Solo travellers and backpackers across the world have succoured in the tourism industry like never before. Adventure and experiential tours are driving the business of tourism. The whole point of adventures is to give travelers an immersive experience of the landscape, to become one with it and share an experience with it.
Adventure tourism grabbed many eyes and traction on social media soon after the pandemic. After a long halt, people finally realised the dire need to set themselves free from the noisy routine and dive into the arms of nature. Videos and reels of people bungy jumping, parasailing with their significant other, and scuba diving with underwater flora and fauna have become a sensation on Instagram. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, for everyone to be had!
Goa is the most sought-after destination to party; it is also now growing as an adventure destination: enthusiasts across the globe find their way to goa to explore the alluring adventure tourism. Water activities are popular in the beachy destinations, it also has a lot of buzz as India’s only bungy over a lake experience.
Additionally, the dive sites at Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep embrace slopping reefs, caves, coral gardens, and drift diving. It is arguably one of the most popular dive sites in the world for scuba diving.
India’s untraversed natural attractions
India is home to fascinating diversity comprising lush forests, montane grasslands, snowcapped mountains, golden deserts, mangroves, rivers, lakes, wetlands, beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs to name a few. With approximately 70% of the Himalayas and 7,000 km of coastline, the country ranks 10th in the total area under forest[1]. We have an outstanding potential for adventure tourism. Throwing the spotlight on our diverse landscape will boost the adventure momentum!
What does the research say?
As stated by Allied Market Research, the adventure tourism market is expected to grow to USD 1,169,095 million by the year 2028. And this will happen in the fiscal year 2022-2028. The same report also expresses how the Asia-Pacific area is one of the fastest-growing markets.
With increased government initiatives the industry is now ready to climb the ladder. The recent union budget 2023-24 has allocated a whopping amount of INR 2400 crores to the Ministry of Tourism. It doesn’t end here- 50 tourist destinations in the country will be developed for a wholly domestic and international tourism package.
Wrapping up!
Extreme adventure activities are not for everyone! At the same time, there are many rumours about these breathtaking activities that limit people. Thanks to social media platforms, we are finally ready to take the leap of faith and dive underwater to explore the most precious treasures in the world. Nature in any part of the world has so much to offer and to make a wanderer change their perspective when they return home. And for the people making their career in the tourism industry, what can be more enthralling than this? The world is changing for a better tomorrow and so is the future of the tourism industry with adventure sports!
The article is written by Niharika Nigam, Director, Business Development, Jumpin Height.