Jammu’s Tourism Directorate Launches Innovative Paragliding Course to Boost Adventure Tourism and Youth Empowerment

Jammu : In a bid to invigorate adventure tourism and empower the youth of the region, the Directorate of Tourism Jammu, under the visionary guidance of Commissioner Secretary, Ms. Yasha Mudgal, IAS, has undertaken a groundbreaking endeavour: the Special Combined Paragliding Course.

Flagging off a group of 25 enthusiastic participants from Railway Station Jammu, this pioneering initiative aims to cultivate local talent and elevate Jammu as a premier adventure tourism destination. Scheduled from March 12 to March 28, 2024, the 17-day training program will encompass three levels – Basic, Intermediate, and Advance (P1, P2, & P3) level, catering to the diverse skill sets of the participants.

The training will take place at the NIMAS Training Area in Seppa, Arunachal Pradesh, renowned for adventure sports education. This course represents a significant milestone in the tourism sector. Ms. Yasha Mudgal (IAS), Commissioner Secretary Tourism flagged off the participants from Railway Station Jammu, accompanied by Additional Secretary Tourism, Sh. Sachin Dev Singh, Joint Director Tourism Ms. Sunaina Sharma Mehta, and other officers of the department, emphasizing the crucial role of adventure sports in enriching the tourism landscape.

In her address, Ms. Mudgal emphasized Jammu’s significant potential as an adventure tourism hotspot, stressing the importance of capitalizing on this burgeoning market. She commended the Directorate of Tourism Jammu for its innovative initiatives, such as the Special Combined Paragliding Course, noting their pivotal role in leveraging the region’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes to attract adventure enthusiasts worldwide.

She expressed confidence in the participants’ ability to excel in their paragliding endeavors, solidifying Jammu’s reputation as a premier destination for adventure tourism. Joint Director ,while briefing the Secretary Tourism highlighted the significance of nurturing local talent,underscoring how this initiative will contribute to the overall development of Jammu region as a prime adventure tourism destination .

This special combined paragliding course not only provides a platform for adventure enthusiasts to hone their skills but also aligns with the government’s vision to promote adventure tourism and position the region as a premier destination.

During their interaction with the media, participants expressed gratitude to the Tourism Department for the initiative and conveyed hopes for its transformative impact on adventure tourism, envisioning a future where Jammu becomes a global hub for thrill-seekers and adventurers alike.

In a pioneering effort, Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, in collaboration with the Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association (IKCA) and Jammu Adventure Sports Association (JASA), has conducted comprehensive water surveys across all districts of Jammu Division.

These surveys have yielded valuable recommendations, pinpointing specific locations for activities like paragliding at Aitham, Dhanwa, Billo ki Paudi, Mokhri, and water-based activities in various locations. Additionally, 38 new trekking routes have been identified, further enhancing adventure tourism offerings in the region.