Tourism Ministry organises CEO Round Table on Sustainable Tourism with UNEP & RTSOI
Main Highlights: ·
The
round table aimed to enhance awareness of industry stakeholders on national
and global priorities for sustainable tourism ·
Sharing
and promoting best practices on sustainable tourism part of agenda |
In alignment with the National Strategy for Sustainable
Tourism and with an objective to enhance engagement and participation of
industry stakeholders in transition of Tourism sector towards sustainability
pathway, the Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with the United Nations
Environment Program (UNEP) and Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI
organised a ‘CEO round table on Sustainable Tourism’ today.
The round table aimed to enhance awareness of industry
stakeholders on national and global priorities for sustainable tourism and
share and promote best practices on sustainable tourism.
The round table followed and drew linkages with the
following three important initiatives on sustainable Tourism, which was signed
by participants, with an objective to accelerate sustainable consumption and
production (SCP) in tourism policies and practices for addressing the triple
planetary crisis and accelerate low carbon, climate resilient and green
economic transformation of tourism sector:
·
o
Responsible Traveller Campaign
o
Global Tourism Plastics Initiative
On the occasion Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Mr. Arvind
Singh, said , ‘Everybody wants to mainstream sustainability in all aspects of
life, including tourism and highlighted the fact that with G20 around the
corner it is important to step up our commitment towards it. He also informed
that there are four tourism track meetings slated to be held during
G-20. Shri Arvind Singh added that it is the ideal time that India
should take the leadership position in responsible tourism.
The round table saw participation from CEOs, senior-mid level
representatives from the key industry groups, Ministry of Tourism, UN in India,
UNEP, Responsible Tourism Society of India, and technical agencies/experts
working on Sustainable Tourism.
Tourism sector’s contribution to a growing economy and
livelihoods for millions of people, is well recognised. It is an
important driver for growth in economic activities and local livelihoods and an
essential medium for showcasing natural and cultural heritage. Tourism was also one of the hardest hit sectors during the
global COVID19 pandemic and is constantly dealing with growing threats of
climate change, degradation of ecosystems and biodiversity loss.
The COVID19 pandemic
has further highlighted the link between human health risk, biodiversity, and
the economic system, underscoring the need to simultaneously boost resilience
and sustainability of the tourism sector, in response to the triple planetary
crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, to ensure
prosperity for all. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the sector accounted
for over 10% of global GDP and 10% of jobs worldwide with international tourist
arrivals predicted to rise from 1.1 billion in 2014 to 1.8 billion in 2030[1].
Due to this, in a
‘business-as-usual’ scenario, by 2050 tourism sector (globally) is set for an
increase of 154% in energy consumption, 131% in greenhouse gas emissions, 152%
in water consumption and 251% in solid waste disposal.
Travel & Tourism sector is known to leave significant
environmental and carbon footprints. Additionally, the growing plastics
production and use, needs special attention of the tourism sector to ensure
reduction of plastic and enhance circularity in its use.
In a post pandemic scenario, where tourism sector
is gradually recovering from the effects of pandemic, there is an opportunity
to accelerate transition of Tourism sector towards a more resilient,
sustainable, and inclusive industry. Its revival and sustainability will be critical to ensure
its continued contribution to livelihoods and economies. In summary,
sustainability needs to now define development of the tourism sector in the
21st century.
On 4th June
2022, the Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with United Environment Program
(UNEP) and Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI) organized the National
Summit on Developing Sustainable & Responsible Tourist Destinations and
launched the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Responsible
Traveller Campaign.
The National Strategy for sustainable tourism aims to
mainstream sustainability in Indian tourism sector and ensure a more resilient,
inclusive, carbon neutral and resource efficient tourism while safeguarding
natural and cultural resources.
Tourism Industry’s transition to sustainability pathways
will require significant investment and innovation. Adopting low-emissions
technologies, optimizing resource use, reduction in operation costs, and
increase in efficiency would be essential for improving environmental
performance and tackling climate change.
Resources for
reference:
National
Strategy for Sustainable Tourism
Guidelines
for SWADESH DARSHAN 2.0
Responsible
Traveller Campaign
Responsible
Traveller Guidelines
Global
Tourism Plastics Initiative- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8Vy5wqT4Ns
Making
the Business Case for Climate Smart Investments: Guidelines for the Tourism
Sector