Reema Lokesh – Mumbai
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) has taken it upon itself to give the Himalayas the prominence, protection and position it deserves. The association will spearhead first-of-its-kind Indian Himalaya Mountaineering and Tourism Meet 2016 from January 15-17, 2016 at the Indian Mountaineering Foundation in New Delhi. The event, which has received support of the ministry of tourism, Government of India will witness serious talks on various topics, namely saving the Himalayas and its eco system, training and preparation for serious expeditions and mountaineering experiences and adventure activities. Serious mountaineering in the Himalayan region goes beyond adventure tourism as it calls for focused training and preparedness. Through this event the organisation aims to give out a very strong message that those who are treating the Himalayas as an adventure business spot need to stop the over commercialisation as the eco system of the Himalayan region is very fragile. It is crucial to keep in mind the carrying capacity when planning any expedition to the mountains. The meet intends to drive the point through that such kind of adventure tourism needs to be treated with sensitivity with an aim to preserve and give back to the culture of the place.
According to Captain Swadesh Kumar, chairperson of the event and advisor to ATOAI and founder of Shikhar Travels, “The Himalayas is our wealth and if we do not step in and protect it from being treated as a super market, then it will be too late. Mountaineering calls for a certain decorum and discipline, but some companies have disturbed the balance of that region for commercial gains. Mountaineering is the mother of all adventure activities and hence it needs to be done in a right way.” The event also aims to bring to the fore the potential of the Himalayas as an outstanding tourism product, however keeping in view the carrying capacity. Adventure tourism, both hardcore mountaineering expeditions as well as soft trips to the Himalayan base camps, trekking experiences and walks, river rafting, etc, will be highlighted at the event.
Kumar further added, “Somehow, there has been an increase in soft adventure to the region, but the real mountaineers are not coming to India as much. This needs to be corrected.”