ABOUT ASSTA

ASSTA

(Adventure Sports and Sustainable Tourism Academy) was established in Cochin, to answer the need of providing skillful manpower and integrative interdisciplinary research which could support the growth of adventure sports as a supplementary tourism product and to propagate awareness of ‘sustainable’ tourism development. Through cooperation of several government and private sectors, the Academy would contribute to tourism development in both national and local scale.

ASSTA has embarked on various training programs in Paragliding by involving local people. Organized two international Paragliding events in Vagamon in 2006 and 2007.

VISION

Establishment of a society and its constituent communities who are completely aware of benefit and cost of tourism and their potential role in achieving sustainable tourism development

· Establishment of tourism industries and communities who resolutely promote knowledge-based and sustainable tourism development and undertaking

· To promote adventure sports as a supplementary tourism product

ORGANIZATION & SUPPORTING RESOURCES

Trust was founded by Gopa kumar varma, licensed glider pilot from USHPA(United State HangGliding and ParaGliding Association) and Microlight pilot/ member of SFAT(sports flying association Thailand). Past Zone Councillor of Indian Junior Chamber and Past President of Thailand Malayalee Samajam

Vinil Thomas, businessman by profession acts as Secretary, who is instrumental in coordinating the training programs and Events.

The Trustees include:

• Wg Cdr DR Lawrence: retd AirForce fighter pilot with 3,500 hours on various types of fighter and trainer aircrafts and instructional experience of 1,000 hours
• George Varghese: expert in Hot Air balloons with 1,800 hours in balloon flying, Para Sailing & Aqua Sailing instructor, Motor Rally Driver. Was the Test driver and maintenance Head of Indian Air Force Rally team
• Ravi Deecee: CEO of DC books and DC school of management..
• www.dcschool.net
• Rafeek A Khader: entrepreneur
• www.vagamonheights.com
• Rajesh George Kulangara: Director of Labour India Group of institution
• www.gurukulam.com
• Jose Raj :Planter and researcher
• Abey: Plantation manager
• Srijit :Works in AG’s office and handles administrative matters of ASSTA
• George Abraham (Pottamkulam) : Planter and manages 20 exclusive vintage bungalows as homestays
• www.stayhomz.com
• Boban Vijay: creative TV producer and guest faculty in management
• Joy Scaria :Insurance officer
• Anup & Baby: Provides local support in ground handling

FIELD OF ACTIVITIES

The field of activity of the Academy is wide though clearly defined. It comprises of five main areas: identification & development of adventure sports, tourism-related research, consultancy, training, seminar and workshop. The Academy visions and missions are strongly conveyed in each activity.