India’s natural heritage is ranked 10th in the world by the World Economic Forum, highlighting the country’s potential to tap into some of these hotspots and develop them as new nature- and adventure-focused tourism destinations, said Padma Shri awardee Ajeet Bajaj.
Bajaj was awarded the Padma Shri in 2012 for his achievements in adventure sports. In a recent conversation with PTI, the 58-year-old stressed the need for “sustainable and well-managed tourism” to ensure protection of India’s natural environment.
He stressed the importance of adventure and nature experiences for India’s young population. While various aspects of tourism are being promoted, special attention is being paid to adventure tourism, he said.
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“Cultural and spiritual tourism has been one of the key strengths of India’s tourism sector. The World Economic Forum recognises India’s natural heritage as one of the top ten in the world. With our diverse landscapes, including the Himalayas, deserts and islands, we should use this opportunity to create new destinations focused on nature and adventure,” Bajaj told PTI.
He stressed the importance of adventure and nature experiences for India’s young population. While various aspects of tourism are being promoted, special attention is being paid to adventure tourism, he said.
“India is home to 73% of the Himalayan mountain range and over 7,000 km of coastline, among other things. Our aim is to promote sustainable tourism and prevent overcrowding in these areas by ensuring nature conservation through well-planned tourism,” Bajaj explained.
She added that with the expected growth of domestic tourism, it is crucial to educate travelers about responsible practices. “When tourists are informed, they are more likely to interact in a respectful way with nature,” she said.
Talking about new trends in adventure tourism, Bajaj explained, “We are introducing two major trekking routes – one stretching from Jammu to Uttarakhand via Ladakh, and another From Gaumukh to GangasagarThese trails, similar to those found in other countries, will offer long-distance hikes with homestay or personal accommodation options.”
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He stressed the importance of optimising existing infrastructure when planning new projects. “There is potential to establish numerous trails across the country, including in the Northeast, West Coast and East Coast, which could be transformative for regional tourism,” he added.
Bajaj also spoke about plans to promote border tourism to support economically underdeveloped regions. “We are working with the Ministry of Tourism and the Army to boost tourism in the border areas by integrating them into the mainstream tourism activity through adventure activities,” he said.
Speaking about the progress of these initiatives, Bajaj said, “We are launching seven pilot projects in Arunachal Pradesh, the tri-junction of India, Nepal and China, Ladakh and other picturesque places. The plan is to attract motorcyclists to these stunning regions.”
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