India to regulate adventure tourism to protect environment

New Delhi, Dec 17 (UNI) India has planned the formulation of a comprehensive guideline for adventure tourism after UN 190-nation talks to raise global awareness for fighting global warming and conserving natural resources were held in Bali, Indonesia, recently.

Tourism Minister Ambika Soni, while inaugurating the sixth annual convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India, said the existing National Eco-Tourism Policy would be revived in the light of the ongoing international debate on climate change.

''I have often come across complaints that our bio-diversity is being eroded further on the account of adventure, wildlife and eco-tourism,'' Ms Soni said.

There was a genuine concern that adventure tourists were not only polluting the environment but had little regard for conserving the existing natural resources.

She cautioned the adventure tour operators to be careful if they wanted to expand the scope of adventure tourism.

''I believe that responsible tourism in any form will not only help to preserve the natural resources but would enable generate revenue for the betterment of the place and the local communities,'' the minister said.

On the occasion, she released a special 30 second television commercial on Adventure tourism and a Report on Incredible India campaign 2007.

The prime focus of the convention is to raise awareness about the multi-dimensional face of the Indian tourism sector. It seeks to promote India as one of the most exciting adventure tourism destinations in the world and intends focussing on the innumerable adventure and eco-tourism opportunities in the country.

UNI