(a) whether the Government has noted that climate change and tourism are closely interlinked as the tourism sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions for the most part derived from the transport of tourists and it also faces profound impacts from global warming;
(b) whether the Government has taken any measures to address this issue; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) to (c): Recognising the inter linkages between climate change and tourism, Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. Following strategic pillars have been identified for the development of sustainable tourism in the strategy document:-
(i) Promoting Environmental Sustainability
(ii) Protecting Biodiversity
(iii) Promoting Economic Sustainability
(iv) Promoting Socio-Cultural Sustainability
(v) Scheme for Certification of Sustainable Tourism
(vi) IEC and Capacity Building
(vii) Governance
A National Board for Sustainable Tourism has also been constituted under the Chairpersonship of Secretary (Tourism), comprising of representatives from identified Central Ministries/organizations, State Governments/UT Administrations and Industry Stakeholders. The Board shall guide the operationalisation and implementation of various strategic initiatives for development of sustainable tourism and Eco-tourism in the Country:
(i) Detailed action plans and formulation of dedicated schemes
(ii) Certification Schemes
(iii) Capacity building, replication of national and global best practices
(iv) Marketing and promotion
(v) Private Sector Participation
(vi) Destination and Product Development
(vii) Specific strategies for sustainable and ecotourism
(viii) Any other measures for growth of sustainable and ecotourism in the country.
Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI) on 27th September 2021 on the occasion of World Tourism Day. The purpose of the MoU is to undertake measures to actively promote and support ‘sustainability initiatives’ in the tourism sector of each other and work in a collaborative manner wherever possible.
Ministry of Tourism also organised a National Summit for developing Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Destination and Responsible Traveller Campaign in association with Responsible Tourism Society of India and United Nations Environment Programme on 4th June, 2022 at New Delhi on eve of World Environment Day. The summit was attended by representatives from identified central Ministries, State Governments/UT Administration and Industry Stakeholders.
In addition to the above, Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to State Governments/UT Administrations for infrastructure development under its Swadesh Darshan scheme. The projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. Ministry of Tourism has now revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible destinations following a tourist & destination centric approach.
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