REGULATION OF ADVENTURE TOURISM

**Executive Summary** This report outlines the regulatory framework and safety guidelines for the adventure tourism sector in India as presented to the Rajya Sabha. It clarifies that primary responsibility for the development, promotion, and safety of adventure tourism rests with State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. Key highlights include the circulation of standardized Adventure Safety Guidelines and a state-wise census of 77 recognized adventure tourism operators. **Key Points / Main Content** **Institutional Responsibilities** * **State/UT Responsibility:** The development, promotion, and enhancement of safety and convenience at adventure tourism sites are the primary duties of State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. * **Central Oversight Limits:** The Ministry of Tourism does not maintain data on approved adventure tourism destinations or accidents occurring during adventure activities. * **Funding:** There is no separate fund within the Ministry of Tourism dedicated specifically to the promotion of adventure tourism. **Safety and Standardisation** * **Adventure Safety Guidelines:** The Ministry, in collaboration with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India, has formulated a comprehensive framework to standardize safety across the sector. * **Implementation:** These guidelines have been circulated to all States and Union Territories for adoption and the formulation or updating of local safety protocols. * **Regulatory Enforcement:** All States and Union Territories are requested to maintain strict surveillance over adventure activities to ensure operators adhere to licensing norms and safety regulations. **Recognized Operators** * **Total Recognition:** There are currently 77 adventure tourism operators recognized under the Ministry of Tourism across various states. * **Regional Distribution:** Delhi (21) and West Bengal (16) have the highest number of recognized operators, followed by Haryana (06), Karnataka (04), Maharashtra (04), and Uttar Pradesh (04). **Impact Analysis** **State Governments and Union Territory Administrations** **Impact** They are designated as the primary authorities responsible for the operational safety, site development, and promotion of adventure tourism within their jurisdictions. **Action Required** They must adopt the national Adventure Safety Guidelines, update local safety protocols, and enforce strict adherence to licensing norms among all operators. **Adventure Tourism Operators** **Impact** Operators are subject to stricter oversight and must comply with standardized safety frameworks to operate legally and maintain recognition. **Action Required** Operators must ensure strict adherence to safety regulations and licensing norms as monitored by their respective State/UT administrations. **Ministry of Tourism** **Impact** The Ministry acts as a central coordinating body for safety standards and maintains the registry of recognized operators, though it does not provide direct funding or local site management. **Action Required** Continue the circulation of guidelines and maintain the Annexure of recognized operators to facilitate a standardized national framework.

Key Entities Referenced