ORGANISATION
| PROFILE
Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association
(H.A.S.T.P.A) was initiated by a group of like minded
people from varied backgrounds and disciplines in
October, 2004. The motivating factor for forming the
organization was to promote holistic adventure tourism
in the state of Himachal Pradesh, encompassing pertinent
issues of 'Sustainable tourism', such as 'livelihoods',
'environment conservation', 'community based tourism',
etc. The natural resource base of any given area is
the most valuable resource for its ecological as well
as economical development. In the modern paradigms
of development, tourism has become an activity that
addresses the issues of community initiatives for
sustainable development. Himachal Pradesh with its
unique topography and culture is a great attraction
to tourists. What also has to be considered in developing
a long term tourism sustainability plan is the economic
factors which motivate the local communities in taking
the necessary steps to promote adventure based tourism
in a consistent, phased manner preserving all that
which today makes it an important part of the itinerary
of the tourist visiting the region.
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To promote responsible tourism where the local communities become the direct benefactors of tourism in the state along with the preservation of the ecological and cultural environment, the H.A.S.T.P.A team began the process of planning for the promotion of responsible tourism in the State in 2004. Himachal Pradesh has immense potential as an adventure tourism destination. With its huge treasure of Trans Himalayan terrain and the lower foothills of the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is a Hikers, Bikers, Kayakers and a rafter's delight. The state has an extensive network of natural trails, which are best suited for the sport of Mountain Biking and Hiking. H.A.S.T.P.A adopted the sport of Mountain Biking as its core promotional activity. Himachal Pradesh is a popular destination amongst mountain bikers from around the world. However except for a few regular circuits most interiors of the state have not been visited by tourists. H.A.S.T.P.A aims to take tourists to these interiors and pass the benefits to the native communities. On the anvil are to develop trails in the state and in the next five years interconnect the whole state of Himachal Pradesh with these trails. HASTPA stands committed to the people of Himachal Pradesh to promote sustainable tourism and use Mountain Cycling as a tool to establish it as one of the premier destinations for cycling internationally.
Future plans include, developing trails indigenously with the assistance and support of local Panchayats and pass the benefits to the native communities. A five year phased approach interconnecting the whole state through these trails should see Himachal Pradesh emerging as a world leader for Mountain cycling. With these aims in mind Team HASTPA organized the HERCULES MOUNTAIN BIKING HIMACHAL cycling event in 2005. The motive of the event was to showcase the immense potential of Himachali trails to cyclists from around the world. All the benefits the event accrues goes to develop trails and promote mountain cycling in the state. HASTPA welcomes volunteers who have the initiation towards adventure and are willing to work with the team towards implementing the dream of making Himachal Pradesh the best destination for Mountain Cycling in the world.
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