MoU Signed Between M/O Tourism and Ecotourism Society of India for Responsible and Sustainable Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ecotourism Society of India (ESOI) to take its commitments to Responsible and Sustainable tourism to the next level. In accordance, Shri Suman Billa, Joint Secretary, M/o Tourism and Mr. Steve Borgia, Honorary President, Ecotourism Society of India signed the MOU in the presence of Shri Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism and the Ecotourism Society of India started the process a couple of years ago when they formulated & published the STCI (Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India) and carried it to the grass root level through series of advocacy workshops. Through this MOU, it is expected that sustainable tourism and Responsible Tourism will take the forefront and achieve the commitments of the Ministry's action plan.

The Ecotourism Society of India (ESOI) was established in 2008 at the behest of the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) as a non-profit organization to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable practices in the tourism industry across the country. This national body was formed by a group of eminent professionals from the tourism industry, Government, Parliament and environmentalists& Conservationists.

The Society has over the past eight years attempted to spread awareness and educate tourism service providers as well as local government officials on the urgent need to ensure sustainable tourism practices. 13 workshops have been conducted across the country in this context

ESOI works closely with both Central and State Government bodies as well as relevant institutions and individuals to facilitate and support synergy of policies, initiatives and activities relating to responsible travel. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has officially declared ESOI as their partner in helping develop policy guidelines, code of conduct and ethical practices for Sustainable Tourism, to position India as a Global ecotourism destination embracing Responsible Tourism guidelines across the various sectors of Tourism & Hospitality, Transport, Aviation etc.

In a formal Memorandum of Understanding, MOT recognizes ESOI as the partner in driving and advocating Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) initiatives across the country.

In this context ESOI will prepare a 10-year Road Map for advocacy and certification under the Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India. The Road Map will be based on regional workshops held with relevant stakeholders across the country. ESOI, through stakeholder consultations will formulate criteria and classification guidelines for certification for the accommodation and tour/travel operators within the STCI guidelines and later develop standards for Destinations which will also be in sync with the internationally accepted Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria.

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