Abstract:Given its rich, diverse and varied typography, adventure sports holds huge scope and significance in Kashmir. Lofty slopes, vast meadows, enthralling picturesque, placid lake waters, gushing streams, breathtaking waterfalls, world famous skiing and trekking grounds and much more make Kashmir Valley an apt destination for adventure sport.
Exploring new and innovative arenas and activities in adventure sports would not only throw gates of opportunities wide open, but would provide an ample opportunity to tourism players to explore innovative ways to grab domestic and foreign footfall, facilitate adventure sports organizers, professionals and lovers to pool in their efforts to explore more possibilities and potentialities. This would encourage more adventure sports activities, promote adventure tourism, bring in more areas on tourism world map, generate more income and livelihood, enhance skill management, earn more profits and ensure well-being.
More adventure sports opportunities would mean secure and sustainable livelihoods for those directly or indirectly related with sports and tourism sector. Establishing a sustainable adventure sports portfolio for the Valley also means investing in building infrastructure and developing skill sets. The existing infrastructure offers just a baseline support; real push will emerge from strong public-private partnerships. Huge challenges on account of planning, connectivity, infrastructure, marketing, promotional strategies, trained human resources and other skills cannot be underestimated. All these gaps could be timely and thoroughly addressed to sustain adventure sports activities on eco-friendly and sustainable lines.