National policy to boost adventure tourism: Soni

Dec 17, 2007, 16:35 GMT

New Delhi, Dec 17 (IANS) With concerns being raised about adventure tourists polluting natural resources, the Indian government plans to formulate a national policy to preserve these spots with the aim to boost this niche segment.

Inaugurating the 6th Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) on 'Indian Adventure Tourism - the Next Step' Monday, Minister of Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni said the focus was on giving 'greater boost to adventure tourism'.

She said at a time when the entire world was talking about climate change and conservation of natural resources, it is important to formulate comprehensive guidelines for adventure tourism.

'There is a genuine concern that adventure tourists are not only polluting the place but have little regard for conserving the existing natural resources,' she said.

Soni highlighted the fact that responsible tourism in any form will not only help to preserve natural resources but generate revenue for the betterment of the place and the local communities.

Soni also agreed that the existing national eco-tourism policy needs to be revived in the light of the ongoing international debate on climate change.

She released a special 30-second television commercial on adventure tourism and also the report on Incredible India campaign during 2007.

'We consider adventure tourism extremely important in taking forward one of the important niche tourism segments of the country.'

She said India was richly endowed with natural diversity that adds to its multi-dimensionality, a fact not very common in many parts of the world.

© 2007 Indo-Asian News Service