By Jaun Shahi,
As the global community gathers in the capital city of Baku for the official hosting of World Environment Day 2026 by the Republic of Azerbaijan, the spotlight falls on the vital intersection of ecological preservation and human progress. Under the resonant global theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” nations are called to urgent action. For India—a land of staggering biodiversity, diverse ecosystems, and ancient cultural wisdom—the day is not merely a calendar event. It serves as a powerful reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to sustainable living, climate resilience, and the future of mindful travel.
India’s approach to environmental stewardship is deeply intertwined with its booming tourism and hospitality sector. With the Indian government’s flagship ‘Mission LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) gaining unprecedented momentum, the domestic travel industry is undergoing a profound paradigm shift. From the fragile, snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the lush, intricate backwaters of Kerala, stakeholders are increasingly recognizing a fundamental truth: the future of travel relies entirely on the health of our planet. The Ministry of Tourism, alongside various state governments, has heavily emphasized the development of eco-tourism circuits, ensuring that the economic benefits of travel do not come at the cost of ecological degradation.
But how is this global theme of World Environment Day 2026 translating into actionable strategies on the ground in India? To understand the industry’s response, Travellers World engaged with key industry leaders and visionaries who are driving the sustainable travel movement across the subcontinent.
Vikram Cotah – CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts
At Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai, sustainability is embedded into the way we design experiences, operate our hotel, and engage with our communities. As one of Chennai’s leading hospitality destinations, we recognize that responsible hospitality is critical to preserving the natural and cultural environments that make travel meaningful.
Across our hotel, we continue to focus on reducing resource consumption, minimizing waste, supporting local sourcing, and promoting environmentally conscious guest experiences. Through initiatives such as GReaT Green Meetings, sustainable event practices, energy-efficient operations, water stewardship programs, and community engagement initiatives, we are committed to creating a positive impact that extends beyond our hotel walls.
As we mark World Environment Day 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more sustainable future—one where hospitality, nature, and communities thrive together for generations to come.
Sanjay Gupta, Chairman, Marriott India Business Council:
At Marriott India, sustainability is not simply an initiative—it is a responsibility that is deeply embedded in how we operate and engage with our communities. Following the achievement of planting 100,000 trees last year, we challenged ourselves to go even further through our Four Trees Per Room commitment. The enthusiastic participation of our associates and hotels across the country reflects our collective commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, we are creating a greener future while contributing meaningfully to the wellbeing of our communities and the planet.
Jitendra Rathore- Owner of Fateh Collection –
At Fateh Collection, we have always believed that true luxury lies in harmony with nature. This World Environment Day 2026, as India champions the theme ‘Inspired by Nature’, we are proud to lead the way in sustainable travel. Our heritage properties in Udaipur restored from the ruins of history stand as living examples of how we can honour the past while protecting the future. From using traditional Rajput architecture that naturally regulates temperature, to promoting responsible tourism that supports local communities and preserves Rajasthan’s fragile ecosystem, we are committed to creating travel experiences that are not just memorable, but regenerative. Sustainable luxury is no longer an option – it is the only way forward.
Sharad K Upadhyay, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida:
On World Environment Day, I am proud to share that Crowne Plaza Greater Noida continues to embed sustainability at the core of its operations. We have reduced single-use plastic by introducing bulk refillable guest room amenities and biodegradable alternatives across F&B outlets, including cutlery, straws and stirrers. Our zero-waste approach segregates food waste: organic kitchen waste goes to compost or cowsheds, cooked leftovers support animal shelters, and citrus waste is turned into eco-friendly cleaning agents. Through plantation drives with Social Action Forest & Environmental Organisation, we have planted over 50,000 trees and developed green spaces across the property. Our in-house herb garden supports a farm-to-fork model, while monthly clean-up drives extend our impact beyond the hotel. Using IHG Green Engage, we measure and reduce our environmental footprint. Our collaboration with Buff India recycles cigarette butts, supporting a cleaner, greener future.
Devinder Juj, General Manager, Eros Hotel New Delhi:
At Eros Hotel New Delhi, sustainability is not just a value; it is a way of life. As a responsible entity, our commitment to environment-friendly practices is underscored by our unique focus on the three R—Reduce, Recycle and Reuse. By adopting these practices, such as efficient electricity management, water recycling initiatives, and reusing valuable resources wherever possible, we try to minimize environmental impact while promoting greater operational efficiency and sustainability.
Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun:
For us, sustainability has to be practical and visible in everyday operations. From reducing waste to cutting plastic use and supporting greener mobility, the focus is on making responsible hospitality part of how we serve guests every day.
Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL:
At IHCL, sustainability is embedded in our approach to long-term value creation through Paathya. On World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to shaping a future where hospitality growth goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Our focus is on building scale with sensitivity — from increasing renewable energy use and accelerating circular practices within our hotels to supporting water stewardship and conservation initiatives in the destinations and communities we are part of. Through Paathya, our endeavour is to create shared value for the planet, people and the ecosystems that sustain travel and tourism.
Anupam Vig, General Manager – India, Finnair:
World Environment Day reminds us that the path to a more sustainable future in aviation is complex and requires sustained effort over time. For Finnair, reducing emissions is at the core of our environmental work, with a clear focus on improving carbon efficiency and supporting the industry’s transition away from fossil fuels.
Progress requires a broad set of actions, from using sustainable aviation fuel and improving operational efficiency to reducing waste and applying circular economy principles across our operations. At the same time, we recognise that many of the solutions needed for deeper change, such as new technologies and fuels, are still developing, which makes collaboration across the industry essential.
As we continue connecting people and cultures around the world, we are committed to doing so responsibly, taking practical steps today while contributing to the longer-term transformation of aviation.
Amruda Nair, Founder and Director, Araiya Hotels:
Nature has always been our greatest inspiration. Whether it is preserving heritage, supporting local communities, sourcing responsibly, conserving water, or creating immersive experiences rooted in place, our goal is to ensure that every Araiya destination contributes positively to its environment. As India continues to champion sustainable tourism, we believe the future of luxury travel lies in deeper connections with nature, culture, and community. True luxury is not about excess—it is about creating meaningful experiences while preserving the destinations that make those experiences possible.
Across the country, this inspiration is translating into tangible, grassroots action. States like Sikkim, India’s first fully organic state, continue to set global benchmarks for eco-conscious travellers, restricting plastic and promoting homestays that empower local communities. Meanwhile, premier wildlife destinations like Kaziranga in Assam and the reserves of Madhya Pradesh are leveraging responsible tourism revenues to directly fund anti-poaching units, habitat restoration, and local education programs. The emerging narrative is clear: when travellers are truly inspired by nature, they transform into its fiercest protectors.
Shiv Bose, General Manager, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse:
True sustainability is achieved when responsible choices become an integral part of everyday operations rather than standalone initiatives. At Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, we believe that nature offers the best blueprint for sustainable hospitality, where resources are valued, waste is minimized, and every action contributes to long-term balance. Guided by this philosophy, we have implemented practical measures such as our in-house water bottling plant, which significantly reduces reliance on single-use plastics through reusable glass bottles. Our catering operations also prioritize biodegradable packaging to support more environmentally responsible food service. As travelers increasingly seek meaningful and sustainable experiences, we remain committed to creating positive impact through thoughtful, consistent actions that conserve resources, reduce waste, and help build a greener future for the hospitality industry.
Sandeep Arora, Director – Brightsun Travel India:
World Environment Day is an important reminder that sustainability is not limited to policy discussions; it must also become part of how organisations think, learn, and operate. At Brightsun, we believe businesses have a larger responsibility to encourage conversations that go beyond their immediate industry. It was a privilege to host Dr. Ranjana Ray Chaudhuri and learn from her deep expertise on urban water sustainability, resilience, and practical solutions for India’s growing cities.
Ashish Vohra, Founder & CEO of Onora Hospitality
India is rewriting the grammar of sustainable travel and nature is its greatest teacher. From following the contours of the land to reviving small hydrological systems, biowalls and slow water channels, our developers are building with the earth, not against it. States are enabling village adoption, agricultural revival and indigenous grain cultivation, thereby rooting hospitality in cultural truth. Stargazing, farm-to-table, wellness, cottage industries, local craft — these are not trends, they are a return to wisdom. The finest experiences emerging from India today carry one quiet conviction: honour the old, express the new.
Varun Sahani, Senior Vice President, Kamat Hotels India Limited:
World Environment Day is a reminder that even small actions can create a meaningful impact on our environment. At The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, sustainability has always been at the heart of our hospitality philosophy. Through initiatives like planter distribution and plantation activities for children, we aim to encourage our guests and the younger generation to become more conscious towards nature and greener living. As India’s first eco-friendly hotel, we remain committed to promoting sustainable practices every day.
Furthermore, the rise of ‘slow travel’ and rail-based tourism initiatives is reducing the carbon footprint of domestic exploration, aligning perfectly with the climate goals set forth in Baku. As the main global events unfold in Azerbaijan, India’s travel and tourism sector stands ready to answer the call. By weaving climate action into the very fabric of the travel experience, India is ensuring that its unparalleled natural wonders remain intact—not just for the next tourist season, but for our collective, shared future.
Q: What is the theme for World Environment Day 2026?
A: The global theme for World Environment Day 2026 is “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” with the official hosting taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Q: How is India promoting sustainable tourism?
A: India is promoting sustainable tourism through the government’s flagship ‘Mission LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment), developing eco-tourism circuits, and encouraging states like Sikkim to lead in organic and plastic-free travel models.
Q: How does responsible tourism help wildlife reserves in India?
A: In premier destinations like Kaziranga and the reserves of Madhya Pradesh, responsible tourism revenues are directly leveraged to fund anti-poaching units, habitat restoration, and local community education programs.
Q: What is ‘slow travel’ and how does it help the environment?
A: Slow travel emphasizes taking the time to deeply experience a destination while minimizing environmental impact. In India, the rise of rail-based tourism initiatives is a key part of this, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of domestic exploration.