Every year on September 27, the global community comes together to celebrate World Tourism Day. The 2025 theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, is especially relevant for India, where tourism is not just an industry but a lifeline for millions of livelihoods, cultural preservation, and regional development.
India’s tourism sector has made a strong recovery post-pandemic, emerging as one of the top contributors to the economy. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the country welcomed over 12 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2024, alongside nearly 1.8 billion domestic tourist visits. This growth underscores India’s appeal as a destination that blends heritage, spirituality, nature, and modern experiences. Yet, beyond the numbers lies the pressing question: how can this growth be aligned with sustainability?
Driving Sustainable Tourism
India’s tourism transformation is increasingly linked with sustainability. The government has been encouraging eco-certification for hotels, the adoption of green energy in the hospitality sector, and stricter regulations for managing fragile ecosystems. Projects like the Dekho Apna Desh initiative have promoted lesser-known destinations, easing the burden on overcrowded tourist hubs like Jaipur, Agra, and Goa.
At the same time, rural and community-based tourism models are thriving. From homestays in Himachal Pradesh to eco-tourism in Kerala’s backwaters, these initiatives are creating income opportunities while preserving local traditions. Such models show how tourism, when responsibly managed, can drive inclusive development.
Challenges on the Road
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Over-tourism at heritage sites, rising carbon footprints from travel, and the strain on natural resources are growing concerns. The Himalayas, for instance, face mounting environmental pressures as adventure tourism expands. Similarly, popular coastal belts are grappling with waste management issues. Addressing these challenges requires stronger collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and travellers themselves.
Awareness campaigns are key to this transformation. Sustainable travel is not only about infrastructure but also about behavior—respecting local cultures, reducing plastic use, supporting local businesses, and choosing greener transport options.
Role of Technology and Innovation
Technology is also playing a vital role in this transformation. Smart tourism initiatives, AI-driven travel planning, and digital ticketing are improving efficiency while reducing paper waste. Virtual and augmented reality tools are being used to promote heritage experiences in a way that reduces physical strain on monuments. At the same time, electric mobility solutions in cities like Delhi and Bengaluru are encouraging low-carbon urban travel.
Looking Ahead
As India prepares to meet its goal of becoming a global tourism leader by 2030, sustainable practices will be central to that journey. The upcoming development of “Green Tourism Circuits,” promotion of wellness and Ayurveda tourism, and expanded international air connectivity all point to a future where growth and responsibility can go hand in hand.
On World Tourism Day 2025, India’s tourism sector stands at a crossroads: the opportunity to transform itself into a model of sustainable growth is within reach. By placing communities, environment, and innovation at the heart of its journey, Indian tourism can not only secure economic prosperity but also preserve the very essence of what makes the country incredible.
Industry Leaders Speak on World Tourism Day
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Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council
As we celebrate World Tourism Day, I firmly believe that tourism must be recognized as a driver of national progress and global collaboration. Our priority lies in skilling and empowering people to meet the evolving needs of the industry, ensuring resilience and excellence at every level. A skilled workforce is the foundation for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth in tourism. As leaders, it is our responsibility to shape policies, create opportunities, and foster partnerships that transform tourism into a force for prosperity and empowerment for all.
Ashish Vohra, Founder & CEO, Onora Hospitality Pvt Ltd
“Tourism and Hospitality hold immense potential to be a powerful force for positive change, both environmentally and socio-economically. One often unstated role that hotels play is in creating awareness among guests about the limited nature of resources and the need for conservation. Simple gestures, like messages encouraging guests to reuse towels, serve as passive yet powerful communication, helping travellers rethink their consumption habits. This awareness becomes a key differentiator, inspiring people to carry these learnings beyond their stay.”
Shoba Rudra, Founder, RARE India
“The reality Tourism is also one of the contributors to Carbon emissions, but so are other businesses. Almost every business today has a carbon footprint that directly or indirectly impacts the environment. In fact, everyday living is a stress on our resources. To remember that we live on a finite planet with finite resources is one of the first steps towards solutions, even if there is one. One of the biggest contributions that tourism can make is the spreading knowledge about climate change and its impact around the globe, as well are knowledge about how life in other countries is evolving to combat the climate crisis.
There are also solutions to drive changes in operations both in tourism and hospitality, also the positive impacts through tourism like local jobs, wildlife and nature preservation, Heritage and cultural preservation are things that cannot be ignored, though their impact on the actual carbon footprint of travel is yet to be audited and actively used when we speak about sustainable travel. Tourism’s impact on well-organised travel working towards social-economic and development issues are manifold and should become a part of the marketing narrative to achieve measurable success.”
Jose Ramapuram, Executive Director Marketing, Evolve Back Resorts –
“Tourism without transformation is a wasted opportunity. The world does not need more grand hotels; it needs places that commit to healing land, honouring heritage, and creating meaningful livelihoods, while offering visitors unique learning experiences they can carry beyond the journey.
At Evolve Back, our purpose is simple: every journey should help restore what truly matters. We actively work to protect local forest covers, celebrate village traditions, and share the stories of regional communities through our art, architecture, and immersive activities.
I believe that if a journey does not drive genuine change, it falls short of its potential. Meaningful experiences today are those that endure, create lasting change, and reflect a deep sense of responsibility. The mark of authentic luxury now looks beyond momentary indulgence and lies in how it transforms lives and environments for the better.
This World Tourism Day, as the industry rallies behind the theme ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,’ know that responsible travel is no longer optional. It is essential for the future of destinations and societies. True transformation means embedding sustainability in every step, from governance to community empowerment, ensuring tourism remains a force for positive, lasting change.”
Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, Chief Business Officer, KidZania India
“World Tourism Day reminds us that travel is more than just visiting places — it’s about shaping perspectives and deepening our connection with the world. At KidZania, we’re proud to bring this philosophy to life through our Madhya Pradesh Tourism Experience Center, the first-ever state tourism partnership of its kind for kids and parents.
Through immersive virtual jungle safaris across India’s tiger capital — home to 22% of the world’s tigers — and thrilling river adventures that highlight the state’s stunning biodiversity, we turn play into purpose. A fun quiz at the end cements the learning, making this truly edutainment.
These playful yet powerful experiences not only ignite curiosity about India’s cultural heart but also instill a deep respect for our natural heritage — creating the nation’s youngest ambassadors for responsible tourism and teaching them that true exploration begins with conservation.”
Sohail Mirchandani, Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder, EkoStay
”Tourism today has the potential to be far more than just a way to create memorable getaways. It can play a critical role in addressing climate change and uplifting communities. Responsible tourism is a shared responsibility and even the smallest actions, whether it’s reducing waste, conserving energy, or supporting local livelihoods, can have a meaningful impact on the planet.
Sustainability should never be seen as a trade-off. The true opportunity lies in creating travel experiences that balance comfort and authenticity with respect for culture, nature, and people. Tourism, when approached thoughtfully, has the power to go beyond profits it can protect ecosystems, preserve traditions and drive inclusive growth.
The future of tourism will be shaped by choices that prove luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand, leaving both people and the planet in a better place.”
Vikram Dhawan, Chief Strategy Officer, Ebix Travel
“The global sustainable tourism market is projected to grow from USD 2.73 trillion in 2023 to an estimated USD 9.17 trillion by 2032, underscoring a worldwide shift toward responsible and regenerative travel models. In India, where tourism contributes nearly 5% to the GDP, the government is taking proactive steps to align growth with low-carbon infrastructure, local value creation, and circular resource use.
As we reflect on the theme of World Tourism Day, it’s clear that true progress in sustainable tourism requires alignment across public policy, private investment, and grassroots stakeholders. To establish global leadership in this space, India must define and track meaningful success metrics, such as per-visitor carbon footprint, local economic retention, and circular waste management, that can serve as benchmarks for the global industry.”
Davinder Juj, GM, Eros Hotel New Delhi, Nehru Place
At Eros Hotel New Delhi, we embrace World Tourism Day 2025’s theme ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’. We believe responsible hospitality drives positive change – enriching guests, empowering communities, and respecting our cultural heritage. Our endeavours blend luxury with sustainability, minimising environmental impact while celebrating India’s vibrant diversity. By fostering mindful travel, we contribute to a future where tourism uplifts local ecosystems and economies harmoniously. Eros Hotel stands committed to transforming experiences, nurturing Delhi’s spirit, and inspiring journeys that leave a legacy of care and connection.
