World Tourism Day Highlights Sustainability, Resilience, Evolution

On World Tourism Day 2023, as the world still recovers and reshapes from the impacts of the pandemic, industry stalwarts of travel and tourism sector share their visions, strategies, and insights into the future of tourism. Their perspectives underscore the industry's resilience, emphasis on sustainability, and the transformative potential of travel.

“Our current travel and tourism model is unhinged and unsustainable as it leads to the generation of an estimated 5.2 Gigatons (Gt) of carbon each year, accounting for 9% – 12% of total global GHG emissions. To align the industry’s impact positively in the direction of the Paris Agreement, emissions would have to be reduced from 5.2 to 3.1 Gt of carbon emissions, to prevent the projected rise of 6.2 Gt. Having said this, I would like to draw your attention to this session’s most eminent topic and give thanks to our Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Tourism, for designing Travel for LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) under the Mission LiFE directive – Tourism as a Vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals.”
– Nakul Anand, Chairman FAITH

On this World Tourism Day, we need to recognize the enormous opportunity to blend our expertise in technology and tourism to build a more future-facing impact in India. The idea behind the smart tourism program is to establish India as a world-leading smart destination through innovative projects, research, and partnerships. Smart tourism, just like smart cities, is not just a passing phase but the future of the sector. In fact, the only way to ensure that the world of recreational or business trips doesn’t become a victim of its own success is to find a balance today between competitiveness, sustainability, and the well-being of visitors and hosts alike. Tourism is not just about traveling and exploring new destinations; it is a catalyst for change, a force that can shape our world for the better. As we stand at the crossroads of economic recovery and environmental sustainability, it is imperative that we embrace smart tourism and green investment as the guiding principles for the future.”
– Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI

“On World Tourism Day, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the global travel community for their resilience and adaptability. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, exploring the uncharted, and embracing the transformative power of travel. As we step into the future, HMC Enterprise remains committed to shaping unforgettable experiences for travellers worldwide. Here’s to endless adventures and cherished memories!”
– Hemant Mediratta, CEO, HMC Enterprise

“Our priority at Eros Hotel is to deliver top class services to our guests with minimum impact on natural resources. We have adopted environment friendly practices and each department at the hotel follows these measures meticulously to ensure our commitment to environment. Primarily, we focus three areas such as on minimising the use of single plastic usage, efficient waste management and a number of water conservation practices like rain water harvesting, use of recycled water for plantation and waste management. We also installed an in-house bio gas plant for proper disposal of biodegradable and waste food from different outlets and banquets. We think these measures are the need of the hour it is because pollution is mainly caused by the plastic and not managing waste properly. In order to save energy, we stopped using incandescent lamps long back. The hotel uses 100 percent LED lights to conserve electricity along with mechanical timers for lighting. ”
– Mr Davinder Juj, General Manager, Eros Hotel, New Delhi

“Evolve Back Resorts proudly stands at the forefront of sustainable tourism as we celebrate World Tourism Day. Through pioneering eco-conscious practices and a dedication to preserving the natural beauty of our travel destinations, we are committed to crafting memorable experiences. We firmly believe that investing in preserving and conserving the physical environments of our destinations is crucial, as it serves as the very foundation of our existence and business. Our commitment to the idea goes beyond just words; it reflects in every action that takes place at Evolve Back. For instance, in a bid to cut down on our dependence on non-renewable resources, Evolve Back plans to expand its green energy production by incorporating more windmills and solar plants. We have also invested in medium-scale captive solar power plants at two of our resorts, namely Kabini and Hampi, and an onshore (offsite) windmill in Karnataka. Collectively, these renewable energy sources supply almost 50% of our energy needs. We have also taken up initiatives that focus on the management of critical resources through extensive and well-managed projects such as rainwater harvesting and waste management systems, amongst others. As we celebrate World Tourism Day, let’s remember that every action we take has a significant impact on our environment. Together, we can strive for a future where travel and environmental conservation walk hand in hand.”
– Jose Ramapuram, Director of Marketing, Evolve Back Resorts

“On World Tourism Day 2023, we reflect on the transformative journey of the tourism industry, particularly in the post-COVID era. Tourism has undergone remarkable changes, with safety and health taking precedence, along with a heightened emphasis on sustainability and responsible travel. Apart from demanding stringent hygiene standards & contactless experiences, Travellers now also seek flexibility in their plans, often opting for refundable bookings and blending work and leisure through remote work opportunities.
In this evolving landscape, SKIL Travel has proudly led the way in reshaping corporate travel in India. We’ve adapted to the new normal by implementing stringent health protocols, flexible booking options, and cutting-edge technology solutions. As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2023, SKIL Travel stands as a testament to the industry’s resilience, continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of travellers in this dynamic and transformative environment.
– Shylender Jindal, Founding Chairman & CEO, SKIL Travel

“On this World Tourism Day, 2023, we celebrate not just Bali’s timeless natural beauty but also the remarkable evolution of tourism. Post-COVID, Bali has transformed into a destination offering diverse experiences beyond its scenic wonders. It has become a hub for cultural exploration, and adventure, and an attractive destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) whilst promoting sustainable tourism development in the region by incorporating localtalent and a planet-first approach at all touchpoints. Amidst this transformation, Tria Uma Wisata Tours & Travel stands as Bali’s Premier Destination Management Company, committed to enhancing the experiences of global travellers. We take pride in curating tailor-made itineraries that resonate with the unique preferences of our guests from India.”
– Niluh Werdiani, Managing Director, Tria Uma Wisata Tours & Travel

“Qatar, a jewel of the Middle East, has always been a land of charming wonders and captivating experiences. As we celebrate World Tourism Day in 2023, we reflect on how tourism has evolved, particularly post the Covid-19 pandemic. As the world opens its arms to travellersonce more, Qatar stands ready to unveil its numerous attractions,welcoming international visitors with open hearts. With its breath-taking skyline, pristine desert dunes, and as a melting pot of culture and heritage, Qatar is a destination like no other. As the world envisions sustainable tourism, Qatar aligns itself with UNTWO’s theme for this year, Tourism and Green Investments. The country’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, wildlife conservation, and preserving its natural beauty ensures that future generations can also savour the wonders of this land.”
– Manoj Kumar Tiwari, General Manager, Regency Holidays