It’s hard to beat the adrenaline rush associated with outdoor activities like bungee jumping, trekking, mountaineering, rafting or paragliding. However, a rising number of unfortunate incidents has raised concerns over the regulation of adventure sports and tourism in India.
Recently, a 26-year-old tourist from Hyderabad died in a paragliding accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district. The incident apparently happened due to ‘human error’ after the pilot allegedly failed to secure the safety belt of the tourist.
A couple of years ago, two more tourists died under similar circumstances in the same area near Dobhi, one of the most popular paragliding spots in Kullu.
Incidentally, Uttarakhand—not Himachal Pradesh—has the greatest proportion of mountain climbing and trekking mortality in India, accounting for 43% of all cases, as per data record of 2018-22 by Ascent Descent Adventures Team, an adventure travel company specialising in mountain training and mountain climbing. Tamil Nadu is the second-most ‘deadly’ state, accounting for 29% of all deaths. Maharashtra is the third state on the list, accounting for 19% of all fatalities.
In comparison to other states, Himachal Pradesh has a low number of fatalities, accounting for only 8% of total deaths. Rajasthan has the lowest proportion of mountain climbing and trekking mortality in India, accounting for approximately 1% of total fatalities.
In light of the situation, safety guidelines and implementation of protocols by certified adventure tour operators and setting up training centres for well-trained guides seem to be the need of the hour. Recently, the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI)—the national representative body of adventure tour operators —rolled out a certificate course to enhance the skills of adventure guides. The event was held at the Indian Mountaineering Foundation in New Delhi, in collaboration with the Hanifl Centre, an outdoor education and environmental study institution. “The training programme is not just about skill enhancement, it’s about fostering a culture of professionalism and safety within the adventure tourism community,” says Ajeet Bajaj, president of ATOAI.
Industry stakeholders feel guides may need training depending on the destinations and activities. “Guides in the Himalayan region may undergo specialised training in handling emergencies involving mountains and high-altitude rescue methods. Activities involving water in coastal areas may necessitate rescue and water safety training. Initiatives from the government may concentrate on integrating new safety measures, guaranteeing certifications, and standardising training curricula. Regular evaluations and modifications to training curricula can tackle new issues and guarantee that mentors are prepared to manage a wide range of circumstances in various parts of India,” says Rama Mahendru, country general manager-India, Intrepid Travel, a global adventure tour operator.
Steps have also been taken by the tourism ministry, which is working on formulating a model law on adventure tourism covering the obligations, institutional framework, penalties, registration and the provisions of insurance cover needed for the sector. The draft law has been circulated to all states and union territories for feedback, as recently announced by Union tourism secretary V Vidyavathi.
As per Bajaj, adventure tourism, before the pandemic, was a burgeoning global industry valued at $683 billion, with a remarkable 21% CAGR rate since 2012. The World Bank recognises it as the largest niche market, attracting approximately 238 million travellers annually. “India, with its rich natural heritage, is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in this sector. Our diverse geographical terrains, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage make us an unparalleled destination for adventure enthusiasts. With the right strategies and initiatives, we can potentially double our inbound tourist figures in the next five years through adventure tourism alone. This will not only boost our economy but promote sustainable development in remote regions of India,” adds Bajaj.
Owais Altaf Syed, director of Skyview By Empyrean, a lifestyle and adventure destination in the Sanget Valley-Patnitop region of Jammu, feels a lot has to be done to ensure standardisation in safety protocols, infrastructure development, standardised safety standards, training and certification for guides who associate with tourists interested in adventure activities. “Embracing technology is the next big leap for tourism in India. Virtual reality experiences, or mobile apps that provide information about trails, safety guidelines, and navigation are already enhancing the experience in India,” he says.