MoT launches Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India

By BW Hotelier THE MINISTRY of Tourism (MoT) has launched a Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for three major segments of tourism industry, namely accommodation, tour operators and Beaches, Backwaters, Lakes and Rivers sectors during the sensitization Workshop for Stakeholders on Sustainable Tourism organized in August, 2014. The criterion has been adopted by the stakeholders. This information was given by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (I/C) and Minister of State for Civil Aviation in a written reply in Rajya Sabha. Further, the Ministry has guidelines for approval of hotel projects at the implementation stage and also guidelines for classification/re-classification of operational hotels under various categories. As per these guidelines, hotels at the project stage itself are required to incorporate various eco-friendly measures like Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), Rain Water Harvesting System, waste management system, pollution control, introduction of non- Chloro Fluoro Carbon (CFC) equipment for refrigeration and air conditioning, measures for energy and water conservation etc. Under the guidelines for project level and classification/re-classification of operational hotels it has been prescribed that the architecture of the hotel buildings in hilly and ecologically fragile areas should be sustainable and energy efficient and as far as possible be in conformity with the local ethos and make use of local designs and material. The tour operators approved by MoT have to sign a pledge for commitment towards Safe & Honorable Tourism and Sustainable Tourism to fully implement Sustainable Tourism practices, consistent with the best environment and heritage protection standards, such that the present tourism resource requirements optimize both local community benefit and future sustainable uses. MoT holds a constant dialogue with State Governments/U.T. Administrations, various tourism related institutions and stakeholders for drawing up strategies for development and promotion of tourism in the country including Sustainable Tourism. MoT supports from time to time various seminars and events that deliberate or focus on tourism in the country including Sustainable Tourism in rural areas. Photo: Mahesh Sharma, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Govt of India.