Govt okays use of satellite phones by tour operators for adventure tourism

New Delhi, Dec 4 (KNN)  Following requests made by tour operators from across the country, the government has allowed the use satellite phones for adventure tourism.

“The Union Ministry of Tourism has finalized a scheme for Procurement, Registration and use of Satellite Phones by the Tour operators which has been concurred to by the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Union Minister of State for Tourism, Mahesh Sharma said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha yesterday.
 
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) had requested the Ministry of Tourism to lift the ban on use of Satellite Phones for Tourism purposes, he said.

Lack of communication facilities, Sharma said has affected some adventure sports like high altitude mountaineering, trekking etc.
 
Currently, the various adventure sports available in India are mountaineering, trekking, river rafting, parasailing, paragliding, bungee jumping, etc.  (KNN/ES)