Thiruvananthapuram: Fifty major adventure tourism centres in the
South Indian state of Kerala will be upgraded soon to meet national and global
standards.
State Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said this while
rolling out a set of comprehensive safety and security regulations to position the
state as a prime secure and hassle-free destination for global adventure
tourists. The ‘Kerala Adventure and Activities Based Tourism Safety and
Security Regulation’ has set guidelines with respect to 31 land, water and
air-based activities.
“The basic infrastructure in existing adventure tourism spots
will be developed at the earliest. We’ll identify and develop new spots, promote
public-private projects and create a circuit connecting adventure tourism
centres,” he said, revealing the administration’s plans to develop ‘Adventure
Tourism’ in the state.
‘A proposal to set up adventure parks in all districts is under
consideration, as per availability of land,” he said, adding Muzhappilangad
(Thalassery), Kaapil (Varkala) and Vagamon (Idukki) will be designated as
adventurous tourism centres.
Soft adventure parks have been set up at Veli, Kollam
Asramam, Thenmala, Karlad in Wayand and Kottappuram. Paragliding activities will
be started at Munnar soon. Besides, an Adventure Tourism Academy will be set up
at Sasthampara near Thiruvananthapuram.
The minister, during the function held at the state capital
on Monday evening, also launched an Online Accreditation Portal to provide
registration for qualified Adventure Activity Providers (AAP), based on
guidelines drawn up by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS),
under the state tourism department. The validity of registration is for two
years.
Tourism Secretary Rani George, who presided over the function,
observed that the state has all potential to emerge as a top adventure tourism
destination.
“Approval has been given for commencing a training course in
adventure tourism at the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS)
in association with private tour operator Muddy Boots,” she added.
The safety guidelines, formed by an expert committee, focus on
essential parameters for activity providers like possession of proper license
as per the state or central government norms, deployment of qualified
personnel, including well-trained activity leaders with hands- on experience,
use of quality equipment and knowledge of First Aid and safety and risk
mitigation ability. The activities covered by the guidelines include trekking
and mountaineering, jeep safaris, all-terrain vehicle tours, cycling, water
skiing, scuba diving, kayaking and canoeing, water surfing and paragliding and
hand gliding.
