Tackling the Environmental Impact of Tourism in India: A Call for Sustainable Practices

As a leading driver of global economic expansion, tourism significantly impacts the environment—a factor often overlooked. Recent studies reveal that India is a substantial contributor to the fourfold increase in carbon emissions linked to tourism. In fact, India ranks as the fourth-largest contributor to the tourism carbon footprint globally, following the United States, China, and Germany. This alarming revelation underscores the urgent need for sustainable business practices, especially in rapidly growing countries like India.

1. The Environmental Footprint of TourismTourism’s footprint encompasses the environmental, economic, and societal impacts of its activities. Environmentally, this footprint includes carbon emissions from travel (cars, planes, and cruises), lodging, and tourism activities, collectively accounting for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, tourism significantly contributes to resource usage, such as waste production and excessive water consumption in hotels and resorts, leading to the degradation of natural and marine habitats.
2. Post-Pandemic Recovery and Its Environmental ImpactPranav Dangi, CEO & Founder, The Hosteller, says, “Post-pandemic, the tourism industry has shown remarkable recovery, driven by pent-up travel demand and rising disposable incomes, particularly among India’s burgeoning middle class. This resurgence has led to a marked shift towards domestic tourism, driven by travel restrictions and changing traveler preferences. However, the environmental impact remains substantial, necessitating investments in energy-efficient infrastructure and low-carbon transport solutions.”
3. Sustainable Tourism: The Way ForwardSustainable tourism techniques are the future. The travel industry’s carbon footprint can be significantly reduced by utilizing technological advancements like AI-powered travel planning and eco-friendly lodging. “Implementing measures such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and the use of locally available resources can reduce the environmental footprint while fostering economic and social transformations that benefit global communities,” adds Dangi.
4. The Dual Nature of Tourism’s ImpactShailendra Singh Rao, Founder, Creduce, highlights the dual nature of tourism’s impact, it provides economic advantages but also substantially contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The industry has experienced significant growth following the Covid-19 pandemic, with a resurgence in travel driven by Prime Minister Modi’s advocacy for aggressive inbound travel to local destinations.Sustainable Travel International estimates that tourism is responsible for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, equating to about 4.5 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2013, with a projected increase to 6.5 gigatonnes by 2025 if current trends continue. Air travel, accounting for about 12% of the industry’s footprint, is a primary polluter, along with the energy consumption of hotels, resorts, and other accommodations.
5. India’s Tourism Carbon FootprintA 2018 investigation by Mongabay India found that the carbon footprint of Indian travelers is the fourth-largest in the world. Regardless of the tourist’s origin, emissions generated within India from tourism activities are considered under destination-based accounting. “Residence-based accounting evaluates emissions based on the tourist’s place of residence. The study found that the United States has the highest footprint in both categories, while India’s footprint is significantly lower under destination-based accounting than under residence-based accounting. This implies a higher number of domestic travelers in India compared to international outbound tourism,” adds Rao.
6. Promoting Sustainable Travel Practices in IndiaDespite having a smaller footprint than developed nations, India has the potential to significantly reduce its tourism emissions. This can be achieved by promoting sustainable travel practices such as eco-tourism, responsible waste management in accommodations, and increasing the popularity of public transportation for tourist travel. Rao shares, “The carbon footprint can be substantially diminished by selecting environmentally friendly alternatives such as electric vehicles, buses, and trains. Staying in hotels and eco-lodges that prioritize sustainable practices can also mitigate environmental impact.”

In conclusion, sustainable tourism practices are essential for balancing economic benefits with environmental responsibility. By embracing technological innovations and promoting eco-friendly travel options, India can significantly reduce its tourism-related carbon emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. The tourism industry must adopt these sustainable practices to ensure a greener future for the planet and its people.