Sustainability should be imperative, not an option, ET TravelWorld

As the world gears up to celebrate World Tourism Day, the global tourism sector is poised for a grand convergence, uniting under the theme of “Tourism and Green Investments.”

This year’s theme underscores the pivotal role of tourism in both economic growth and societal well-being. With the sharp focus on the theme more relevant today than ever, World Tourism Day highlights three critical areas.

First, it prioritises “Investment for People,” emphasising the necessity of channeling resources into education and skills development, acknowledging their pivotal role in nurturing a well-trained workforce crucial for tourism’s growth and sustainability. Second, the theme emphasises on “Investment for the Planet,” stressing the imperative of investing in sustainable infrastructure to expedite the green transformation of the tourism industry. These actions aim to curb the environmental impact of tourism and establish a more harmonious coexistence with nature.

Lastly, it spotlights “Investment for Prosperity,” urging investments in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship within the tourism sector. Embracing these elements not only holds the potential for driving economic prosperity but also elevating the overall tourism experience.

World Tourism Day: A global celebration
World Tourism Day, which was first celebrated in 1980, serves as a global day of observance for tourism. It provides a unique opportunity to recognise the tourism sector’s pivotal role in advancing peace, prosperity, and cultural exchange. On this day, countries and organisations worldwide come together to promote tourism as a means for people to rediscover and explore history, luxury, heritage, cultures, places, and adventure.This year’s festivities promise to be the most significant to date, with the official celebrations taking place in the city of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Simultaneously, UNWTO‘s Member States will mark the occasion in various regions through a spectrum of special events and programs.

India’s commitment to sustainable tourism
On the day that marks history for the global tourism industry, India too is set to launch the “Travel for LiFE” program for both domestic and international travellers. To carry India’s G20 Presidency momentum forward, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, UNWTO, and UNEP, has strengthened the Travel for LiFE program.

This undertaking urges tourists to partake in uncomplicated yet impactful actions that contribute to environmental conservation, safeguarding biodiversity, bolstering local economies, and upholding the socio-cultural fabric of communities. As per the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the Travel for LiFE movement has substantial potential to steer both demand and supply toward sustainable, responsible, and resilient tourism, thereby fostering green investments within the industry.

As part of the Travel for LiFE program, several other initiatives will be launched today, including TFL Case Study Competition called “Tourism for Tomorrow” which will invite case studies and best practices aligned with the key priorities of the Goa Roadmap; TFL national campaign aimed at cleaning tourist sites and monuments and TFL for Rural Tourism where the Ministry will recognise the 35 best tourism villages in the country for their contributions to the sector.

Industry thought bubble
“Tourism has never been more important for our economies or for our societies. Its potential is enormous. On this World Tourism Day, we not only celebrate tourism’s power to drive economic growth but also emphasize the critical need for investments to ensure that this growth is both inclusive and sustainable,” stated UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

Dr. Niralee Shah, an advocate for responsible tourism and an active member of World Tourism Network, reminds us that this year’s theme, “Tourism and Green Investments: Shaping a Sustainable Future,” is not just a slogan; it’s a roadmap for a better world. “Through sustainable choices and eco-conscious investments, we have the power to make tourism a catalyst for positive change, preserving our planet for generations to come,” she added.

Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, emphasised that green tourism revolves around the core principles of minimising adverse environmental effects and aiding local communities.

“As part of the green tourism initiative, there is a specific focus on promoting accommodations like tents and eco cottages in Goa. Tourism is an industry that promotes adventure and fun while also emphasising the importance of preserving the environment for future generations,” he added.

Adding to this, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, delved into the concept of several policies aimed at fostering green tourism in the state. Notably, he highlighted the implementation of home stay policies, enabling tourists to reside in local homes instead of traditional hotels. In addition to home stays, there are agro eco-tourism policies in place, promoting sustainable practices and encouraging tourists to explore agricultural and ecological sites, he informed.

“In a bid to decentralise, deconcentrate and decongest tourism in hinterland areas, tourism authorities are striving to extend the benefits of tourism to various regions while mitigating negative impacts on popular beach destinations in Goa,” Anchipaka added.

Mohit Sharad, Associate Vice President – Sales & Marketing (North & East India), The Fern Hotels & Resorts outlined several strategies to ensure long-term growth and resilience in the tourism industry. These include prioritising comprehensive sustainability by addressing environmental, social and economic aspects simultaneously, implementing Supportive Policies and Incentives such as tax benefits and grants for eco-friendly practices, fostering Public-Private Collaboration to drive sustainable infrastructure and embracing Innovation and Technology to reduce environmental impact.

Engaging Local Communities and sharing economic benefits, adhering to Certifications and Standards to build trust, establishing Green Investment Funds for eco-friendly initiatives, adopting a Long-Term Vision for enduring success, will be a benefit-for-all, he said.

“A collective and coordinated approach involving governments, businesses, and stakeholders on a global scale is necessary to address the current challenges faced by the tourism sector and drive sustainable tourism development. By working together, we can build a resilient and sustainable future for the industry, ensuring that it continues to thrive while minimizing its environmental and social impacts,” he added.

Echoing his thoughts, Shikhar Aggarwal, JMD of BLS International Services Ltd., emphasised the importance of global collaboration to address current challenges and drive sustainable tourism development. “By aligning policies, forming public-private partnerships, setting global standards, and engaging communities, we can build a resilient and sustainable future for the industry, minimising its environmental and social impacts.”

“As we celebrate World Tourism Day, we must recognise that all of us – travellers, industry stakeholders, and most importantly, industry executives – have a collective responsibility towards reducing our ecological footprint and creating a green future that positively impacts our community thereby bringing in a fundamental transformation centred around sustainability. Tourism’s future is bright as we all strive for a more responsible and well-grounded ecosystem,” stated Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Hotels.

Aviation is another sector that brings social and economic good to the societies we serve, and for that to continue, completing the race to carbon neutrality is crucial for the airlines. Sakari Romu, General Manager at Finnair shares their commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, adding that solving the CO2 challenge of aviation is absolutely vital.

“The key tools reducing emissions include reducing the weight of aircraft, developing fuel-efficient flight methods, using sustainable fuels, and investments in new, fuel-efficient aircraft technology and alternative fuels. In the short term, sustainable aviation fuels play a huge part in bridging the gap before newer technologies, such as hydrogen flying, become available,” Romu elaborated.

A global challenge requires global actions, and it will require investments, time and actions on all possible fronts, he asserted and pointed towards the need of implementing clear policies and regulations that incentivise sustainable practices in the tourism and aviation sectors.

Shikha Mishra, a destination management specialist, called for encouraging accommodations to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and waste recycling programs. Certification systems like LEED, GRIHA or IGBC ratings can be used to recognise and promote sustainable options.

“There is a need to support local and organic food production, encourage restaurants and hotels to source their food locally, supporting local farmers and reducing transportation emissions for a lower carbon footprint,” she said.

As the world observes World Tourism Day 2023 under the banner of “Tourism and Green Investments,” the tourism industry and its stakeholders have spoken: sustainability is not a choice; it’s a necessity. This year’s theme serves as a powerful reminder that responsible tourism and green investments are not only a roadmap for a sustainable future but also a blueprint for success.

By working together, governments, businesses, and communities can build a resilient and sustainable future for tourism, ensuring that it continues to thrive while minimising its environmental and social impacts. The potential for growth in developing tourism across nations beckons us with a promise, and it’s up to us to unlock a sustainable future that propel us towards green tourism ethos.