PATA event to promote Uttarakhand as a leading adventure tourism destination of India

12-Dec-2018

By considering PATA Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism Conference & Mart (ATRTCM) an opportunity to represent the state as an adventure tourism destination beyond white-water rafting, Uttarakhand Tourism scheduled ATRTCM at Rishikesh from 13 to 15 February 2019.

According to the information, tourism department of state wants to introduce the mountain terrain as the destination for adventure sports, envisaging River Yamuna and Kali for White-Water rafting, followed by other spots like Rishikesh and Tehri dam for Angling, Canoeing, Rowing, Boating, Water scooter, speed Boating, etc.  

 They want to promote these destinations to the travel industry partners through the platform of PATA Adventure Mart.

The three-day event comprises of a one-day travel trade mart and one-day conference, along with other value-added activities that involves networking and relationship building.

The visitors will get a chance to explore the trends, dynamics and nuances, of one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors. The program brings together international experts at the forefront of the adventure travel industry from both private and public sectors to discuss the sector’s issues and opportunities.

The curtain-raiser event for the Mart was organised by PATA and Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) in Delhi. At the event, Dilip Jawalkar, Secretary – Tourism, Uttarakhand said, “The focus is to bring into the forefront the adventure tourism possibilities in the State through the PATA adventure travel conference and mart. These include Auli, a Skiing destination, various trekking and mountain climbing destinations. We have so many climbable peaks which were popular with adventure enthusiasts. We want to bring them back to the glory once again.”

He said that the State has “rules in place” for adventure tourism activities like river rafting, paragliding, etc. to ensure safety and security. Although camping along the Ganges in Rishikesh has been regulated, the State has identified another 30 locations for camping sites in the State.

(Representative Image)

When asked about faster access to far-flung areas and higher terrains, Jawalkar said that they are in the process of extending heli-tourism facilities beyond the “yatra routes” and make it available throughout the year.

He said that they are also looking at connecting more places through the UDAN scheme of the government. The state is also in the process of developing air strips in Gauchar, Pithoragarh, etc.

He said, in order to bring the focus on adventure tourism and Uttarakhand’s immense potential in niche tourism areas, they will explore the possibilities of hosting the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) conference in Uttarakhand next year.

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board will be hosting the fifth Adventure Travel Conference & Mart of PATA in Rishikesh, which had its last four editions in Thimphu in Bhutan, Chiang Rai in Thailand, Luoyang in China and Al Ain in UAE.  

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