‘Promote women-led initiatives’

Mugdha Sinha, DG, MOT, GoI, emphasises the need for enhanced safety protocols, sustainability practices, and the promotion of women-led initiatives in India’s adventure tourism sector.

TT Bureau

Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, while addressing a webinar by ATOAI Women’s Collective recently, talked about issues that are particularly relevant for travel agents and tour operators in the adventure tourism sector. There is an urgent need to implement robust safety protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safety of both domestic and international travellers, particularly solo women, she said. For those curating adventure experiences, Sinha advised to integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of their operations, from the selection of equipment to the engagement with local communities. “We must ensure that principles of sustainability are not just a part of our marketing but are deeply embedded in our practices,” she said. Sinha suggested travel agents and tour operators to employ more women as trekking guides and in leadership roles.