States responsible for destination development and safety enforcement as Centre strengthens regulatory framework
Date: 02 April 2026 | New Delhi
Key Highlights
- 77 Adventure Tourism Operators recognized across India
- No central database for adventure tourism destinations
- States responsible for safety and promotion
- Adventure Safety Guidelines issued nationwide
- No dedicated fund for adventure tourism promotion
- States asked to enforce licensing and safety norms
News Article
The Ministry of Tourism has strengthened its regulatory approach to adventure tourism in India, issuing standardized safety guidelines while clarifying that States and Union Territories remain responsible for development, promotion, and safety enforcement at adventure tourism destinations.
The Ministry confirmed that it does not maintain a database of approved adventure tourism destinations, nor does it track accidents related to adventure activities. Additionally, there is no separate central fund allocated for adventure tourism promotion, placing greater operational responsibility on state governments.
To enhance safety standards across the sector, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India, has formulated Adventure Safety Guidelines. These guidelines aim to establish a comprehensive safety framework for activities such as trekking, rafting, paragliding, scuba diving and other adventure tourism offerings.
All States and Union Territories have been requested to ensure strict compliance with safety protocols, licensing norms, and operator regulations, along with continuous monitoring of adventure tourism activities.
State-wise Recognized Adventure Tourism Operators
A total of 77 Adventure Tourism Operators are recognized by the Ministry. Key distribution includes:
- Delhi – 21 operators
- West Bengal – 16 operators
- Haryana – 6 operators
- Maharashtra – 4 operators
- Karnataka – 4 operators
- Uttar Pradesh – 4 operators
- Telangana – 3 operators
- Uttarakhand – 3 operators
- Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh – 2 each
- Several other states – 1 operator each
Industry Impact for Travel & Hospitality
The move is expected to:
- Improve safety standards at adventure tourism destinations
- Strengthen credibility of certified operators
- Support sustainable adventure tourism growth
- Boost demand for experiential travel offerings
- Encourage state-led infrastructure development
The information was shared by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
