India: The Maharashtra state government approved the new policy that will channelise adventure tourism. Under the policy, more than 25 different adventure activities including paragliding, trekking, water rappelling, river rafting, biking, rock climbing, scuba diving will be covered.
State Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray said, “Safety is the priority, adventure tourism organizers will need to be vigilant as per the provisions mentioned in the policy regarding the safety of tourists. Norms for trained and experienced trainers, quality, and standardized equipment will be laid down. State-level committees and divisional level committees will be constituted for the effective implementation of adventure tourism policy. These committees will consist of experts in land, air and water tourism.”
Adventure is an important part of tourism and travellers have a special interest in such activities. The new policy, along with promoting adventure activities, will also take care of registration, regulation, monitoring, planning, promotion and training of the organisers.
A temporary registration certificate from the Directorate of Tourism (DoT) will be given to the organisers of adventure tourism in the state. According to the policy, they will also get a final registration certificate after obtaining all the necessary equipment.
