National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism has recently formulated a National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism.

• About: Sustainable tourism is a way of traveling that considers the economic, social, and environmental impact of tourism.
• Key strategic pillars are: Promoting Environmental Sustainability → Protecting Biodiversity → Promoting Economic Sustainability → Promoting Socio-Cultural Sustainability → Scheme for Certification of Sustainable Tourism → IEC and Capacity Building Governance
• Travel for LiFE Initiative launched to encourage sustainable tourism practices among tourists and tourism businesses → Promote mindful and deliberate actions for sustainable consumption of tourism resources.
• Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) introduced to develop sustainable and responsible destinations with a tourist & destination-centric approach.

o These initiatives aim to ensure tourism contributes positively to the economy → Safeguard the environment and benefit local communities.

• About Ministry of Tourism:

o Nodal Agency: Formulates national policies & coordinates tourism development.

o Headed by: Union Minister for Tourism & Ministers of State.

o Administrative Head: Secretary (Tourism).

o Key Functions: Policy & Coordination → Regulation & Standards → Human Resource Development → Publicity & Marketing → Research & International Cooperation → Administrative & Legislative Functions