Celebrating India’s Tourism Day: A Call to Sustainable Family Travel in 2024
Join the movement this National Tourism Day on January 25, as we delve into the significance of responsible tourism in India. In the year 2024, let’s shift our focus towards crafting travel experiences that are not just unforgettable but also eco-conscious.
Embarking on a family vacation is a joyous affair, backed by research highlighting the positive impacts on familial bonds, relationship healing, and the creation of cherished memories. However, the environmental toll of travel, even with family, cannot be ignored.
According to Rakesh Mathur, President of the Responsible Tourism Society of India, achieving a “100 per cent sustainable trip” is challenging due to unavoidable consumption and carbon footprints. United Nations Environment Programme’s Green Economy Report projects alarming increases in energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and solid waste disposal by 2050, all attributed to tourism.
With an increasing awareness of the environmental impact of travel, around 91 per cent of Indian travelers, according to Booking.com, express a desire to travel more sustainably in 2024—a 15 per cent increase from 2021. To guide you on this eco-friendly journey, here’s a checklist for planning your guilt-free sustainable family vacation.
- Choose The Right Destination When selecting a sustainable getaway, opt for destinations closer to home that offer eco-friendly accommodation and activities. Consider initiatives like village treks in Uttarakhand or ecotourism efforts in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Travel Responsibly Transportation contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Make conscious decisions before and during flights, such as booking nonstop flights, supporting sustainable airports, and choosing airlines with eco-friendly practices. For road trips, consider renting fuel-efficient or electric vehicles.
- Look For Green Lodging Finding sustainable accommodations is easier than ever. Choose smaller, independently-owned lodgings that prioritize community and environmental impact. Examples include Coconut Lagoon in Kerala, which integrates the local community into its offerings.
- Beware Of Greenwashing Ensure the authenticity of eco-friendly claims by seeking accommodations certified by reputable environmental organizations. Greenwashing, where claims don’t align with actions, can be misleading.
- Choose Sustainable Activities Support local economies, particularly indigenous communities, by opting for tours that promote sustainability. Look for trekking tours, walking tours, and ecotourism operators like Kipepeo in Northeast India.
- Eat Local, Reduce Waste Enjoy eco-friendly meals by patronizing local, farm-to-table eateries that source their products locally. Reduce waste by carrying reusable items, from water bottles to dishes and utensils.
- Get The Kids Involved Educate your children about sustainability, involve them in decision-making, and instill a sense of responsibility for the environment. Foster a mindset of eco-consciousness that extends from home to travel.
Let’s make National Tourism Day 2024 a stepping stone towards a more sustainable and responsible approach to family travel, ensuring that our adventures leave a positive impact on both our loved ones and the environment.
