. Aiming to strengthen the safety in this sector and also placing the onus on the adventure tourism activity providers to strictly adhere to the norms and thereby facilitate a safe and memorable trip, the Union tourism ministry recently brought out revised guidelines for adventure tourism in India.

The revised guidelines and protocols have been laid out for 28 adventure activities, in collaboration with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI). The Tourism Ministry has asked the States to comply. ATOAI has covered eighteen activities which are land based (All Terrain Vehicle Tours (ATV), Bungee Jumping, Cycling Tours, Camel Safaris, Horse Safaris, Jeep Safaris, Motorcycle Tours, Mountaineering, Nature Walks / Bird Watching, Rock Climbing / Artificial Wall, Trekking, Wildlife Safaris, etc.) seven activities - air based (Hot Air Ballooning, Paragliding / Hand Gliding, Para Motoring, Parasailing, Ski Diving, Air Safaris, Kite Boarding) besides six that are water based (Kayaking / Sea Kayaking, Rafting, River Cruisinig, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Water Sports Centres).

This elaborate and essential document, prepared by a team of experts in each field of adventure, it is hoped would contribute to the growth of adventure tourism industry in India in a big way. The guidelines are mostly based on providing Standard Operating Procedures Instructions / risk mitigation and emergencies (qualification for guides and instructors for all these adventure tourism) emergency and rescues, safety briefing, medical concerns, basic minimum standards for granting of recognition, age limit, training, flying permission, equipments, use of sign board, use of alcohol / drugs, trained manpower, risk management strategy, inspections and maintenances.

Pointing out that no specific adventure insurance policy exists in India, ATOAI has suggested that specialised insurance policies would be immensely helpful to the adventure buffs. “With exponential increase in adventure tourism, especially among domestic tourists, there is an urgent need for specific insurance products, to cover all parties in the adventure sports ecosystem. The policies promote safety as well as showcase an understanding of risks involved in outdoor adventures. It creates a sense of professionalism among operators, clients and the medical service providers. Better risk management, swift action and high value financial security due to the coverage will lead to many more people venturing in outdoor pursuits with a sense of calm and peace of mind. It’s a vital component of the vast growth potential of Indian Adventure Tourism,” the association said.