The Maharashtra Tourism Department is rolling out its Adventure Tourism Policy to promote adventure tourism across the state while placing tourist safety at the centre of its development strategy. The policy covers adventure activities across land, air and water, and seeks to establish a safer, more organised and responsible tourism ecosystem. This regulatory framework applies to a wide range of entities, including individual operators, partnerships, companies, non-profit organisations, charitable institutions, clubs, resorts, adventure tourism camps, and training institutes associated with the sector.
New Rules for Operators
A key component of the initiative is a formal registration and certification framework for adventure tourism activities, aimed at improving operational standards and strengthening traveller confidence. The state has urged these stakeholders to register their activities and comply with the safety standards prescribed under the policy. Vikas Pansare (IAS), Director, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said, “The Adventure Tourism Policy is an important initiative that is giving a new direction to tourism development in the state. The policy has received a positive response across Maharashtra, and a range of adventure tourism activities are now being conducted more systematically and safely. This has helped strengthen tourists’ confidence in adventure activities while also creating new local employment opportunities.”
Operators, organisations and aspiring entrepreneurs can access details of the policy and complete the registration process through the official website of the state tourism department. The Tourism Department has urged all stakeholders to register under the policy and contribute towards developing Maharashtra as a safe, responsible and sustainable adventure tourism destination. The policy is aimed at supporting the structured development of activities including mountaineering, parasailing, scuba diving and bungee jumping, among other adventure experiences.
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Strict Safety Measures
The new framework lays down specific safety requirements that must be met by providers. These include necessary permissions, trained guides, quality equipment, first-aid facilities, safety nets, directional signage, watchtowers, sirens, fire-safety arrangements and emergency rescue systems. By enforcing these standards, the government hopes to reduce the risks associated with unregulated outdoor activities and ensure that operators are fully prepared for emergencies.
While the immediate focus is on compliance and safety checks, the long-term economic impact of this regulation could be significant. A more structured industry often attracts higher levels of investment, which in turn might lead to better facilities and more stable jobs for locals. However, the success of this policy will likely depend on how strictly these safety protocols are enforced on the ground. If operators perceive the registration process as overly burdensome, it could slow down the growth of the sector despite the government’s intentions to promote it.