NTI, Dehradun: Eco-tourism in Uttarakhand will take on a new form, working on a plan that will enable a dormant corporation to achieve a turnover of Rs. 100 crore from scratch. In fact, the Forest Department’s Eco-Tourism Unit is preparing a fully commercial plan, under which eco-tourism products are being developed in the state. Uttarakhand will become the first state in the country to lead in eco-tourism.
Blueprint for Eco-Tourism: CCF PK Patro from the Forest Department’s Eco-Tourism Unit shared that Uttarakhand is on its way to becoming the first state in the country where all eco-tourism-related activities will be available on a single platform. The Eco-Tourism Development Corporation, which was registered in 2016, is being revived for this purpose. The goal is to take this limited company from zero to a Rs. 100 crore turnover within the next five years. A plan has been drawn up to provide a single platform for eco-tourism in Uttarakhand.
Work on Two Tracks: The Forest Department’s Eco-Tourism Unit is working on two main areas. First, tourism packages based on existing eco-tourism regions in the state are being developed, with plans to include all kinds of activities. Second, a single platform for marketing is being created, offering both national and international tourists an opportunity to explore all forms of tourism in one place.
32 Eco-Tourism Sites Identified; Work Ongoing at 14: A total of 32 regions in Uttarakhand have been identified for eco-tourism development, with work currently underway at 14 of these sites. The Eco-Tourism Wing aims to launch packages from these 14 sites initially, offering diverse tourism packages to visitors. Some of the packages under consideration include Wilderness Package, Wonder in Forest, Off-Road Drive, Wind and Song, Roar and Trumpet, Whisper in Package, and Offside Working, among others.
Opportunities for Tourists: These packages will offer tourists various experiences, such as cycling, watching elephants and tigers, enjoying safaris, staying overnight in the forest, birdwatching, appreciating natural beauty, experiencing peace in solitude, and even the freedom to work amidst nature. Additionally, all kinds of jungle facilities and services will be available for tourists.
Collaboration with National and International Experts: The Forest Department will collaborate with national and international experts to make Uttarakhand a hub for eco-tourism. Along with offering diverse packages, these packages will be specially designed for high-end tourists, ensuring the best experiences.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Website: Efforts are being made to improve the marketing of eco-tourism, and the promotion is being enhanced. The eco-tourism website is being developed using artificial intelligence, allowing tourists to select their package based on their budget and available time. The website’s search engine will suggest the best plans for them and help decide destinations based on their available time.
Involving Local Communities: Alongside making Uttarakhand an eco-tourism hub, the plan also involves integrating local communities into the ecosystem. Training will be provided to build the capacity of local people, enabling them to work as tour guides. Locals can also support their livelihoods by offering food services to tourists, registering vehicles, and providing home-stays and camps. The Forest Department’s Eco-Tourism Unit will promote these initiatives.
Coordination with IRCTC: To reach more tourists, there will be coordination with organizations like IRCTC, ensuring wider promotion of tour packages and showcasing Uttarakhand’s unique natural beauty to tourists from across the country and the world.
