Leading Travel and Tourism Bodies Appeal for Clean Destinations to Attract Tourists to India

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Marketing | September 29, 2020 | News

Indian Association of Tour Operators Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) Travel and Tourism Association of Goa

On the occasion of World Tourism Day on September 27, 2020 leading travel and tourism associations of India came together to appeal to the Government to strengthen the packaging, waste collection and recycling ecosystem to promote cleanliness to attract regional and international tourists to Indian tourist destinations. 
According to an official statement, the Tourism industry will play a pivotal role in getting the economy back on track, once India starts recovering from the pandemic. 

A month ago, the Government released the Swaccha Survekshan (Cleanliness Survey), in which many tourist hotspots like Amritsar, Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, Varanasi, Shillong, etc., received a poor rating. This projected a negative image of India/Indian destinations globally and adversely impacted tourism. 

Pronab Sarkar, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators, a national apex body of tour operators said, “Tourism sector is key for revival of the Indian economy and cleanliness will play a pivotal role in the post-COVID era to attract tourists. Scarred and battered tourists will seek destinations that are safe, hygienic, and clean. Pollution not only affects the environment but also the culture, society, and economy adversely. Pollution with respect to tourism encompasses air emissions, noise, solid waste and littering, release of sewage, and chemicals, even architectural/visual pollution. Most of these are easily avoidable. Better planning in terms of plastic waste disposal, collection, and recycling mechanism will usher in good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities, and responsible consumption and production. These will send positive signals globally that shall augur well for Indian tourism.”

Subhash Goyal, Secretary, Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) said, “Destinations which are not only hygienically safe but also visibly clean will be preferred by tourists. The current pandemic has made us realize that the health of our planet is the priority, collective efforts not only by the Government and municipalities but by all individuals, social, voluntary organizations, and resident welfare associations have to be made across our country to curtail littering and improve waste collection and recycling efforts. Tourists look for a surrounding which is pleasing to the eye. There should be regular cleanliness and health audits to ensure that the infrastructure and environment are pristine. If we collectively contribute towards this objective, then we could usher in a new era of Incredible India.”

“Cleanliness is key to stimulating the tourism industry in India. The habit of littering, ineffective waste management, and the pandemic has led to widespread pollution. Owing to the current pandemic, plastic waste has increased drastically, due to the surge in usage of plastic items. But banning plastic is not a solution since COVID-19 has taught us that plastic is an essential part of our life, be it masks, PPE kits, or sanitizer bottles. The need of the hour is to educate masses about its correct disposal and recycling, especially the most recycled types of plastics, so the negative effects can be curtailed and our tourist hotspots, i.e., beaches, hill stations, pilgrimages can maintain their sheen,” added Nilesh Shah, President, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa.