Tuesday, 06 October 2020 | PNS | Dehradun
With various relaxations provided to tourists, the state is witnessing a consistent rise in the number of tourists. The tourist numbers have risen since the government allowed relaxations in the protocols being followed amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The recent announcement on the resumption of adventure tourism in the state has already pumped up the adrenaline among the adventure seekers who have lined up to participate in various adventure sports activities like rafting, bungee jumping and other activities.
According to the recent data shared by president of Rafting Association in Rishikesh, Dinesh Bhatt, Rishikesh alone-recorded over 4,000 tourists since September 26, following the reopening of the popular white water river rafting adventure activity in the city. The adventure tour operators who conduct river rafting in Rishikesh, received almost 90 per cent more bookings from places like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana, which was way above their expectations for the first day itself. Enquiries for advance bookings were also received for the next two weeks.
Owner of rafting agency in Rishikesh, Rajpal Yadav says, “We are elated with the opening up of adventure tourism in Rishikesh and are seeing a consistent increase in the number of rafting lovers. We hope that the tourists visiting for rafting activities will adhere to all the safety norms in regards of Covid and enjoy their visit in Uttarakhand.”
The Tourism secretary Dilip Jawalkar said, “Adventure tourism contributes considerably to the state’s tourism industry. I am happy that our step towards resuming the adventure sport activities has achieved the desired results and has attracted large number of adventure seekers to the state. While, we have opened up the activities for the tourists, I also expect full cooperation from all the stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of rules and guidelines to control the spread of Covid-19 in the state. There has been a steady increase in the number of tourists appearing for rafting in the last four years. 68,604 tourists arrived in the year 2017 from September to December, over 3,49,736 in 2018, 3,34,753 in 2019 and 29,932 tourists till March 2020 have enjoyed river rafting. On the other hand, after the commencement of adventure sports activities in Uttarakhand over 19,872 tourists have arrived in the state from October 2 to 5.”
