India Launches Sustainable Tourism Criteria to Foster Ecotourism

The Ministry of Tourism in India has established a comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria for three key segments of the tourism industry: tour operators, accommodation, and water-based tourism areas. This initiative is part of a broader National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism that advocates 'Safe & Honorable Tourism' and prioritizes environmental and heritage protection. These criteria aim to optimize tourism's benefits for local communities and ensure the sustainability of resources. Currently, over 2,700 accommodation units and 1,600 tourism service providers have been certified. Moreover, no separate budget has been allocated for this strategy, but partnerships with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change aim to support nature tourism development through training initiatives. Additionally, the revamped Swadesh Darshan scheme focuses on integrated tourism destination development to further promote sustainable practices.

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