The Ministry of Tourism along with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) has launched a set of guidelines on ‘Safety and Quality Norms for Adventure Tourism in India’. The guidelines list the basic minimum standards for adventure tourism activities.

2. The Guidelines were launched by Hon’ble Minister of Tourism (I/C) Shri K.J. Alphons in the august presence of officials of the Ministry of Tourism, state governments & Union Territory Tourism Departments, members of the travel trade and hospitality industry, members of the media and other stakeholders.

3. Adventure tourism has grown rapidly over the past few years playing a vital role in the economic growth of India as well as attracting a large number of travelers from across the globe to the country.

4. Safety and security are vital for providing quality tourism. In an effort to make adventure sports safer, the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI)  has formulated a comprehensive document that elucidates on the safety standards for adventure tourism in India. The sole aim of this initiative is to help adventure tour operators understand and execute safety guidelines in a better manner.

5. These guidelines cover land, air and water-based activities which include mountaineering, trekking, bungee jumping, paragliding, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, river rafting, and many other sports.

6. The information given covers some major areas such as the role of a guide, important equipment required, inspections and maintenance process, operating instructions, risk mitigation, medical safety etc.

7. Detailed guidelines covered in the document focus on safety from every possible angle. It educates tour operators and other concerned agencies about important safety requirements and lesser-known dangers. It also throws light on what constitutes as an adventure activity.

8. In order to put a strong foothold in the field of adventure sports, better safety measures are mandatory. It is imperative that all adventure tourism stakeholders provide better vigilance and strict adherence to these guidelines. Putting emphasis, and implementing and maintaining such avant-garde safety measures are now a necessity.

9. The Ministry of Tourism along with ATOAI and all the tourism stakeholders are committed to India being looked at as one of the best adventure tourism destinations, with a strong safety management system in place.