TBM Staff - Mumbai Skyview By Empyrean in Patnitop, Jammu and Kashmir, has been certified as India’s first Sustainable Tourism Destination by The Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI). It was also conferred as “Champion” – a status which is accorded for a score of 90 plus for following sustainable eco-friendly tourism practices.
The Sustainable Tourism Destination certification is given exclusively to those who have successfully met the Sustainable Tourism Criteria of India set for travel destinations. This means that Skyview by Empyrean is compliant with the parameters of Sustainable & Responsible Tourism as practiced by RTSOI and set as a standard by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (GoI). These include sustainability management, socio-economic sustainability, cultural sustainability and environmental sustainability.
Visitors can experience a gondola ride, an array of F&B offerings, luxury stays, shopping as well as a host of soft adventure activities, many introduced for the first time in India, such as the magic carpet, an all-season dry tubing sledge, Asia’s longest zigzag zipline at 580 metres, curated biking excursions, hiking and supervised treks.
A subsidiary of FIL Industries Limited, Empyrean is focussed on the development of mountain tourism, adventure activities and public infrastructure. Touted as the largest tourism project in Jammu and Kashmir, Skyview Patnitop is credited with setting up India’s highest ropeway. It’s a two-hour drive from Jammu, passing through four spectacular tunnels, and is just three kilometres away from the Chenani Nashri tunnel.
Commenting on the certification, Syed Junaid Altaf, Managing Director, Empyrean Skyview Projects Private Limited, said, “With mankind being faced with numerous environmental challenges, promoting sustainable development and tourism is the right way forward. Over the next three years we are looking at close to 700,000 passengers on the gondola itself which will help in reducing carbon footprint as more people will use this as a mode of transportation instead of driving up by road. Community development is an integral part of our future plans; it dovetails with sustainable mobility that effectively supports regional economic growth, as well as the development of safe, livable, and attractive places for all. We are also working on building a sustainable and holistic hospitality brand with differentiated offerings, global partnerships and a unique experience for every guest.”
Speaking on awarding the RTSOI certification, Rakesh Mathur, Founding Member & Hon. President, RTSOI, said, “It is a matter of great pride that the first ever Ecotourism destination to be certified by RTSOI has emerged a “Champion” practitioner of sustainability. Skyview by Empyrean, nestled in the picturesque Sanget Valley near Jammu, is also the first ever Ecotourism Destination to provide a cable car experience to Patnitop, apart from games and entertainment for all ages, global cuisine and excellent luxury accommodation.” (Source: Outlook Traveller)
