Lok Sabha Question No. 1329 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-28
Subject: Promotion of Coastal  and Marine Adventure Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Sribharat Mathukumilli

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1329 ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025

## PROMOTION OF COASTAL AND MARINE ADVENTURE TOURISM

## 1329. SHRI SRIBHARAT MATHUKUMILLI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has assessed the potential for growth in  coastal  adventure  tourism  activities  such  as  scuba  diving, surfing, parasailing, and kayaking in States like Andhra Pradesh, particularly in coastal cities such as Visakhapatnam;
- (b) whether  any  safety  standards,  certification  requirements,  or training protocols have been issued or recommended  for operators offering high-risk water-based tourism in these coastal  regions,  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the manner in which enforcement is being ensured;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  supporting  State  Governments  in developing infrastructure, local capacity, and skilled guides for coastal and marine-based adventure tourism;
- (d) whether any collaboration is underway with bodies such as the Adventure  Tour  Operators  Association  of  India  (ATOAI)  and relevant maritime safety authorities to create sustainable tourism models along Andhra Pradesh's coastline, with a focus on safety, ecology, and community participation; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF TOURISM    (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a)  to  (e):  Development  and  promotion  of  tourist  destinations  and products, including adventure tourism is undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry  complements  the  efforts  of  States/UTs  through  various schemes and initiatives.

The  Ministry  of  Tourism  through  its  central  sector  schemes  of 'Swadesh Darshan', 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual,  Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)' and 'Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development' extends financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations for tourism infrastructure development in the country including adventure tourism. The projects undertaken for development by the Ministry are identified in consultation with State Governments/Union Territory Administrations/Central Agencies and are sanctioned subject to submission of project proposals by them, their adherence to  relevant scheme  guidelines  and  submission  of  suitable  Detailed

Project Reports. The  Ministry  of  Tourism,  in  association  with  the  Adventure  Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) has formulated Model Adventure Safety Guidelines with an aim to establish a comprehensive and standardized framework to ensure safety in the Adventure Tourism sector across India. These guidelines have been circulated  to  all  States  and  Union  Territories  for  adoption  and formulation/updation of safety protocols. All  the  States/Union  Territories  have  been  requested  to  maintain  a strict  watch  on  all  adventure  related  activities  and  ensure  strict adherence  to  safety  regulations  and  licensing  norms  by  all  the operators.

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