In a report by Booking.com, it was noted that Indian travelers are becoming increasingly mindful of the impact of their journeys on the environment. This shift in mindset is also leading them to make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives. Travelers in India believe that airlines, hotels, and major sites and apps have the most potential to counter the environmental impacts of tourism. They also see sustainable travel as adding more value to their trips. Santosh Kumar, the country manager for India at Booking.com, mentioned that travelers are exploring activities driven by sustainability and are more interested in adopting similar habits in their daily lives, showing a desire to have a positive impact.
The government and industry in India are taking steps to promote sustainable practices in the tourism sector. The Indian Ministry of Tourism has developed a national strategy for sustainable tourism to ensure more resilient, inclusive, carbon-neutral, and resource-efficient tourism while safeguarding natural and cultural resources. Various states like Goa and Kerala have launched campaigns and missions to promote responsible tourism and make a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Efforts are being made towards ecotourism, rural tourism, and providing support to local communities.
On the airline front, companies like SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Vistara are exploring sustainable aviation fuel blends to reduce carbon emissions. They are also working on reducing single-use plastics on all flights. Air India has introduced TaxiBot, a semi-robotic equipment that helps in reducing the aircraft’s dependence on engines during taxiing. In the hotel sector, there has been a boost in eco-friendly accommodations and hotel chains in India. Major hotels are minimizing single-use amenities, establishing bottling plants on their premises, and sourcing from local vendors to support local communities.
Hilton Hotels and Resorts has signed a flagship property in Gurugram near Delhi, expanding its footprint in India. The company is set to open a new 223-key hotel later this year. With 26 operational hotels in India and more in the development pipeline, Hilton is aiming to double its presence in the country over the next 3 to 4 years. ITC Hotels has also announced the opening of Mementos by ITC Hotels in Jaipur, adding to its impressive growth trajectory. The company aims to expand its current portfolio of 130 properties to 200 hotels over the next five years.
Akasa Air, a budget airline, has commenced operations from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh and is rapidly expanding its network both domestically and internationally. The airline is operating daily direct flights between Prayagraj and Mumbai and has plans to add Gorakhpur as a fifth destination in the state. IHG Hotels and Resorts has signed the Holiday Inn Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, scheduled to open in 2025. The company is focusing on expanding in secondary markets in India, having recently added properties in Jim Corbett, Dehradun, and Guwahati. IHG has a target of doubling its presence in the country in the next five years, with 50 hotels currently in its pipeline.
