Centre frames strategies for homestay, adventure tourism

The Tourism Ministry had drafted the Adventure Tourism Model law which covered the obligations, institutional framework penalties, registration and the provision of insurance. The model law had been sent to all States and Union Territories for feedback. 

EOI, KOLKATA, NOVEMBER 22, 2023 : The Union Ministry of Tourism has formulate a ‘National Strategy for the Promotion of Rural Homestays’ and also a ‘National Strategy for Adventure Tourism,’ Tourism Secretary V. Vidyavathi said on Wednesday while speaking at the Business session on the second day of the International Tourism Mart in Shillong, a PIB release said. 

A ‘National Board for Adventure Tourism’ had also been formed to guide the strategy to promote adventure tourism and make it operational. 

The Tourism Ministry had drafted the Adventure Tourism Model law which covered the obligations, institutional framework penalties, registration and the provision of insurance. The model law had been sent to all States and Union Territories for feedback. 

She urged the north-eastern states to participate proactively in the endeavour to strengthen the safety aspects in organizing adventure sports activities. 

The policy on homestays had been formulated keeping in mind the increasing trend in experimental tourism. Homestays provided tourists with an opportunity to stay in alternative forms of accommodation and promote inclusive development by creating for local communities job opportunities and entrepreneurship.

She asked all north-eastern states to proactively consider the implementation of the homestays strategy to achieve the goal of ‘vocal for local’ and support the development of rural tourism in the north-east. 

She said the development of tourism in the north-east should take into account the sensitive ecosystem of the region. 

Representatives of eight north-eastern states presented the updates on their respective new destinations as well as new opportunities. Emphasis was placed on development of connectivity in the region. 

The International Tourism Mart is an annual event organized by the Union Ministry of Tourism in one of the NE states by rotation to provide a platform for local stakeholders to interact with their counterparts both within the country and from overseas.