The National Strategy and Roadmap for Sustainable Tourism in 2021 of The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India placed a significant focus on sustainability, highlighting the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) as a key element of this strategy.
The National Strategy and Roadmap for Sustainable Tourism report underscores that the GSTC Criteria is designed to safeguard natural and cultural resources, while positioning tourism as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.
In a notable development, the Ministry incorporated GSTC’s standards into India’s tourism framework, tailoring the criteria to fit the country’s unique sustainability context. The 12th Five-Year Plan was a key milestone in this journey, integrating sustainable tourism principles based on GSTC’s guidelines, further cementing India’s commitment to responsible tourism practices.
Furthermore, the Ministry highlights GSTC’s impact on state-level strategies, encouraging sustainable practices across India. This involves certifications for eco-friendly tourism, public-private partnerships, and a concerted push towards community-based tourism models that drive both conservation and economic growth.
India’s alignment with global sustainability standards sets a precedent, promoting responsible tourism that minimizes environmental impact while maximizing socio-economic benefits for local communities.
By continuing to adopt and adapt the GSTC Criteria, India’s tourism sector aims to become a model for sustainable development, blending ecological preservation with economic resilience.
Read the National Strategy and Roadmap for Sustainable Tourism in 2021 here.
