NEW DELHI: In a move to promote adventure sports and tourism in the country, the tourism ministry has proposed removal of import duty on
equipment related to the sport. The ministry also plans to take up the issue of liberal visa processing for mountaineers with home and external affairs ministries.
“We would write to the revenue department for removal of import duty,” tourism secretary Sujit Banerjee told ET. The ministry would also press the government to allow all users to import sports equipment. At present, only members of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) are allowed to import adventure sports related equipment on payment of full duty for their own needs.
“Adventure tourism can not take off in the country if companies are not allowed to import adventure equipment freely. There are just too many restrictions,” Mr Banerjee said. The ministry is also looking into the issue of opening more mountain peaks for foreign tourists for trekking. It has asked ATOAI to give a list of peaks which are open for trekking.
Following this, it would ask home and defence ministries to open up more peaks. It will also ask home and external affairs ministries to liberalise the process of issuing visas for mountaineering. “Mountaineers should also be allowed to enjoy easy visa approval facility like medical tourists,” an official said. Some of the land-based adventure sports such as mountaineering and trekking are fast becoming popular in the country. Air-based sports, para-sailing and paragliding, are also gaining ground.
Meanwhile, the tourism ministry is also looking at the possibility of involving state governments and professional organisations such as IL&FS and IDFC to make a concerted plan for beautification of villages near hill stations. “Most of the hill stations are transforming into concrete jungles due to haphazard construction,” the official added.
Overseas offices of the tourism ministry would soon be asked to undertake roadshows so that more and more foreign tourists can explore the possibility of visiting India’s hillside. The ministry is already investing heavily in promoting rural tourism sites such as Nagar in Himachal Pradesh. The ministry has also launched several promotional offers such as free-air passage to the companion of a foreign tourist to win back foreign visitors.
Source : The Economic Times