2nd Tourism Working Group Meeting begins with a side event on ‘Adventure Tourism as a vehicle for achieving Sustainable Development Goals’

The 2nd Tourism Working Group Meeting under G20 hosted by the Ministry of Tourism began today with a side event of panel discussion on ‘Adventure Tourism as a vehicle for achieving Sustainable Development Goals’. The keynote address at today’s side event was delivered by Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER Shri G.K Reddy.

The delegates were given warm, colorful and traditional welcome which included performance by folk artists at Bagdogra Airport. The panel discussion was attended by representatives from United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Japan, Brazil, ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association), ATOAI (Adventure Tour Operators Association of India) and Vik-run foundation. From India, representatives from government of Uttarakhand participated in the discussion.

Among other topics discussions were held on promoting Adventure tourism and presentations on Global and Indian scenario of Adventure tourism were given.

Delivering the keynote address Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER Shri G.K Reddy said that India offers many avenues for adventure tourism across the four elements of land, water, sky and air. He highlighted that India has in its possession 70% of the mighty Himalayas, more than 7,000 Kilometres of coast-line, 70,000 square miles of sand desert apart from white salt desert in Kutch and cold desert in Ladakh, 700 sanctuaries and national parks including tiger reserves.

The minister said that Adventure tourism in India is gaining immense popularity among both domestic and international tourists. People of different age groups are actively participating in various adventure based tourist activities.

Shri G.Kishan Reddy opined that the topography of India is conducive for a variety of adventure activities like trekking, camping, water rafting, Mountaineering, bungee jumping, Skiing, Scuba diving, snorkeling, wildlife safaris among others. He said that, to take advantage of the full potential of adventure tourism in the country, the Government is making concerted efforts at the policy and strategy levels.

The minister said that India is determined to achieve the goals of Mission-LIFE a sustainable Lifestyle for Environment. He informed that to create focused awareness among the youth in the country, Youth Tourism Clubs have been established in all educational institutions across the country. These clubs will create interest, awareness and a sense of responsibility towards our country’s natural, cultural, and spiritual heritage among youth and children. As youth have a natural affinity for adventure tourism, these clubs will be used to promote adventure tourism. Shri G.Kishan Reddy informed that the areas that would be focussed upon includes Development of Adventure Tourism Infrastructure, Financial Assistance to Adventure Tourism Destinations, Developing skilled personnel, Threat assessment, defining safety standards, Research and Development activities, branding etc.

The minister said that National Adventure Tourism strategy has also been framed which focuses on initiatives like State Ranking Criteria for the Adventure Tourism sites, Model Adventure Tourism Law, development of Mega Trails , development of Adventure Activity Guidelines, Adventure Tourism Rescue Centres and development of dedicated Website & social media pages for Adventure Tourism.

The minister said that, the focus is now in placing India among the top Adventure Tourism Destinations of the World by developing infrastructure, and setting up high safety standards.