In recent times, tourism has shaped up as one of the fastest growing industries, providing huge business opportunities for the hospitality industry, and livelihood opportunities to the people engaged in the services. However, it’s also true that the tourism industry draws heavily from and depends on the local natural and cultural resources. Though it all seems good for the local economy (at the destinations) in the short run, it can prove unsustainable in the long run. Not managed well, tourism can irreparably damage the local environment, its socio-economic dynamics and cultural identities. However, the government can make a positive difference through policies and interventions to promote sustainable tourism.
Sustainable tourism is the responsibility of everyone, be it the tourists themselves, the government, non-government agencies or the tourism industry. This article discusses the role of government in promoting sustainable tourism. To read a comprehensive framework of sustainable tourism, check out: Sustainable Tourism is the order of the day.
At the outset, let me clarify that though I am against unmindful over-tourism, I am all for people travelling more and more domestically as well as internationally. Travel is good for individuals, economies and the human race as a whole. Read my travel perspective: Travel is the essence of life. However, we should learn how to travel without damaging the environment, social fabric and the cultural heritage. This is the essence of sustainable tourism.
What is Sustainable Tourism:
Sustainable Tourism is an umbrella concept that recognizes the need for managing tourism in order to minimize the negative impact of tourism and conserve our environment and socio-cultural heritage. Concepts like Eco-tourism, Community Based Tourism (CBT) and Responsible Tourism are some of the methods of Sustainable Tourism.
Why government is best suited to address the issue?
It’s simple. Private sector, by its nature, would always pursue economic benefits; the capacity of civil society organizations is always limited, and individual efforts can often be insufficient. Moreover, the latter three stakeholders often depend on government directions and policies.
Further, the resources available with the government are enormous, and the no stakeholder can match the powers vested in the government machineries to implement policies. It’s thus quite obvious that the government must take the lead in promoting sustainable tourism.
Sustainable Tourism: Role of Government
Global tourism has been increasing leaps and bounds since the end of World War- II. A report by UNWTO estimates growth of number of international tourists from just 25 million in 1950 to about 1.4 billion in 2020! Staggering numbers! And it’s growing at even faster rates now.
The principal reason for this is perhaps the overall ease of travelling, clubbed with growth of information technology and general global prosperity. Another factor hugely contributing to growth of tourism sector is the large scale initiatives taken by governments across the world to encourage tourists to visit their countries. They have invested heavily in developing infrastructure, tourism campaigns, and easing of visa procedures.
Now that tourism has increased significantly, it has brought with it the huge negative impacts like environmental pollution, over-crowding, loss of cultural authenticity, etc. So, governments must work on measures to mitigate those negative impacts of tourism. Through big and small initiatives, the government can make a real difference and promote the cause of sustainable tourism.
Two contrasting examples to make a point:
Earlier this year, I visited the Dzukou Valley in Nagaland. While the experience was absolutely enthralling, I was unhappy to see large scale plastic pollution in the forests. Without any checks at the entry point, or awareness program, the visitors just found it convenient to throw plastic bottles and wrappers wherever they wished!
Another place, another experience. Just recently, I visited Athirapilly waterfalls in Kerala. At the entry point, the Forest Department guards checked everyone’s bags for any plastic container, and put a sticker on them. Plus, they took a deposit of Rs. 10 for each such container, and returned the money when the visitors came back to show the plastic container. No wonder then that the whole area was clean and almost plastic free!
This is a small example of how the government can manage/ control environmental pollution by small measures. However, the government can do a lot more.
Let’s now discuss a little in-depth how the government can make a difference through its actions. Here is a list of 10 such categories of interventions.
10 ways how government can promote sustainable tourism
1. Bringing in appropriate policies and directions for all stakeholders
For the government, it all starts with appropriate policies and directions. It must be a fine balance between regulatory measures and facilitating measures. Too much of regulation can be detrimental to growth of tourism. So, government must also have policies for easing out processes both for tourists and service providers.
For example, let’s take the case of Valley of flowers- Nanda Devi National Park in Uttarakhand. As it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, no camping/ accommodation facility is allowed within the national park area. One has to complete the arduous trek (often in adverse weather conditions), and exit the national park area before sunset the same day! No doubt, it’s a welcome regulatory measure.
However, travellers find it very difficult to find suitable accommodations nearby. In such cases, government should provide modest accommodation for a price. Or, it should allow/ invite private players (limited numbers) to come up with tourist hostels near the entry gate of the national park.
I often find government run/ owned properties to be decent, comfortable, not-too-costly and most importantly, run on the principles of sustainable tourism. Mayura Sudarshan in Ooty is one such example. Wherever possible, government should have such facilities.
Local level policies:
Policies don’t mean macro level larger policies. Simple localized policies and regulations can help immensely as well. For example, recently I came across a local policy in Kodaikanal. The local authorities have banned any bottled water below 5 liters. This has helped reduce plastic pollution greatly.
However, carrying 5-liter jars is not at all convenient for tourists. The government should have provided those facilities. But I didn’t find many drinking water facilities created by the government there. Clearly, there’s a mismatch. These facilities don’t cost much, but add a lot to the overall experience.
2. Developing infrastructure to facilitate sustainable tourism
Infrastructure development (for public amenities) is mostly a responsibility of the government. However, a lot remains to be desired at destinations, especially in developing economies like India. Here are a few examples.
- Providing as much public transport options as possible, especially in crowded cities. However, these options should be functional, convenient, affordable and comfortable in order to be effective. They will definitely reduce vehicular pollution and traffic congestion at destinations.
- Good facilities for safe drinking water can minimize the requirement for plastic bottled water (it will save some costs for the tourists as well). Imagine how much plastic litter it can stop!
- If one wants to use a restroom, where can one find a good public restroom at destinations? Very few options, right? Government must work on this.
- Why cannot the government put up dustbins everywhere? Are they so costly? I have often found it difficult to throw waste and have to carry them in my bag for long durations!
- Sewage treatment plants and solid waste management systems have to be in place for a clean destination, both for the benefit of locals and a nice tourist experience.
- Another important infrastructural need is renewable energy sources. Government must invest in solar power, wind energy and other such infrastructure, and encourage service providers to use them to reduce carbon footprint in tourism sector.
3. Control unauthorized land-use and housing
Over-tourism has resulted in indiscriminate construction at destinations, often illegally. This not only creates law and order problems later, but also damages the ecological balance of the area.
If a vigilant local authority had kept a tab on unauthorized buildings on the banks of river Mandakini, the impact of that horrible Kedarnath floods in 2013 could have been minimized. A lot of those 5000 lives could have been saved.
The built-up along Mandakini river bank had narrowed down the natural flow of river so much that experts later opined that the disaster was only a matter of time!
But the question is: have we learnt our lessons?
No. We continue to see large number of unauthorized buildings in eco-fragile regions of the Himalayan destinations (and elsewhere), all meant for tourism purposes. It’s only the government which can stop this, and manage a controlled built up in those sensitive areas.
4. Not allowing de-forestation for tourism purposes
Sometimes, I have landed up in serene resorts located in pristine forests. But I have also wondered, how come this resort got this much of land in a forest area!
If the forest department was serious in its job, I have no idea how people could cut down forests to build resorts! India ranks 10th worldwide in the extent of deforestation. Though agriculture has been the biggest culprit for this loss of forests, housing, including those for the purposes of tourism is a major cause.
Strict demarcation of forest land and its protection cannot be compromised at any cost. In any case, which tourist is going to like a building replacing a forest!
5. Appropriate pricing mechanism for resource use
Lack of appropriate pricing mechanism for use of scarce local resources like land, water, and common property resources has resulted in indiscriminate use and wastage. In most of the places in India, water is hardly priced, unless it is supplied by the government.
6. Strict implementation of pollution control measures
There are generally a number of measures to control vehicular pollution (basically air pollution), water pollution, noise pollution, etc. But the problem lies in their implementation. More than other places, tourist destinations need strict implementation of such measures. Just remember the kind of unpleasant experience you had in popular hill stations like Nainital, Shimla, or Rishikesh due to vehicular pollution and traffic congestion.
Besides, certain types of vehicles (producing more pollution) should be banned in core tourist areas. Instead, eco-friendly vehicles like electric vehicles and cycles, manual rickshaws should be encouraged in such areas.
7. Authorize local communities to manage and benefit from tourism
A relatively new concept (originating in mid-1990s), Community Based Tourism (CBT) is slowly gaining popularity in developing countries. Though Civil Society Organizations, aid agencies and community leaders play focal roles in this concept, governments can provide crucial support to the movement.
At least in its design, community tourism means tourism for and by the community. However, they need support from government for helpful policies and infrastructure to run their initiatives. The government should formulate ideas of such community tourism at various destinations and invite other stakeholders to build capacities of communities to partake the benefits of tourism.
When local communities benefit from tourism, government should also educate them about the concept of sustainable tourism. This will mean communities taking care of their resources and heritage in a planned manner.
8. Promote eco-tourism practices
Popularized in the 1980s (though the term has a longer history), eco-tourism practices aim at giving tourists a great experience of the wilderness while also educating them about the fragile eco-systems they exist in. Essentially, environmental conservation is the most important element in the whole process.
These days, Forest Departments of the government across India are coming up with a number of eco-tourism destinations with a view to promoting sustainable tourism. However, I find them lackluster, having very few engaging activities. Government must understand that it’s only when tourists enjoy the whole package, they would appreciate the need for sustainable tourism. Thus, government should employ tourism experts to make these tours interesting.
Besides, there is another way of doing this as well. While the government can invest in building infrastructure/ facilities for eco-tourism, it can invite private players and Civil Society Organizations to manage the facilities. It’s heartening to see a lot of private investment already going into eco-tourism. However, the government must check their proliferation beyond a point, and also see that they are conducted in desirable manner.
9. Identify and mitigate socio-cultural issues associated with tourism
- One of the major negative side-effects of tourism is illegal drug trade at many a destinations. The government must keep an eye on this, and deal with it before it’s too late.
- Mass tourism has induced sex-tourism (and human trafficking for the same) in many countries, especially in south east Asia. The governments here must keep it within limit, or else the reputation of the place comes under jeopardy. For example, Thailand is such an amazing country with natural and cultural heritage. But it is increasingly getting a bad reputation as a sex-tourism destination!
- Over-tourism can damage places of archeological importance. Conservation of archeological sites is the principal mandate of the government because they are public properties. Similar is the case of conservation of art, craft and cultural heritage. One way of doing this is by promoting authentic cultural and heritage tourism.
10. Awareness campaigns about sustainable tourism
Last but not the least, government must run large scale awareness campaigns about different aspects of sustainable tourism. These aspects include:
- Tourist behaviour at destinations, especially in residential areas
- Respecting local history, culture, traditions and religious sensibilities
- Defacing ancient monuments
- Buying authentic crafts from local artisans
- Experiencing authentic cultural activities, etc.
Best practices by governments across the globe
Costa Rica, the best model of eco-tourism:
The best model of ecotourism is perhaps Costa Rica in Central America. Beginning early 1990s, Costa Rica started investing heavily in preserving its National Parks and biodiversity. The government devoted nearly 25% of its total land area for development of national parks and biospheres. Subsequently, the government started promoting them as major sustainable tourism destinations which paid rich dividends.
Some of the most wonderful examples of sustainable tourism developed by the government include: the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Manuel Antonio National Park, Guanacaste beaches and Arenal volcano.
The government created awareness among the visitors and locals alike; invested in creating facilities and passed on the benefits of such tourism to communities. The strategy was very successful; local communities and private sector participated in the efforts enthusiastically.
Further reading: Responsible tourism in Costa Rica
Bhutan, a unique case of sustainable tourism:
Bhutan is the only country in the world to have a policy of ‘Gross National Happiness (GNH)’ instead of the conventional Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Would you believe that it’s world’s first carbon negative country! Further, it aims to reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste production by 2030! Incredible indeed!
Bhutan offers an age-old unadulterated cultural experience, pristine natural beauty and beautiful heritage monuments. Since 1974, led by its iconic King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan treaded a path of ‘high value- low volume’ tourism model. Over the years, it has proved to be a unique model in the world.
Important features of such a policy are:
- An entry fee (Sustainable Development Fee: SDF) on every tourist who visits Bhutan
- Tourists must engage a local tour operator for travelling in Bhutan.
Further reading: Responsible tourism in Bhutan
Thenmala, India’s first planned eco-tourism destination:
In southern Kerala, touted as God’s own country, came up India’s first planned eco-tourism destination in 1998- Thenmala. Kerala government’s Tourism Department conceptualized this project and created the Thenmala Eco-tourism Promotion Society to manage the initiative.
The destination offers pristine forest environment around Thenmala Parappar dam over the confluence of three local rivers. Major attractions include: a serene jungle trail | Thenmala dam creating an artificial lake | rubber, tea and spice plantations | Palaruvi waterfall. Other interesting things: Adventure sports | An old (1877) hanging bridge | A deer rehabilitation center.
Kumarakom, a model of community tourism:
A picturesque destination in Kerala- Kumarakom in Alleppey district is famous for its backwaters. A houseboat cruise in the tranquil waters of Vembanad lake is in the bucket list of millions of travellers from across the globe. I am in love as much with its serene environment as its peaceful rural setting. On my visits to south Kerala, I have always enjoyed rowing in country boats to watch fishermen engaged in their daily routine.
Moreover, it’s also home to a great Community Based Sustainable Tourism initiative of the state government. Over-tourism had started bothering the local community in early years of this millennium. It was then in 2007, government of Kerala introduced the concept of community based tourism.
In consultation with all the stakeholders, they devised an innovative ‘village experience’ model that provided the tourists experiences like homestays, vegetable farming, fishing in the lake, etc. Government promoting local leadership and women’s entrepreneurship played crucial role in making this model of community tourism a successful case study in sustainable tourism.
Further reading on a CSO-led model of community tourism: Pink City Rickshaw Co.
Arugam Bay, an example of Community Based Tourism in Sri Lanka:
In the surfing paradise of Sri Lanka- Arugam Bay is shaping up as a fine example of Community Based Tourism (CBT) model. The government along with Civil Society Organizations have been able to made the community a primary stakeholder in tourism management.
The community offers the tourists first-hand experience of fishing, forest trails, wildlife drive through Kumana National Park, authentic local cuisine and spending time with their families.
Numerous studies on the CBT model in Arugam Bay have pointed at extensive economic benefits to the local communities (read: summary of a study). In turn, the community takes care of their natural environment on their own, and also provides warm hospitality to the tourists.
Government of India promoting sustainable tourism
Policy frameworks:
As the adverse impact of tourism on the society and environment became increasingly visible, the role of government became even more prominent. The government of India had first come up with a National Tourism Policy in 1982, which was revised in 2002. However, there were very few elements that addressed the need for managing tourism industry for long term sustainability.
Recognizing this, the government has come up with a National Strategy on Sustainable Tourism in 2022. This is a step in the right direction. This will go a long way in bringing in those proactive measures to control unmindful mass tourism. Along with government agencies, the policy gives emphasis on promoting such practices on part of the private sector and civil society organizations. The government is now proactively looking for Public-Private-People Partnerships (P-P-P-P).
Promotional Campaigns:
Through the ‘Incredible India‘ campaign, some time back, the government had tried to educate the tourists on the importance of preserving the sanctity of our monuments and cultural heritage. Remember the much appreciated TV campaign with Amir Khan, the then brand ambassador of the campaign.
‘Atithi Devo Bhava‘ campaign initiated by the government aims at training drivers, policemen, immigration officers and other such service providers on how to give the tourists a good experience at the destinations. ‘Dekho Apna Desh‘ campaign aims at promoting people to travel domestic destinations and appreciate the cultural heritage of India.
Apart from the supportive policies and campaigns, the government is trying to promote eco-tourism and community tourism initiatives across the country with varying degrees of success.
However, there is a long way to go. We don’t find many great examples of successful sustainable tourism initiatives in the country. Still early days; a lot needs to be done.
Final thoughts
I hope through the discussions above I have made a point about government’s important role in promoting sustainable tourism. Government of India, in fact governments across the globe are promoting their respective countries as great tourist destinations. It gives them a sense of pride and the much needed foreign currency as well. In the last two-three decades, developing counties have realized the potential of tourism as a driver of economic growth.
As a result, we do see tourist flows increasing in every country by multiple times. Thus, it has become all the more pertinent for the countries to put in place necessary sustainable tourism policies and practices. Or else, our already fragile ecosystems are going to be destroyed beyond repair. But the good part is that the governments are listening, and acting.
United Nations World Tourism Organization is putting together efforts to coordinate among nations to invest in innovative methods of sustainable tourism. R&D in sources of renewable energy is providing newer methods of reducing carbon footprints in tourism sector. We can hope for better times for sure.
Do write to us about your views on the role of government in sustainable tourism. We want to learn about more best practices/ examples of government initiatives in promoting sustainable tourism; please let us know.
Saskia
What an important topic to write about and for me to read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
stampedmoments
Yes, this topic is close to my heart; I feel really strongly about it, and want to do certain things.
Glad that you liked it. Thanks a lot.
simplyjolayne
What a great concept to tag and require a deposit on water bottles. The key is also teaching people to have respect and practice the “leave no trace” idea without always having to be monitored.
stampedmoments
I agree; regulations have a role, but people doing it on their own should be the ultimate goal.
I’m concerned about negative impacts of tourism, especially in developing countries.
All stakeholders have a role to play, but the government can lead from the front.
Thanks a lot for reading the article, and sharing your thoughts.
Sujith kr
Highly informative and thought provoking , must read by the officials as well as who want to be the part of one of the world,s largest industry… The people who are behind the article really need appreciation,highly practical and original ideas… one of my friends who is working as state responsible tourism top official , I will surely share this article with him ….pls friends great work , keep going all the best…
stampedmoments
We are glad that you liked the ideas; and thanks a lot for your appreciation.
Yes, please do share the article with govt. officials; I hope it might help them a bit.
Keep connected.
Jane Frith
I think everyone has a role to play in responsible tourism, but you are correct: governments are uniquely placed to lead on initiatives and to set the tone. I was unaware of the situation in Bhutan. I love that idea of Gross National Happiness!
stampedmoments
Yes, that Gross National Happiness concept! So innovative and visionary!
Only if big economies could follow that path!
Thanks a lot for your feedback.
Madhusmita
Best
stampedmoments
Thank you 🙂
Sue
Very thought provoking post. I agree there is so much the government could be doing to support more sustainable travel. The lack of government involvement causes individuals to not realize the importance.
stampedmoments
Yes, you are right on how private action mostly follows government action.
Government has to play an important role at macro level.
Thanks a lot for your feedback.
Jennifer
I think sustainable tourism is important too. And, needs to be addressed in all countries, and everyone has a role to make it work. Thank you for sharing. I remember when I was a kid, there were water-drinking fountains everywhere I went, but I don’t see them much these days.
stampedmoments
Because people now think drinking-water fountains are no good, so, don’t use it much.
This fascination with package drinking water, or may be it’s actually needed!
We were happy to see them in many European countries; but nowhere in India.
Thanks a lot for sharing your views.
Carole
An interesting and thoughtful post on an important subject. I’m amazed at how many people still think it’s fine to toss rubbish on the ground or out of their car window. Even in our enlightened times. There is still a lot of education to be done – and we can all play our own small part, but governments need to lead the way.
stampedmoments
Absolutely, people have degrees, but no education!
People still create all those pollution and litter!
Some governments are proactive, others are not.
Let’s hope governments invested more in promoting sustainable tourism.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
SOUMEN CHATTERJEE
It’s a great topic to discuss and write in this vlog. Sustainable Tourism is talked about very little, The government is talking about and promoting tourism but sustainable tourism is the need of the hour. Sustainable tourism has three pillars 1. Eco-tourism refers to practices that minimize the impact of tourism on the environment like wildlife safaris, trekking, and camping in national parks and eco-tourism destinations. Eco-friendly tourism has several benefits. Firstly, it helps to conserve natural resources and protect the environment. Secondly, it creates awareness about environmental issues and promotes a culture of sustainability among tourists. Thirdly, it provides economic benefits to local communities through the creation of jobs and the development of sustainable tourism infrastructure.
2. Youth-friendliness in tourism refers to activities and practices that cater to the needs and interests of young travelers. Examples of youth-friendly tourism activities in India include adventure sports, cultural immersion, and voluntourism. Youth-friendly tourism has several benefits. Firstly, it creates employment opportunities for young people in the tourism industry. Secondly, it promotes cross-cultural exchange and understanding. Thirdly, it helps to attract a new generation of travelers to India, who may become repeat visitors
3. Sustainability in tourism refers to practices that ensure the long-term viability of tourism while also benefiting local communities. Examples of sustainable tourism practices in India include community-based tourism, heritage conservation, and responsible tourism. Sustainable tourism has several benefits. Firstly, it helps to preserve cultural heritage and traditions. Secondly, it creates economic benefits for local communities through the development of sustainable tourism infrastructure. Thirdly, it promotes a culture of responsible tourism among visitors, which can help to minimize the negative impact of tourism on local communities and the environment.
We can also follow and develop best practices while traveling:
1. Staying in eco-friendly accommodations.
2. Making optimal use of environmental resources.
3. Taking public transportation.
4. Respecting the culture of local communities.
5. Buying from and supporting local businesses.
6. Traveling slow.
7. Saying NO to single-use plastic.
8. Eating local food.
I think by reading all your blogs, you are the one person who follows all the best practices.
stampedmoments
Thanks a lot, Soumen. Glad that you liked the article.
Yeah, your suggestions are also quite useful; I had written a separate article on individual’s responsibilities.
You are a responsible traveller, I know.
Alex Jordan
We’re EcoCoconut, keen on connecting with eco-friendly stores to grow together.
With rising expansion costs, mutual support is invaluable. How about a follow-for-follow on Instagram? We frequently feature our followers’ stories to our 40,000+ audience, offering great visibility. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/ecococonut and let’s support each other!
Best,
Alex – EcoCoconut
stampedmoments
Thanks Alex.
Okay, let’s connect over instagram.
Please look us up at stamped_moments.