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NDTV
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Is Adventure Tourism In India Worth Your Money? The Red Flags And Safety Risks
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara inspired growth in India's adventure tourism market since 2011. The market was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2023, projected to reach USD 46.731 billion by 2030. Fatal incidents have risen due to unlicensed operators, untrained staff, and poor safety measures in India. In 2011, when director Zoya Akhtar released a movie about three male friends, intertwined in their own lives and taking a three-week-long trip, it not only became a commercial hit but also inspired many Indians to think differently about travel. You see, the movie titled (if you haven't guessed it yet), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, revolves around Kabir, Imran and Arjun, and their once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Spain before Kabir's wedding. The trip was essentially meant to help them combat their deepest fears through three adventure sports, each chosen by one of them. The trio explores Spain in a full-on desi way and eventually faces their fears through scuba diving, skydiving and running of the bulls. After facing each challenge, they experience a sense of gratification that makes many of us want to try at least one of the ourselves. Often, Bollywood and social media have glamorised adventure sports and the adrenaline rush that comes with them, turning it into something everyone wanted to chase post the film's release. Today, the Indian adventure tourism market is experiencing significant growth, fuelled by a young, thrill-seeking demographic and rising disposable incomes, all wanting to live life like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (quite literally). The market was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 46.731 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 19.6% over the next five years. However, unlike Kabir, Imran and Arjun—who underwent proper training before each sport—India's growing demand is being met without the same level of infrastructure and safety precautions. The Rise In Fatal Incidents Ft Adventure Sports This boom, however, has been a double-edged sword. As more Indians seek thrill-filled holidays, the infrastructure, regulatory mechanisms and safety checks haven't always kept up. Not everyone goes the ZNMD route of professional preparation and certified guides (Remember Laila from ZMND?). Alok K Singh, Chairman and CEO of Travomint, a travel agency, points out, 'There's been a clear rise in incidents — due to unregistered operators, lack of training, and failure to meet safety standards.' He further lists some incidents: Puri Beach, Odisha - The most recent case, occurred in May 2025, a boat capsize incident happened at the Puri Beach involving Snehasish Ganguly, elder brother of Indian Cricket Team captain Sourav Ganguly, and his spouse, Arpita. Following this incident, the Puri district administration officially suspended all water sports activities in the region, pointing out the critical need for stronger safety measures. While many licensed vendors agree to worldwide norms, some continue to struggle with lack of regulations. Manali: Tadi Mahesh Reddy, a 32-year-old, at Manali was attempting to take off (during paragliding) at Raison when a sudden gust of wind caused his glider to descend instead of ascend, leading to his death. Goa - In January 2025, Shivani Dable, a 27-year-old girl from Pune lost her life during a paragliding activity in Keri Village, North Goa. Her glider crashed into a ravine soon after taking off from a cliff, and even the instructor did not survive. This incident raised concerns over safety practices, unlicensed operators and safety checks in adventure sports. Bir Biling, Himachal Pradesh - A tragic incident happened during paragliding in 2023, when a tourist's safety harness malfunctioned mid-air, raising concerns about unlicensed operators and outdated equipment. After thorough investigation, it was revealed that the flight was operated by an unregistered operator. This tragedy led to widespread public outcry and renewed regulations along with better standards for paragliding operators. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand - Several cases of rafting accidents were reported due to overloading and untrained guides during river rafting. One such case occured in 2017, when a Delhi tourist tragically died after a raft capsized near Garud Chatti bridge. After this incident, local authorities launched safety audits, however, implementation is still not consistent. Common themes? Unlicensed operators, untrained staff, and inadequate equipment. Today, Adventure sports in India vary in price depending on the location and season. Scuba diving costs between Rs 1,500 and Rs 8,000 per dive, with Andaman and Lakshadweep on the higher end. River rafting in places like Rishikesh can range from Rs 499 to Rs 2,999 per person, depending on the stretch covered. Paragliding prices start at Rs 1,800 and can go up to Rs 5,500 in top spots like Bir Billing. But are they safe? Shreya Chawla* (name changed as per request), a 23-year-old professional from Noida, who loves adventure sports shares, 'They make you sign a waiver. If something happens to you, it's your fault. But the training is almost non-existent. During paragliding in Bir, I was just asked to run at a certain speed. When I went scuba diving in Goa, they dropped me into the water without any special preparation.' Louis D'Souza, Managing Partner at Tamarind Global, a focused destination and event management company, tells NDTV that adventure tourism isn't inherently dangerous, but lack of regulation makes it so. 'We always advise travellers to check if the operator is certified, whether there's insurance, and how trained the guides are,' he adds. Where The Law Stands In 2023, India's Ministry of Tourism laid out formal 'safety guidelines' for adventure tourism. These included age limits, mandatory insurance for operators, and penalties ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 for safety breaches. However, enforcement remains inconsistent across states. Mind you, these are just guidelines and not laws. Now, even though states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have issued more stringent region-specific guidelines, insiders say, many operators continue to flout the rules — either due to lack of awareness or because enforcement agencies lack manpower. Like Shreya's case, any first-timers trust operators blindly, not knowing what questions to ask or red flags to spot. How Industry Experts Are Tackling The Crisis Trishal Rao, Chief Sales Officer at SKIL, a travel management company, believes stronger checks are non-negotiable. 'We work only with ISO-certified or Adventure Tour Operators Association of India-affiliated operators. Our checks include reviewing guest feedback, auditing sites like TripAdvisor, and even demanding references for group trips,' he says. Rao adds that clients sign waivers, but it doesn't absolve the vendors of accountability. 'We ensure insurance is in place, and we expect partners to conduct drills, have evacuation plans and keep ambulances accessible. You can't compromise on safety,' he adds. D'Souza agrees and adds, 'Yes, there are more incidents — but mostly from unregulated players. We advise travellers to ask: Does the operator have certification? Is there insurance? Are the guides trained? Our role is to ensure transparency and accountability.' Even equipment matters, says D'Souza. 'We personally review activities before adding them to itineraries. Adventure stalls are everywhere now — not all are reliable,' according to him. But on ground level things are different. Not everyone is authorised, or trained enough. Trekking is one such activity that remains highly unregulated. Often people are misguided. Treks are made to sound 'easy' to appeal to the participants, but the reality might be different. This lack of information is consistent in the other adventure sports as well. Vaibhav Kala, founder of Aquaterra Adventures and senior VP of Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), says, 'Adventure tourism is gaining popularity due to the physical and mental thrill. But gear, guides and guidelines are critical. We need stricter enforcement and national registration for operators.' Kala is also part of a core team pushing for a model law to be adopted across states. 'We want a national register for operators and stricter controls. Currently, anyone with a few rafts or parachutes can open shop. That's dangerous,' says Kala. Who's At Fault, Really? While most operators make clients sign disclaimers, legally and ethically, both sides hold responsibility. Experts say that while tourists must be cautious, it's primarily the operators' duty to uphold safety norms. But many small vendors still operate in the grey zone. Rakesh, the owner of a similar adventure sports establishment in Manali, has been in this business for almost 10 years. In Himachal Pradesh, he says, many individuals, especially the inexperienced ones, are able to enter the adventure sports market as obtaining a licence is "pretty easy". According to Rakesh, officials conduct quality checks on equipment used in these activities only twice a year. Kala further notes that unregistered operators shouldn't be allowed to run at all. 'The National Tourism Board for Adventure Tourism is pushing for a model law to be adopted across states. That will be the game-changer,' he says. The debate on disclaimers and liability is far from settled. While many operators use waivers to shift responsibility, legal experts say they are not foolproof. How Can You Stay Safe? India's potential to lead in adventure tourism is undeniable. The geography, biodiversity and growing youth population make it a natural fit. But the foundation has to be solid. Till then, if you want to stay safe follow Kala's advice, 'We need three pillars — enforcement, education and ecosystem. Only then will we stop reading about unnecessary tragedies.' Before committing to an adventure, individuals should ask these key questions, says Kala - Have they researched the outfitter's (elaborate) credentials? Is the company registered with relevant tourism authorities or industry associations? Are the guides certified, trained in first aid and CPR, and experienced? What is the emergency exit plan? Rao adds that educating tourists needs to be a priority. 'At the point of sale, operators should hand out safety checklists. Digital platforms could include reviews specific to safety. Insurance should be offered as standard, not optional.' Remember, adventure tourism, by its nature, involves risk, but that risk can and must be managed. For India to become a world-class destination, safety should not be an afterthought. Until then, maybe watch Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara again — but think twice before trying to recreate the thrills without asking the right questions first.
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First Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
'Ban Turkey' campaign in India after Erdogan backed Pakistan despite its terror campaign
A campaign to ban Turkey has taken shape in India after the country and its longtime leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, openly supported Pakistan in the ongoing tensions with India. read more Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharid and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hold a bilateral meeting in Ankara, Turkey on April 22, 2025. Image/Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara Indians are cutting ties with Turkey over the country's open support to Pakistan in the ongoing tensions with India. A 'ban Turkey' campaign has taken shape in India after Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan openly supported Pakistan as it continued to attack India with missiles, drones, and fighter planes. Moreover, Pakistan used Turkish drones in large numbers to attack India. The sectors expected to be hardest are tourism and hospitality and agricultural exports. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Turkey's support to Pakistan Turkey is supporting Pakistan's anti-India campaign in two ways. Firstly, Turkey has provided drones to Pakistan that the country has used to attack India. India has said that Pakistan has attacked India with Turkey-made Songar and Yiha drones. Pakistan has also used Chinese fighter planes and missiles, such as the PL-15, in attacks on India. Secondly, Turkey has supported Pakistan diplomatically. Turkish President Erdogan has extended unconditional support to Pakistan. Incidentally, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was in Turkey on a visit on the day terrorists killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. He and Erdogan used the visit to raise the Kashmir issue even as the Pahalgam attack was unfolding. After India launched Operation Sindoor, Erdogan said that Turkey 'took a very clear stance' on 'missile strikes targeting Pakistan'. He further declared 'open support' for 'the brotherly people of Pakistan' and vowed to stand with them in times good and bad. India's boycott Turkey movement The unofficial movement to boycott Turkey has picked up pace in India with parties in the tourism, hospitality, and agriculture sectors taking the lead. A number of leading tourism agencies have snapped ties with Turkey. This can deal a blow to Turkey's booming tourism and hospitality industry. Turkey's tourism and hospital sectors contribute around $140 billion to the economy and Indians comprise around 0.5 per cent of all tourists. However, Indian tourists among the fastest-growing segments for Turkey's tourism industry. In recent years, the country had become particularly popular for destination weddings and corporate meetings, conferences, retreats, and exhibitions. Last year, Indians tourists to the country grew by around 20 per cent year-on-year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The following tourism and travel agencies have taken steps regarding Turkey: EaseMyTrip has suspended all bookings for Turkey. Cox & Kings has suspended all bookings for Turkey. Travomint has suspended of all travel packages to Turkey. ixigo has suspended bookings for Turkey. Goa Villas has ended the partnership with Turkish Airlines. Cleartrip has suspended all bookings to Turkey. Calls have also been made to boycott Turkish agricultural products, such as apples. India is the largest importer of Turkish apples. Last year, India imported Turkish apples worth around $92 billion. The business transactions between the two country might also be affected as tensions rise. The investments, mergers, and acquisition activities might be affected in the coming days.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Indian travel sites suspend bookings to Turkey, Azerbaijan
Earlier this year, Türkiye Tourism Board stated that the number of Indian tourists to the country has grown by 20.7%. As per reports, in January this year, Azerbaijan saw a considerable increase in the number of Indian visitors, and doubled its number of Indian visitors to 243,000 last year Try booking a trip to Istanbul or Baku on EaseMyTrip and the website will show you the following advisory, 'In light of the Pahalgam terror attack on 22nd April 2025 and tensions between India & Pakistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan have shown support for Pakistan. We encourage travel to these countries only if necessary. Stay informed and make responsible decisions.' Many other travel aggregators have either ended their partnership with the official airlines of these countries, or paused any new bookings to Turkey or Azerbaijan. Both the countries are popular among Indian travellers but after they issued statements supporting Pakistan post Operation Sindoor, Indians are rethinking their travel plans. There have been calls on social media to boycott all travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. 'WE'VE MADE THE DECISION TO PAUSE ALL NEW BOOKINGS TO TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN' Travel company Pickyourtrail is pausing all new travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan for now. Hari Ganapathy, the co-founder, shared, 'In light of recent events, we've made the decision to pause all new bookings # to Turkey and Azerbaijan. This is not a comment on the people, but a stance against policies that conflict with India's national interest. As an Indian travel company, our first duty is to the Indian traveller. ' Cox & Kings is also putting a temporary hold on all new travel to Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Sharing an update on X, the company issued a statement, 'WE STAND WITH INDIA. Sometimes, a pause becomes a necessity. In light of the current national sentiments, we're putting a temporary hold on all new travel to Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Even though respect and understanding of the world remain at the heart of everything we do, while the nation waits, so will some of our journeys. ' 'We have decided to support the Indians' call for boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan. With immediate effect, Travomint has suspended the sale of all travel packages to these countries,' Travomint CEO Alok K Singh said in a statement, while ixigo tweeted, 'In solidarity with our nation, ixigo is suspending flight and hotel bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China. Because when it comes to Bharat, we don't think twice. ' 'Ending partnership with Turkish Airlines' Going forward, some travel websites won't include Turkish Airlines in their international travel packages due to the same reason. 'We are officially ending our partnership with Turkish Airlines due to their unsupportive stance towards India. Going forward, we will no longer include their flights in our international travel packages. Jai Hind,' wrote Go Homestays on X. Goa Villas has also decided to not offer any accommodation services to Turkish citizens 'due to Turkey's non-cooperative stance in the current global scenario involving India and Pakistan.' "In solidarity with India's national interest and sovereignty, Flipkart Travel and Cleartrip are suspending all flight, hotel and holiday package bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Our stand is clear. Our loyalty, unwavering. We stand with #India. Always," they shared on social media. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Mint
10-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Attention Travellers! THESE booking platforms suspend offerings to Turkey, Azerbaijan, China amid India-Pak tensions
Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, various online booking platforms on Friday announced suspension of new travel offerings to countries, including Turkey and Azerbaijan for their "support" to Pakistan and advised customers to avoid "non-essential" travel to these destinations, while urging Indians to exercise "utmost caution" before planning trips to sensitive regions. Cox & Kings said it has decided to temporarily pause all new travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkey. "In light of recent developments, we have decided to pause all new travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey. This decision is driven by our commitment to uphold principles that matter deeply to us and the people of our country. We also advise Indian travellers to exercise discretion and avoid any non-essential travel to these destinations until there is greater clarity and alignment in the broader geopolitical environment," said Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. "Travel Advisory - Following the Pahalgam attack and escalating tensions between India & Pakistan, travellers are urged to stay aware. As Turkey & Azerbaijan have shown support for Pakistan, we strongly recommend visiting only if absolutely necessary," EaseMyTrip said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday evening. EaseMyTrip Founder and Chairman Nishant Pitti also took to X, saying he was "deeply concerned" by the recent developments and advising all its customers to exercise utmost caution and stay updated on official travel advisories before planning trips to sensitive regions. Travomint said the company has suspended the sale of all travel packages to Turkey and Azerbaijan to support Indians' call for boycotting these two countries. "Due to the escalating tensions with Pakistan and countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan supporting it, we at Travomint have taken a firm and responsible stand. We have decided to support the Indians' call for boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan. With immediate effect, Travomint has suspended the sale of all travel packages to these countries," Travomint Chairman and CEO Alok K Singh said in a statement. In addition to this, he said, no cancellation fees will be charged on existing bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Emergency flight bookings will be available in case of any emergency or urgent need, Singh said. Meanwhile, Vice President of Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI) and Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) - HRAWI spokesperson Pradeep Shetty shared that there have been cancellations for hotels in states including Rajasthan, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, among others. "There are cancellations... We are observing the situation closely," he told PTI. India on Wednesday carried out strikes on nine sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan, marking its deepest strikes inside Pakistan in decades, in retaliation for a deadly terrorist attack two weeks before. Thereafter, Pakistan attempted to unleash drones and missiles at Indian military targets in more than a dozen cities and towns, many of them home to air force bases. The Indian Army said the attacks were "effectively repulsed".
Hans India
10-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Indian travel firms suspend packages to Turkey and Azerbaijan
New Delhi: In a strong response to Turkey and Azerbaijan for supporting Pakistan in the ongoing conflict, major travel companies have suspended all packages to these two countries. The move follows both the countries' extending public support for Pakistan during the ongoing conflict with India, especially after 'Operation Sindoor' which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). EaseMyTrip, Cox & Kings and Travomint have announced a complete halt on bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan, aligning with national sentiment and reflecting growing concern over safety and diplomatic implications. The decision marks a broader industry shift, where businesses are increasingly mindful of their international engagements and their impact on national interests. Karan Agarwal, Director of Cox & Kings, stated, 'In light of recent developments, we have decided to pause all new travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey. This decision is driven by our commitment to uphold principles that matter deeply to us and the people of our country". He also advised Indian travellers to avoid these destinations until the situation becomes clearer. EaseMyTrip's founder and chairman, Nishant Pitti, emphasised the importance of traveller safety in these uncertain times. 'Deeply concerned by the recent developments. At EaseMyTrip, the safety of travellers is our top priority. We advise all our customers to exercise utmost caution and stay updated on official travel advisories before planning trips to sensitive regions,' he said. Travomint joined the movement shortly after. CEO Alok K Singh confirmed the company's stance, stating, 'Due to the escalating tensions with Pakistan and countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan supporting it, we at Travomint have taken a firm and responsible stand. 'We have decided to support the Indians' call for boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan,' Singh mentioned. This wave of action came as both Turkey and Azerbaijan expressed solidarity with Pakistan, following India's retaliatory strikes at terror locations. The government of Azerbaijan issued a statement condemning India's military action, expressing concern over civilian casualties and urging diplomatic resolution. Similarly, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs described India's airstrike as a 'provocative' step and warned of the risk of full-scale war. India has found Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones being used by Pakistan.
