Adventure sports such as mountaineering seems to be finally getting its due with the sports ministries at the centre and the state mulling the idea of bringing it under their fold.
The idea of taking on nature’s toughest challenge is now popular not just among men but also women and children.
“We have seen a 100 per cent increase in free individual travellers (FITs) of which women also constitute a significant number,” says Mr Anchit Singh of Thrillophilia.com.
The company, which specialises in organising adventure tours in the country, seems to have its hands full with many adventure enthusiasts keen on traveling to the toughest terrains.
“Even newlyweds are now looking for some kind of adventure in their honeymoon and they are open to trekking and rafting as a part of the package,” says Mr Singh. Lots of women FITs are stepping out though security is their major concern, he adds.
Kids too are now roped into such activity, though easier ones, through schools. “Many schools in Bengaluru have added adventure as a part of curriculum with night stays and jungle camps,” he confirms.
Sensing the widening market opportunity, companies selling adventure wear are now expanding their portfolios to include apparel for women and kids too.
In fact, footwear major Woodland, catering to age group of 17-25, has downsized its customer focus to also include youngsters aged 12-15 years.
“These days, there is a lot of activity-based learning that demand school kids to step out for adventure,” says Mr Harkirat Singh, managing director of Woodland.
And of course, the venturesome women are not to be neglected, he adds. To cater to these growing segments, Woodland hopes to be out with its new line by September.
Though the company already sells mountaineering equipment, it plans to offer gears for mountain biking, para-gliding, rappelling, rafting and water surfing.
“We want to offer these gear as a complete package and we are tying up with special equipment makers,” he adds. The firm has already opened two concept stores to sell such gears.