ECO-TOURISM: THE ROAD TO BE TAKEN

Over the past half-century, while travel dynamics have pivoted expeditiously, so have the requirements of travellers probing to reconnect with nature. As we talk more about bringing in and moving out a large number of tourists, we need to acknowledge the more substantial nexus between eco-tourism and responsible travel. The pandemic has evoked a love for nature, and slow and sustainable travel is a crucial concept travellers refer to most these days. As evident through the choices, responsible travel is taking a front seat, travellers are more inclined toward natural areas that conserve the environment, sustain the well-being of the local people, and involve interpretation and education about nature and its surroundings. ‘Tourism’, if considered a destination, can be reached by several roads. The decision is to choose the road wisely, giving nature a chance to succour. Growing awareness amongst explorers and tourism facilitators makes India one of the most lucrative tourism markets. Surrounding WORLD TOURISM DAY, we have intended to collate quotes and opinions from the travel industry captains on aiding India to become prominent on the tourism stage and how Eco-Tourism can be one of the revival strategies to bring back the lost travel times...

 

JYOTI MAYAL, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI)

India to be established as a hub for travellers visiting Asia and utilise the vast potential regional tourism holds
To begin with, we need to focus on ways to restore travellers’ confidence. Yes, that’s the most important task for the travel trade or, say, for the Indian tourism industry. At the outset, the travel fraternity should focus on providing clear information to travellers and businesses to limit the uncertainty to the maximum. Followed by adding value-added services using information technology. The 21st century is all about going digital, and to not only attract but to manage services offered to customers, businesses must shift to IT. Coming to the new prospects, we have extensively covered two significant pointers during TAAI’s 66th Convention and even before that. It is time for us to establish India as a hub for travellers visiting Asia and utilise regional tourism's vast potential. To support that, the concept of developing cruise tourism is one aspect, in addition to the further development of aviation infrastructure. With the required infrastructure in place, India could be marketed as a one-stop shop for travellers from across the globe and offered a variety of options including Wellness, Spiritual, Leisure, MICE, and more.

Eco-sensitive travellers are a blessing for tourism
Yes, indeed. Eco-tourism is one such vertical which can bring back the glory of various destinations, be it the newly evolved or the
established ones. Eco-sensitive travellers are a blessing for tourism. They take an interest in exploring new destinations while keeping the ecology maintained. Also, while visiting established destinations, they act as a role model for travellers to understand the value of hygiene, cleanliness, and enjoying nature in its purest form.
Eco travellers carry with their positivity and they educate locals and tourists in an automated mode. Imagine someone not littering, not carrying or using plastics, and above all not leaving a trace behind. Such steps are welcomed by authorities and locals and
spread the word around to maintain the ecology of the destination. By promoting eco-tourism, we are promoting and adopting sustainable tourism practices which would eventually lead to the growth of tourism in India and across the globe.

 

DEV KARVAT, Founder & CEO, Asego

India has always been a hotspot for travellers around the globe
Although we are now at the tail-end of the pandemic scare, travellers are still concerned about their health and safety while on a trip. Hence, we must ensure the highest levels of hygiene and safety precautions backed by relevant travel protection plans to boost confidence amongst travellers. Furthermore, with diverse natural and cultural legacies including 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, India has always been a hotspot for travellers around the globe. As custodians of the travel fraternity, I believe that it is our responsibility to preserve these sites and leverage technology to propel India on the global tourism map. Additionally, more focused efforts to improve India’s visibility as a tourist destination, such as the ‘Incredible India’ and ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ campaigns will help provide greater impetus to the tourism industry.

Eco-tourism will be one of the most effective ways to promote tourism in India
With the concept of sustainability gaining greater momentum every day, eco-tourism will be definitely one of the most effective ways to promote tourism in India. I, therefore, feel that it should be the foundation on which we devise India’s tourism revival strategies. To further support this evolution, we as an industry should carefully plan and operate more eco-tourism sites, including local participation. This will not only offer a differentiated experience to the travellers but will also provide direct benefits to the rural population and facilitate attractive revenue-generating opportunities for the travel trade.

 

NISHANT KASHIKAR, Country Manager- India & Gulf, Tourism Australia

Travellers are developing a more discerning appetite for travel
Travellers are becoming more intentional and thoughtful with their travel plans; as such, we can expect to witness a rise in staycation and homestay options. This allows travellers to prolong their holidays by including multiple states or cities in their itinerary to maximise the purpose and resources used for their trip. For example, in expansive and wide countries like Australia, people can opt for greener travel options, including self-drive journeys across states or residing in lodges on wildlife and nature reserves to support local communities and contribute to conservation efforts.
Travellers are developing a more discerning appetite for travel that is also fine-tuning their preferences and choices, which will help the tourism industry create a stronger foothold for such a growing market that is expected to grow exponentially in the years to
come.

Eco-tourism is one of the revival strategies to bring back the lost travel times and opportunities
Sustainable and eco-conscious tourism is not a new travel trend and has gradually gained prominence and relevance among travellers and the industry at large over the last few years. Tourism boards, organisations and companies have become increasingly aware of the importance of proactively incorporating and integrating measures that support eco-tourism and sustainability across consumer offerings and business objectives. However, in light of the paused and reduced travel momentum caused by the pandemic and its accompanying lockdowns, travellers were provided with a magnified look at the damaging impact their travels and footprint can have on the environment. This has amplified traveller interest in adopting and seeking sustainable travel alternatives, propelling slow and eco-tourism into mainstream focus.

 

DR SUBHASH GOYAL, Founder Chairman, STIC Travel Group

Eco-tourism in India is a niche industry
Ecotourism can be one of the revival strategies that can bring back lost travel times and opportunities. India has 74% of the
Himalayan Mountain ranges, 7500 km of Coastline, and beautiful islands like Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep. As we know, ecotourism in India is a niche industry that has mainly developed over the past few years. Ecotourism is primarily based on
the concept of sustainable tourism or eco-friendly tourism. Ecotourism is tourism conducted responsibly to conserve
the environment and sustain the well-being of local people. India has a biological park, zoological parks, tea plantations,
wildlife sanctuaries, mighty mountains and lush green jungles all over the country. Being popular for its exclusive nature and tribal
population, India is nature’s bounty and the best place to stay in the world. From the dramatic deserts of Rajasthan to the lush green forest of Cherrapunji, from the mighty Himalayas to the majestic deep blue beaches of the South, India, throughout the decade, has been a favourite ecotourism destination which hosts the rich flora and fauna.
Thenmala, in Kerala, India's first ecotourism destination created to cater to Eco-tourists and nature lovers. Places like the
The Himalayan Region, Kerala, northeast India, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the Lakshadweep Islands are some of the places where you can enjoy Mother Nature's treasured wealth. Today, India has many wildlife sanctuaries and protection laws.
There are about 80 national parks and 441 sanctuaries in India, which work to protect and conserve wildlife
resources in India. There are numerous Botanical and Zoological Gardens in India that are working towards the enhancement of the Ecosystem.

Suggestions to promote Eco-tourism in our country

The government should take steps to protect nature, local and indigenous culture, traditional knowledge, genetic resources and the right to land and property. All important natural sites should be provided with proper infrastructure like roads, telecommunications, water, electricity, hotels, transport, guides and more. The government should arrange educational programmes for children and young people to enhance awareness about nature conservation and sustainable use.

 

KOMAL SETH, Director, Linkin Reps Pvt Ltd

Ecology conservation and economic development are nexus goals of eco-tourism
Ecotourism has become one of the most important sectors in the international tourism industry. In its best form, ecotourism preserves the integrity of the ecosystem and delivers economic benefits to local communities that can encourage conservation. Ecology conservation and economic development are nexus goals of ecotourism, which combines population growth and environmental conservation. However, some eco-tourism projects succeed in promoting both causes, while others fail. In some
cases, eco-tourism may exacerbate environmental and inequitable development.

Tourism is likely to undergo dramatic transformations in the near future
For eco-tourism to be successful, it must maximise its environmental and economic benefits while minimising any ecological damage and disruption to local communities. Eco-tourism development should be carefully planned from the beginning, keeping these key points in mind:
The use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or water, rather than polluting fossil fuels, is often more practical, cost-efficient, and less of a strain on the environment. Including residents as consultants or directors can help ensure community support for community-based, eco-tourism projects. NGOs and conservation groups should collaborate with government officials and ecotourism operators. An organization such as this can provide start-up funding, training, and technical assistance that can enhance the legitimacy and sustainability of a project. By 2040, tourism is likely to undergo dramatic transformations as a result of demographic changes, improved connectivity for destinations, technological innovations, and increased awareness of the need for more sustainable and inclusive growth, presenting a range of challenges and opportunities for destinations.

 

NARESH RAWAL, Vice President – Sales & Marketing (India), Resorts World Cruises

India is gradually rebuilding the economic blocks impacted by the global pandemic
India, together with the rest of the world is gradually rebuilding the economic blocks that were impacted by the global pandemic,
affecting various industries, not discounting the cruise tourism sector. However, with every challenge, there are also always new
opportunities to discover and grow. For the cruise industry, India continues to have enormous potential both as a destination and source market. The pandemic may have delayed the industry’s growth but post-pandemic, we are observing a strong rebound and healthy demand for cruise travel, especially at Resorts World Cruises. Upon launching and within the first 2 months, we received over 20,000 cabin bookings for our Fly-Cruise from India for the Genting Dream departing from Singapore.

The gradual shift in demand towards conscious travel and eco-friendly tourism travel
Among our travellers from India, there is a gradual shift in demand towards conscious travel and eco-friendly tourism travel. This is indeed the way forward that will shape future travel offerings, including cruise travel. India has a large population and will require
time but it’s heading in the right direction and given time, we foresee a growing demand for eco-tourism. At Resorts World Cruises, we remain highly committed to environmental sustainability and cruise lines alike are taking the lead by example through their practices and offerings from ship to shore. As the mindset among Indian travellers shifts, so will the quality of tourism across the different sectors.