I’m a student of Std X and I want to know about Adventure Tourism. What is it like? Is there any scope for employment?


Adventure tourism is all about taking the roads less travelled. Not only does adventure travelling involve exploring remote areas and a great degree of physical activity but also some measure of controlled risk. Mountaineering expeditions, trekking, paragliding, bungee jumping, rafting, scuba diving and rock climbing are the best-known examples of adventure tourism.



One can choose to work outdoors as an instructor or a tour leader or be a part of a managerial team. The marketing or managerial aspect of this job requires an MBA degree or a diploma in tourism. But people who are involved in the operational aspect (customer interface and all the outdoor work) require professional training in that sport. For example, a water sport would require you to have a certain level of competence as a swimmer. For mountaineering, you should be able to handle the ropes, quite literally. A high level of physical fitness is a basic prerequisite.



Though the job is both physically demanding and risky at times, it will definitely be the most exciting job imaginable. To make a successful instructor, you need to have a passion for the outdoors, courage, the ability to stay calm in critical situations and leadership qualities.



Job positions are available with numerous small or medium adventure tourism companies, wildlife parks or holiday resorts and mountain lodges. You could also exercise your entrepreneurial abilities and start an adventure tours operating company. Get in if you have the passion. It’s a highly rewarding career. So be a part of it!



 



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I am a student of Std VII. I want to make career in tour management. What steps should I take?



Tour managers are responsible for accompanying tours from beginning to end. They play an integral part in ensuring their clients’ tour experience meets their expectation. A professional course in tour management will help you understand the nuances of the job. Many institutes offer short-term courses in tour management. Preference is given to applicants who are well-travelled. The knowledge of a foreign language also helps in securing admission. Usually, tour guides get most of their training on the job, as most travel agencies train their tour operators at least for two months before sending them on solo trips. The finer tricks of the trade are learnt by assisting senior tour mangers, observing them while they manoeuvre and make the trip exciting for travellers. Eligibility for these courses is graduation. Since you are in class VII, at present, just focus on your current studies and do well.



 



Picture Credit : Google