Lara Zijl 
Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has announced that discussions are underway for a new tourism policy in India.
The announcement came at the first edition of the India Travel & Tourism Sustainability Conclave, hosted by MakeMyTrip Foundation and World Travel & Tourism Council India Initiative (WTTCII).
Shekhawat highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism practices and said, “We need more platforms like this one, bringing the tourism sector together for a meaningful discussion on sustainability. We need to revive that spirit (of sustainability). We need to create success stories on sustainability in the tourism sector and spread them across the country.”
Focus on Sustainability:
The Conclave emphasised the crucial role of sustainability in the future of India’s tourism sector. Deep Kalra, Chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s India Chapter and Managing Trustee of MakeMyTrip Foundation, said, “When we think about the future of India’s travel and tourism sector, it’s clear that sustainability can’t be a side issue. It needs to be right at the heart of how we envision businesses growing. This will require better alignment between policy, industry, and implementation at the grassroot level. Through this Conclave, we aimed to move beyond talk and focus on action. The Sustainable Hospitality Handbook is a step in the right direction, and the proposed report will help keep the momentum going.”
Practical Guidance for Hotels:
The Sustainable Hospitality Handbook, developed by the Hotel Association of India (HAI) in collaboration with MakeMyTrip, offers practical guidance for hotels to adopt environmentally responsible practices in areas like energy, water, waste, and community impact. Drawing on globally recognized methodologies and Indian case studies, the handbook aims to make sustainable practices accessible to hotels of all sizes.
“It was encouraging to see the Conclave bring together so many strong voices to focus not just on why sustainability matters, but how we can take action,” said K.B. Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India. “The Sustainable Hospitality Handbook is meant to support that effort by offering practical and adaptable guidance. It’s designed to help hotels of all sizes embrace more conscious practices, and we hope it inspires wider adoption across the sector.”
Next Steps:
Following the discussions at the Conclave, the MakeMyTrip Foundation and WTTCII will work together to develop a report on sustainable travel and tourism in India. The report will use the insights and priorities raised at the Conclave to outline a roadmap for action.
Key Takeaways:
The Conclave highlighted the growing importance of sustainability in the tourism sector and showcased the commitment of industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to driving positive change. The new tourism policy and initiatives like the Sustainable Hospitality Handbook are vital steps toward creating a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry in India.
