Shaping a Sustainable Future: Highlights from the Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | March 27, 2025 | News

Sustainability Summit 2025 Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Suman Billa Sheo Shekhar Shukla Manjeev Singh Puri

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of India, addressed the challenges of sustainability in the tourism sector at the Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025. Organized by PHDCCI in collaboration with FH&RA, the event took place at Hotel Le Meridien under the theme "Mainstreaming Sustainability in Tourism". The Minister emphasized the necessity for collaboration between the industry and the government, stating that sustainability must become a shared responsibility to achieve meaningful change. He highlighted the increasing environmental challenges, including shifting rainfall patterns and shrinking glaciers, stressing that proactive action is essential to prevent further adverse consequences.

Referring to discussions at Davos, he noted that the Indian economy is projected to double every 7-8 years, leading to significant growth in tourism. He urged the industry to commit to sustainable initiatives and work collectively toward sustainability goals.

Suman Billa (IAS), Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, underscored the importance of mindful tourism development. He stated that while growth in tourism is inevitable, the direction of this growth requires careful planning. Emphasizing the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Mission LiFE initiative, he advocated for a transition from excessive consumption to responsible tourism practices. He also mentioned the Ministry of Tourism’s sustainability criteria under the “Travel for LiFE” initiative, which aims to foster a community of environmentally conscious travelers.

Sheo Shekhar Shukla (IAS), Principal Secretary (Tourism) and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, highlighted the state's efforts in responsible tourism. He pointed out Madhya Pradesh’s rich historical and cultural heritage, with 498 State Protected Monuments, 290 ASI Protected Monuments, and 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing efforts to develop 50 new destinations and 20 cultural sites, as well as the state's emphasis on eco-tourism, tribal tourism, and rural tourism.

Hemant Jain, President of PHDCCI, emphasized that sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity. He stressed that failing to adopt green and sustainable practices in the hospitality sector would result in lost market opportunities. He expressed confidence that this summit would be recognized as one of the most impactful initiatives of 2025.

Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, Chair of the India-Nepal Centre at PHDCCI and Distinguished Fellow at TERI, called for organizations to integrate sustainability into their core operations. He pointed out that India has long maintained sustainable living practices and emphasized the need to maintain this ethos in tourism development. He also reaffirmed India’s national commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (UK), addressed the significant sustainability and human rights challenges in the tourism industry. He called for collective action from stakeholders and highlighted the need to balance customer service with workforce well-being. He referenced "Overtourism" as a growing concern, underscoring the need for legislative changes, shareholder engagement, and community-driven initiatives. He also discussed the role of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance in promoting responsible tourism practices worldwide.

K Syama Raju, President of FHRAI, emphasized the role of industry alliances in promoting sustainability. He expressed pride in hosting the second edition of the summit in collaboration with PHDCCI and stressed the importance of ensuring tourism serves as both an economic driver and a force for social change. He urged collective efforts toward a greener and more inclusive tourism sector.

The summit concluded with remarks and a vote of thanks by Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, President of HRANI and Vice President of FHRAI. The 2nd edition of the "Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025" was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, with Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat participating as partner states.