a quarterly report by - Technopak

perspective
a quar terly repor t by
Volume 02 / 2009
| Volume 02
Adventure Tourism
Adventure sports such as water sports, trekking, rock-climbing, para-sailing and bungee-jumping are
popular with the younger travelers and working executives. The development of adventure tourism is a part
of the policy for the diversification of tourism products in India.
The government is providing incentives in states like Himachal Pradesh and Goa to invest in adventure
gear to promote this form of tourism.
Eco-Tourism
India’s forests, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are a major attraction for a whole lot of tourists from
around the world. Each state today is taking several steps for their preservation. Natural attractions are
being promoted with increased local participation. The mystique of aboriginal tribal ethno-medicine which
can be found in Ayurveda is marketed in order to attract tourists.
The cultural initiative titled ‘Utsavam’ won an award at Pacific Asia Travel Association 2008 for being
instrumental in reviving the cultural heritage of Kerala as well as for the enrichment of the local community.
Envisaged as an annual event, the objective of this initiative is to revitalize the unsung artistes who have
dedicated themselves to perfecting their vocation.
Avian Tourism
Adding another dimension to the Kerala’s backwater and health tourism is the avian tourism to attract
birdwatchers from all over the world.
Medical Tourism & Spas
India has originated as one of the most important hubs for medical tourism. Many people from the developed
countries come to India for the rejuvenation promised by yoga and ayurvedic massage therapy as well
as for high-end surgeries like cardiac bypass surgery or knee/hip replacement. Residents are equally
patronizing alternative medicine therapies and undertaking travel to specialist facilities across the country.
Highway Tourism
Besides catalyzing diversification of tourist traffic and revenue from the urban centres, planned development
of highway tourism opens opportunities for enhancing local employment and uplifting rural economy through
local feeder enterprises, which will find scope to grow in the vicinity of such highway tourist complexes.
Haryana serves as a great example for highway tourism
The National Highway Development Program envisaged 4-6 laning of the existing high-density highway
corridors linking the four mega-cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta. It also aimed at the creation
of north-south and east-west corridors.
In addition, bonds floated by the National Highways Authority of India, which is charged with the execution
of the project, have been exempted from capital gains.
Rail Tourism
The Indian Railways has introduced several new services to promote rail tourism - luxury tourist trains,
exclusive steam & hill charters, tour packages, ‘Bharat Darshan’ – special tourist trains for the budget travel
segment, budget hotels – near important railway stations all over India, car rentals and a special package
for Buddhist passengers.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited, a public sector enterprise under the
Government of India, introduces a range of new tourism products from luxury tourist trains to exclusive
steam and hill charters, ‘Bharat Darshan’ trains and budget hotels near railway stations.
The ‘Kalka Shimla Toy Train’ has about 7 coaches that can accommodate around 200 passengers in a
single trip. The train acquires a moderate average speed of 25-30 km throughout its journey enabling its
travelers to soak in the beauty of the picturesque valley.
63 | Indian Tourism : Managing Growth by Breaking Barriers