Hindu Editorial Analysis : 17-December-2024
As India’s tourism sector continues to grow, it is essential to ensure that this growth is sustainable. This means balancing the economic benefits with environmental and social responsibilities. In this essay, we will explore the importance of sustainable tourism, its benefits, challenges, and the government’s initiatives to support it.
What is Sustainable Tourism?
Tourism plays a crucial role in India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. However, it is important that this growth does not harm the environment or local communities. Sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that seeks to:
- Protect natural resources
- Preserve cultural heritage
- Benefit local communities
The Indian government, through the Union Ministry of Tourism, promotes sustainable tourism practices to ensure tourism development is inclusive, resilient, and environmentally friendly.
Current Landscape of Tourism in India
Tourism in India is a key economic driver:
- In 2024, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) expects tourism to contribute 6.8% to India’s GDP, worth $256.1 billion.
- Tourism provides 45.39 million jobs, or 9.2% of the workforce in India.
- In 2019, Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) reached 10.93 million, generating $30 billion in foreign exchange earnings.
Globally, tourism represents 10% of the world’s GDP and employs 348 million people.
Benefits of Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable tourism offers several benefits:
- Economic Growth: It creates jobs and supports local businesses, contributing to the economy.
- Environmental Protection: It helps conserve natural resources and reduce pollution by promoting eco-friendly practices.
- Social Inclusion: It empowers local communities and preserves cultural heritage through initiatives like homestays and community-based tourism.
- Community Participation: By involving local communities in tourism planning, it ensures that they benefit from tourism while preserving their cultural and natural heritage.
Challenges to Sustainable Tourism
Despite the benefits, there are challenges:
- Environmental Degradation: Mass tourism often leads to pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity.
- Overtourism: Popular destinations can become overcrowded, straining local infrastructure and resources.
- Lack of Awareness: Many tourists and stakeholders still lack knowledge of sustainable tourism practices.
Government Initiatives for Sustainable Tourism
The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote sustainability:
- National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism (2022): Focuses on seven strategic pillars such as environmental sustainability, socio-cultural sustainability, and certification of sustainable tourism.
- Travel for LiFE Program: Part of the Mission LiFE initiative, this program encourages sustainable practices in tourism, such as saving energy and reducing waste.
- G20 Goa Roadmap for Tourism: A global framework for sustainable tourism, emphasizing economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion.
- Swadesh Darshan 2.0: Focuses on developing responsible and sustainable tourist destinations.
Examples of Sustainable Practices
India has some notable examples of sustainable tourism:
- Sikkim’s Zero Waste Tourism Model: The state has become a leader in eco-friendly tourism, focusing on waste reduction and conservation.
- Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission: Community-driven initiatives like PEPPER and STREET create employment opportunities while preserving cultural heritage.
International Efforts and the Future of Sustainable Tourism
Globally, sustainable tourism has gained importance. Initiatives like the Cape Town Declaration (2002) and Magna Carta London (2020) promote responsible travel that benefits both people and the planet. Additionally:
- The UNWTO and the World Economic Forum emphasize sustainable tourism through policy development and frameworks.
- The IMF sees tourism as a key driver of economic recovery, especially in countries where it is a significant part of GDP.
- Innovation and Development: The global tourism sector is adopting new technologies to make travel more eco-friendly and sustainable.
Why In News
As the tourism sector in India continues to grow, it is crucial to ensure that this growth is sustainable, balancing economic benefits with environmental and social responsibilities. This requires a concerted effort from both the government and stakeholders to implement practices that protect natural resources, preserve cultural heritage, and empower local communities.
MCQs about Sustainable Tourism in India:A Path Towards Balanced Growth
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What is the primary aim of sustainable tourism in India?
A. To increase the number of tourist arrivals
B. To balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibilities
C. To promote luxury tourism
D. To focus on international tourism only
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Which initiative focuses on encouraging tourists and businesses to adopt sustainable practices such as reducing waste and saving energy?
A. Swadesh Darshan 2.0
B. Travel for LiFE Program
C. Zero Waste Tourism Model
D. Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission
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Which of the following is a challenge associated with the growth of tourism in India?
A. Lack of tourist interest
B. Environmental degradation and overcrowding of tourist destinations
C. Shortage of tourist attractions
D. Decline in employment opportunities
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What is the focus of Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission?
A. Promoting luxury hotels
B. Eco-tourism for international tourists
C. Community-driven initiatives that preserve cultural heritage and create local employment
D. Encouraging mass tourism in urban areas
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