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The renewed focus on adventure and camping tourism is attracting a wave of visitors to Kerala who love challenges and the experience of living close to Nature. With a plan to add at least a dozen new destinations, offering various thrilling experiences, Kerala Tourism aims to place the state firmly on the global adventure tourism map.
Kerala Tourism has scheduled four international events to enhance its standing in the global adventure tourism sector. These events include international competitions in paragliding, surfing, mountain cycling and whitewater kayaking, taking place in some of Kerala's prime tourism hotspots.
The Tourism Minister Shri P. A. Mohammed Riyas emphasized the growing interest in adventure tourism, noting that "like travelling for leisure, adventure tourism is also getting a lot of attention these days." He highlighted Kerala's potential to emerge as a global adventure and eco-tourism hub. The state tourism department has major plans to strengthen this segment in collaboration with water sports and adventure tourism promoters, as well as local bodies.
The government is focused on developing world-class infrastructure to make Kerala a top destination for thrill-seekers and adventure lovers. Currently, adventure tourism activities are concentrated in districts such as Idukki, Wayanad, Kannur, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kasaragod, Malappuram and Ernakulam, offering excellent opportunities for water sports, trekking and paragliding.
In the previous year, the adventure tourism sector generated Rs 23.5 crores in revenue and created over 3,000 regular jobs, stimulating local business activities. Safety and security guidelines for camping and adventure tourism activities have been issued by the state government to ensure the well-being of participants.
The Department of Tourism co-ordinates these activities primarily through a public-private-participation model. Additionally, around 200 adventure tourism activity providers operate in the private sector, with 60 registered with the tourism department.
The first major event of the year, the 'International Paragliding Competition 2024', was held from March 14 to 17 at Vagamon, Idukki, attracting over 100 national and international gliders from countries such as France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, the US, the UK and Nepal.
Following this, a three-day International Surfing Festival was organized in March at Varkala Beach, establishing Kerala as a premier surfing destination in India. The 7th edition of the International Mountain Cycling Championship (MTB Kerala-2024) was held in April at Priyadarshini Tea Plantation, Mananthavady, Wayanad, with cyclists from 25 countries competing in cross-country terrain.
Earlier, Kozhikode hosted the Malabar River Festival, a three-day International Whitewater Kayaking competition. The 10th edition of this festival, renowned for its organizational excellence and spectator participation, is scheduled to be held from July 25 to 28. The event, organized by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), Wayanad District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) and the Cycling Federation of India, will continue to boost Kerala's reputation as a key destination for adventure tourism.
