Key Takeaways from the National Adventure Tourism Strategy 2022

The National Adventure Tourism Strategy 2022 outlines a clear vision to position India as a global leader in adventure tourism. Recognizing India’s vast natural resources, the strategy aims to tap into this potential and make the country a preferred destination for adventure enthusiasts worldwide. The mission is to develop a supportive and enabling ecosystem where the growth of adventure tourism is facilitated by synergizing efforts across multiple stakeholders. This includes collaboration between central and state governments, the private sector, and local communities. The goal is to unlock the full potential of adventure tourism while ensuring its sustainability and inclusivity.

Strategic Pillars

The strategy is built on seven strategic pillars. One of the most important is the State Assessment and Ranking, where Indian states will be ranked based on their preparedness and efforts in promoting adventure tourism. This ranking, based on global standards, aims to foster healthy competition and encourage states to enhance their infrastructure and services. Another pillar focuses on Skill Development and Certification, which emphasizes the need to train local communities, adventure service providers, and guides to meet international standards. The strategy recognizes that building skills will ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and professional services, while also benefiting local economies by providing employment opportunities.

In terms of Marketing and Promotion, the strategy proposes creating a sub-brand under the “Incredible India” umbrella, specifically dedicated to adventure tourism. State-specific and destination-specific campaigns will highlight unique offerings, such as trekking in the Himalayas or scuba diving in the Andaman Islands. The promotion will also extend to educating tourists on responsible and sustainable travel practices. Moreover, the Safety Management Framework is a crucial aspect of the strategy. Given the inherent risks involved in adventure activities, a national framework will be implemented to manage and mitigate risks. This framework will include safety guidelines, regular audits, and risk management systems to build tourist confidence.

The strategy also introduces the concept of a Rescue and Communication Grid, to be established at both national and state levels. This grid will ensure that in the case of emergencies—whether due to natural conditions or accidents—there are rapid communication channels and efficient rescue operations to save lives. Finally, Destination and Product Development is key to the success of the strategy. The government will identify adventure tourism destinations based on their unique offerings, prioritize their development, and improve infrastructure to make these locations accessible and attractive to tourists. The private sector will also play a significant role by partnering with local communities to enhance product offerings and provide quality experiences.

Sustainability Focus

Sustainability lies at the heart of the National Adventure Tourism Strategy. The strategy integrates the core values of sustainable tourism, emphasizing that adventure tourism should promote environmental conservation, economic growth, and social inclusivity. Adventure activities are often located in fragile ecosystems, and hence, the development of tourism in these areas will be carried out responsibly. The strategy encourages tourism practices that protect biodiversity and the cultural heritage of regions. This approach ensures that local communities benefit economically through tourism, without compromising their environment or way of life.

Adventure Tourism Safety

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), has already put forward safety guidelines to regulate adventure tourism activities. These guidelines cover a wide range of activities, including land, air, and water-based adventures, ensuring safety standards are followed at every step. The strategy aims to build on these efforts by creating a National Adventure Tourism Safety Management Framework, which will involve establishing standards for equipment, ensuring the certification of service providers, and conducting regular audits to maintain safety standards. By aligning with international safety standards like ISO 21101:2014, the framework will not only make adventure tourism safer but also enhance India’s reputation as a safe adventure tourism destination.

Community Involvement

Local communities are seen as integral to the success of adventure tourism in India. The strategy highlights the importance of involving local people in every aspect of tourism, from providing services to managing tourist facilities. Homestays and community lodges will be promoted as a means to provide accommodation to tourists, offering an authentic local experience while creating livelihood opportunities for local residents. These community-driven initiatives will be supported through partnerships with private operators to ensure quality standards are maintained. Additionally, local communities will be trained in various roles, such as guides, small-scale business operators, and service providers, empowering them to become part of the tourism value chain. This focus on local involvement ensures that the benefits of tourism reach the grassroots, creating a more equitable and inclusive tourism sector.

Governance and Institutional Framework

To ensure the successful implementation of the strategy, a robust governance framework is necessary. The Ministry of Tourism will prepare a National Action Plan in consultation with various stakeholders, including state governments, industry players, and NGOs. At the national level, a National Board on Adventure Tourism will be set up under the Ministry of Tourism to guide the implementation of the strategy. States will also be encouraged to establish their own State Steering Committees and District-Level Committees to coordinate and review progress on the ground. Moreover, the strategy calls for the establishment of National and State Nodal Agencies that will serve as central bodies to coordinate, facilitate, and promote adventure tourism at both the national and state levels. These agencies will work with various stakeholders to ensure that tourism development is aligned with the goals of sustainability, safety, and community involvement.

The National Adventure Tourism Strategy 2022 aims to position India as a world leader in adventure tourism by focusing on sustainability, safety, skill development, and community involvement. With its vast natural resources, India has the potential to become a hub for adventure enthusiasts worldwide, provided the strategy is implemented effectively and with the collaboration of all stakeholders.