In a bid to enhance its sustainability offerings, the union minister for tourism, Shripad Naik recently launched the comprehensive sustainable tourism criteria for India (STCI) for accommodation, tour operators and beaches, backwaters, lakes and rivers sectors.
The Minister said, his Ministry is committed to develop tourism in India based on principles of sustainability and minimizing carbon footprints. Government has ensured that strategies for development of tourism are not in conflict with the environment and have minimal negative impact. Naik urged all stakeholders in the tourism industry not to over-exploit natural and other resources for short-term gains.
He said, when we talk about sustainability we should not only talk about conservation of resources but also our culture and heritage. The authors of STCI have adopted a comprehensive approach. The principles of sustainability include conservation of water, energy, culture, heritage, revival of ancient architecture, involvement of communities, protection of wildlife and non- exploitation of women, children and weaker sections.
Naik further added that exercise of implementation of sustainable tourism criteria must be all inclusive. The criteria must be implemented for success by all of us together – hoteliers, tour operators, tourists, opinion makers, media, community leaders and members. The Ministry would like sustainability criteria to be implemented on voluntary basis based on principles of providing incentives.
All the stakeholders in the tourism industry have been asked to be eco-sensitive and adopt the Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India. They have been urged to do business for long-term benefits with varied objectives. Ministry of Tourism constituted a steering committee with representatives from all the 14 sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry of India to formulate the Sustainable Tourism Criteria.
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