The Responsible Tourism Society of India ( RTSOI ) is an association dedicated to advocating and creating awareness for sustainable best practises in tourism and hospitality, setting up responsible tourism guidelines for state tourism boards, tour operators, hotels and lodges, all other stake holders and also the travellers, announces the launch of the Responsible Traveller campaign, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.
To make India a ‘Sustainable Tourism Destination’ – the traveller, the tourism industry and the government will need to join hands for responsible action. The Responsible Traveller Campaign by RTSOI is supported by the Confederation of Indian Industries ( CII ), International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ) and Wildlife SOS , calls out to everyone to take a pledge and follow The Responsible Traveller Guidelines.
Tourism is now recognised globally as a powerful tool for positive impact and development, while both the Tourism industry and the Government are working towards policies to make tourism sustainable, RTSOI urges the traveller to join hands in their endeavour towards a lighter footprint on this planet. As travellers we are caretakers of this planet and the way forward is to be responsible and aware of the consequences of mindless travel that only aggravates the challenges faced by global warming, climate change and the excesses of over tourism.
A list of good practises as guidelines that each one of us can undertake in our lifestyle and travel choices to help reduce negative impact on the planet have been put together by the Responsible Tourism Society of India. The guidelines cover various aspects of travel for every traveller that includes, planning, logistics, packing, behaviour on wildlife safaris, camp sites, on treks and hikes, choosing destinations and time of travel consciously, respecting communities and cultures, caring for animals, following locals laws and regulations, above all respect the integrity of the destination.
Announcing the campaign through a video clip with messages from the Governing Council of RTSOI, Mr. Rakesh Mathur, President of RTSOI said, “The journey to make a difference to our Travel Industry started with a band of us in the 90’s with a focus to bring about good eco practises. Then we helped the governments both at the Centre and the State to help frame sustainable tourism policies as the Ecotourism Society of India. On this World Tourism Day 2020 we have now launched the Responsible Traveller campaign to sensitise travellers and to complete this loop. As they say – a thousand mile journey starts with a single step and we believe we have walked a few by now.”
Earlier known as the Ecotourism Society of India, the society was established by senior and committed industry professionals, government officials and a parliamentarian in 2008. RTSOI is recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India as it’s “Sustainability Partner” though an MOU in March 2016. RTSOI is supported by stake holders from across the travel and tourism fraternity and experts from various associated fields like wildlife, conservation, trade and industry bodies etc.
