essay on eco tourism in india

The Journal for Student Geographers

A literature review of ecotourism in India: policy implications and research gaps

By Beatrice Spicer, University of Birmingham

Spicer, B. (2020) A literature review of ecotourism in India: policy implications and research gaps.  Routes  1(1): 41–50.

This essay is an overview of recent research on ecotourism in India, evaluating the social, environmental, political and economic implications of several case studies and highlights the need for re-evaluation of the national policy. It also outlines the evident research gaps, suggesting what needs to be further investigated in order to have a more comprehensive view of the reality of current ecotourism practices with the view of ameliorating them. Concisely, there is an inherent need for ecotourism policy reform in India to prevent ‘pseudo ecotourism’ growth and destruction of environmentally vulnerable areas. 

Table of abbreviations

1. Introduction

As a subset of ‘sustainable development’, ecotourism has been defined by the International Ecotourism Society as ‘responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local people and involves interpretation and education’ (TIES, 2015). Further, the significant aims of ecotourism practice include environmental conservation, cultural preservation, community participation, economic benefits, and empowerment of vulnerable groups (Cobbinah, 2015). Ecotourism is hard to plausibly criticise given that it is often championed as the panacea to the downfalls of mass consumption tourism (Duffy, 2015, cited in Voumard, 2019). However, the ambiguous national policy, (Poyyamoli, 2018) lack of evidence of social empowerment (Das and Chatterjee, 2015) and minimal effort into environmental conservation (Banerji and Datta, 2015) are amid a few of the criticisms which have been exemplified by recent research of case studies of ecotourism in India. 

To explore the reality of ecotourism practice in India, several case studies have been cited. The case study of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, in Odisha helps emphasise some social implications of poor ecotourism practice; while both Silerigaon, in Darjeeling and Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve exemplify the adverse environmental impacts of pseudo-ecotourism. The Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve also highlights some political implications of recent ecotourism practice. In contrast, the Kaziranga National Park in Assam, offers some optimism, ecotourism initiatives are more successful than the former case studies due to clear indications of increased incomes, standard of living and awareness of the importance of various issues as a result of ecotourism.

2. Policy implications

Undoubtedly, the policy surrounding ecotourism is akin to its implications. Poyyamoli (2018) evaluates the shortcomings of the National Ecotourism Policy for India, 1998, distinguishing between the reality and rhetoric it presents and enforces. A significant gap in the policy is the very definition of ecotourism itself which fails to include: the equitable sharing of income via active community participation and the conservation of heritage and culture, both of which are fundamental to effective ecotourism practice (​Cobbinah, 2015​). Thus, the definition is ‘erroneous and misleading’ (ibid., p.51). Further, the ambiguity of the policy is reiterated through its ‘operational guidelines’ (ibid., p.53) which do not provide any quantifiable indicators to assess the impacts of ecotourism approaches across India. Finally, the official policy document itself is inaccessible online to researchers and critics, thus limiting the advice that can be given to ameliorate the policy. 

Consequently, these multiple shortcomings of the policy have allowed ‘pseudo ecotourism’ to thrive in India; which involves ‘greenwashing’ of practices as well as carrying mass tourism techniques ‘under the guise of ecotourism’ (ibid., p.50). The effects of this have the potential to be harsher than those of traditional mass tourism due to the environmentally sensitive ‘ecotourism’ destinations (Weaver, 2001, cited in Poyyamoli, 2018). Poyyamoli (2018) is not alone in his critique, as Cabral and Lochan Dhar (2019) have also labelled the policy as ‘lackadaisical’ (ibid. p.12). Given the inaccuracy, ambiguity and ‘pseudo ecotourism’ it encourages the National Ecotourism Policy for India, as Poyyamoli (2018) suggests, needs to be revised in order to prevent ‘pseudo ecotourism’, its effects and encourage the proper practice of sustainable ecotourism nationwide. 

2.1 Social implications

A central part of ecotourism practice is the social benefits for the hosts and the creation of community ownership of the schemes (Jalani, 2012, cited in Das and Chatterjee, 2015). These social implications often manifest themselves in terms of social empowerment which refers to: ‘a community’s sense of cohesion and integrity has been confirmed or strengthened by an activity such as ecotourism’ (Shecyvens, 2000, p. 241). Exploring this concept, through the case analysis of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, in Odisha, as seen in Figure 1, Das and Chatterjee (2015) concluded that ecotourism in this area of India is in a ‘nascent stage’ (ibid., p.144).

Figure 1 . Location map of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha. (Shrestha et al ., 2019.)

The research suggested that although 30 eco-development committees (EDCs), which sought to reduce locals’ dependence on the natural resources, had been set up, they were ineffective in encouraging social empowerment. Only 21% of ecotourism participants and 9% of non-ecotourism participants were members of an EDC, alluding to minimal progress in social empowerment. 

Furthermore, Das and Chatterjee (2015) highlighted that local members of the Bhitarkanika Ecotourism and Eco-development Society (BEES) were not informed of the ‘division or utilisation’ (ibid., p.142) of the money generated via tourists. Locals were unaware of the monetary benefits of ecotourism, depicting little equitability. Additionally, gender inequality existed between self-help groups (SHGs) which were established by locals to support and encourage social empowerment and increase their bargaining power (Rath, 2007, cited in Das and Chatterjee, 2015). The forest department failed to promote the SHGs led by women; however, the male-led SHGs were promoted by the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP). 

This research illustrates in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, as seen in Figure 1, ecotourism has failed to encourage social empowerment and has created social inequality, two serious issues which do not correspond with ecosystem practice. Following Poyyamoli’s (2018) work, this example could be classified as ‘pseudo ecotourism’ as it failed to meet the standards of authentic ecotourism and led to the detriment of societies instead of empowering them. The social implications of this Indian case study further highlight the need for ‘better and more rigorous policies’ (Das and Chatterjee, 2015, p.145) for effective ecotourism practice in India. 

2.2 Environmental implications

Arguably, environmental sustainability and conservation are paramount in the activities of ecotourism (Honey, 2008, cited in, Cobbinah, 2015), thus although ecotourism promotes socio-economic benefits, environmental ones are of utmost importance. While researching small scale ‘ecotourism’ initiatives in Silerigaon, an eastern Himalayan village within Darjeeling, as seen in Figure 2, Banerji and Datta (2015) described an ‘umbilical cord’ between the focus of environmental conservation and the expansion of ecotourism. 

Figure 2 . Location map of Silerigaon, Darjeeling, India. (Banerji and Datta, 2015)

Although the research found that both locals and tourists perceived an increase in forest cover over recent years, it was also notable that 59% of respondents noticed a decline in non-polluted water over the last decade. Further, 71.43% of local stakeholders noticed that the number of wildlife in Silerigaon had decreased and attributed this to increased human intervention. Banerji and Datta (2015) suggested that environmental conservation as a result of tourism capital currently lacks ‘adequate vigour’ (ibid., p.47) in the area, questioning whether or not these initiatives can be deemed as ‘ecotourism’ at all. 

Concerningly, pollution as a result of ‘ecotourism’ in India is not rare. Chowdhury and Maiti’s (2016) research into the ecological health of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, as shown in Figure 3, found the highest concentrations of lead metal pollution surrounding the ecotourism ferry routes. This was a result of a boom in the use of fossil-fuel operated ferries to accommodate the influx of tourists. Although Chowdhury and Maiti (ibid.) sympathise with the vitality of ecotourism as an industry to the economically marginalised in the Indian Sundarbans, they advocate for a symbiotic relationship between conservation and ecotourism (Salam et al. 2000, cited in Chowdhury and Maiti, 2016) especially given the sensitivity of the Sundarbans’ ecosystem. 

Figure 3. Location map of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, India. (Ghosh and Ghosh, 2019).

Both Chowdhury and Maiti (2016) and Banerji and Datta (2015) reinforce the shortcomings of ecotourism policy in India and its failure to regulate ecotourism initiatives. As a result of these failures, environmental conservation as a product of ecotourism capital is limited and environmentally sensitive areas are being exploited, which are implications inconsistent with genuine ecotourism practice. In order to rectify these issues, there is a pressing need for the revisiting of national ecotourism policy in India.

2.3 Political implications

Ecotourism in the Sundarbans of India (Fig.3)  has also recently been the focus of research by Ghosh and Ghosh (2019). The research set out to discover the equitability of implications of ecotourism, from a political ecology perspective. 

This involves looking at the intersection between environmental events or issues and political spheres. Several power struggles were found in the ecotourism practices between the conservation agencies, authorities, locals as well as tourists themselves. One significant finding postulated conflicts between the federal government and their conservation priorities and the local authorities and tourism priorities. Consequently, this prevents the effective application of ecotourism to the area, as the local government cannot promote ecotourism on a big enough scale to provide sufficient and significant profit in terms of capital. 

Furthermore, the conflict between the tourists and locals over environmental values has led to an ‘insider’, ‘outsider’ mentality whereby locals have become ‘disenchanted’ (ibid., p.356) to the potential benefits of ecotourism. Lastly, in Pakhiralaya, one of the villages surrounding the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, a site of ecotourism, 50 households sold up their land for tourism development, resulting in outmigration. Ghosh and Ghosh (ibid.) emphasise that contrary to assumptions, ecotourism cannot be considered a ‘magic bullet’ (ibid., p.363) which will inevitably result in local development and environmental conservation. Instead, power balances in ecotourism initiatives are complicated and in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (Fig.3), the benefits of ecotourism were inequitable, outlining further need for re-examination of national policy. 

3. The outlier – Kaziranga National Park

Figure 4 . Location Map of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India. (Das and Hussain, 2016) 

Not all recent research of Indian ecotourism is as sombre, as shown by Das and Hussain (2016) whilst researching the impact of ecotourism on economic welfare using evidence from Kaziranga National Park, India (Fig.4). The findings of the research suggest that the total expenditure of ecotourism households is 1.7 times that of agrarian households. In the park, ecotourism has become a more attractive industry than agriculture due to the human-wildlife conflict that arises when park animals destroy crops, as well as the everlasting threat of flooding. As a consequence of ecotourism, respondents believe that they gained a greater awareness of various issues, which has increased their political empowerment within their local area. Moreover, the standard of living of the locals has been significantly enhanced due to the capital generated from ecotourism, increasing access to education, medical insurance and loans to invest in their businesses. This case study unveils that ecotourism in the Kaziranga National Park (Fig.4) has fulfilled the core values of the practice as outlined by Cobbinah (2015), illustrating a multiplier effect of tourist expenditure which correspondingly strengthens the local economy. As shown, the results of this are multi-faceted with positive socio-economic impacts while conserving the environment. 

Unlike the previously cited research, the findings of Das and Hussain (2016) depict a successful ecotourism initiative. Although there is little mention of policy, it can be argued that the ambiguity of the policy does not necessitate unsuccessful ecotourism practice. This example gives hope that with policy clarifications and reforms, other initiatives can have the same positive implications on local populations and set a precedent for environmental conservation. 

4. Research gaps

Despite the recent research into the issues surrounding the practice of ecotourism in India, there are inevitably existing research gaps which hinder solutions to the negative socio-economic, political and environmental implications of ecotourism, as previously implied. As a more comprehensive evaluation of recent research on the topic of ecotourism in India, Puri et al . (2019) outline several gaps in research. The paper posits that a foundation of ecotourism is biodiversity conservation. Thus, further research needs to investigate the effectiveness of conservation goals via environment impact assessment studies. Equally, it is imperative to monitor changing land-use and resource consumption patterns as a result of ecotourism initiatives to ensure that ecotourism doesn’t become an ‘extractive industry’ (ibid., p.136). Additionally, Puri et al. (ibid.) contend that research into the social and ecological ‘carrying capacity’ (ibid., p.137) of the proposed ecotourism site, in order to prevent tourism hindering the balance between conservation and development, which is of pressing urgency. Consequently, these research gaps offer guidance into future action that needs to take place in terms of improving ecotourism practices in India.

5. Conclusion

Looking forward, the practice of ecotourism is likely to become more of a pressing issue. The aims of the Sustainable Development Goals make it more critical than ever that ecotourism initiatives promote rather than hinder environmental conservation and prevent further degradation of environmentally sensitive areas. Unfortunately, as a majority of the cited research shows and Poyyamoli (2018) asserts, ecotourism initiatives in India have previously been examples of ‘pseudo ecotourism’ which can cause further ecological damage as well as having inequitable socio-economic implications. Recent research into ecotourism in India has emphasised that the National Ecotourism Policy is ​‘lackadaisical’ (Cabral and Lochan Dhar, 2019, p.12) and demands for ‘better and more rigorous policies’ (Das and Chatterjee, 2015, p.145), thus current practices mean that ecotourism cannot be the ‘magic bullet’ (Ghosh and Ghosh, 2019, p.363) between conservation and development without policy reform. 

Although this essay is limited in length, clear patterns and examples of poor ecotourism practice across India have been unveiled and these ‘pseudo ecotourism’ techniques will continue to prevail unless national policy transformation occurs.

6. References

Cabral, C., and Dhar, R. L. (2019). Ecotourism research in India: from an integrative literature review to a future research framework. ​ Journal of Ecotourism ,​ pp.1-27. 

Chowdhury, A. and Maiti, S.K., (2016). Assessing the ecological health risk in a conserved mangrove ecosystem due to heavy metal pollution: A case study from Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, India. ​ Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal ​, ​ 22 ​(7), pp.1519-1541. 

Cobbinah, P.B.,( 2015). Contextualising the meaning of ecotourism. ​ Tourism Management Perspectives ​, (16), pp.179-189. 

Das, D. and Hussain, I., (2016). Does ecotourism affect economic welfare? Evidence from Kaziranga National Park, India. ​ Journal of Ecotourism ​, ​ 15 ​(3), pp.241-260. 

Das, M. and Chatterjee, B., (2015). Ecotourism and empowerment: A case analysis of Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, Odisha, India. ​ IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review ​, ​ 4 ​(2), pp.136-145. 

Datta, D. and Banerji, S., (2015). Local tourism initiative in an eastern Himalayan village: sustainable ecotourism or small-scale nature exploitation?. ​ Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series ​, ​ 27 ​(27), pp.33-49. 

Ghosh, P. and Ghosh, A., (2019). Is ecotourism a panacea? Political ecology perspectives from the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, India. ​ GeoJournal ,​ ​ 84 (​ 2), pp.345-366. 

Poyyamoli, G. (2018). Ecotourism Policy in India: Rhetoric and Reality.​ Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, ​ 1(1), pp.46-61. 

Puri, M., Karanth, K.K. and Thapa, B., (2019). Trends and pathways for ecotourism research in India. ​ Journal of Ecotourism ,​ ​ 18 (​ 2), pp.122-141. 

Scheyvens, R., (2000). Promoting women’s empowerment through involvement in ecotourism: Experiences from the Third World. Journal of sustainable tourism, 8(3), pp.232-249. 

Shrestha, S., Miranda, I., Kumar, A., Pardo, M.L.E., Dahal, S., Rashid, T., Remillard, C. and Mishra, D.R., (2019). Identifying and forecasting potential biophysical risk areas within a tropical mangrove ecosystem using multi-sensor data.  International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation ,  74 , pp.281-294.

The International Ecotourism Society. (2015). ​ TIES Announces Ecotourism Principles Revision – The International Ecotourism Society ​. [online] Available at: https://ecotourism.org/news/ties-announces-ecotourism-principles-revision/ [Accessed 11 Dec. 2019]. 

Voumard, M. (2019). Promises and pitfalls of ecotourism: patterns from a literature review.​ Investigaciones Turísticas ​ (17), pp.1-23.

#Write for Routes

Are you 6th form or undergraduate geographer?

Do you have work that you are proud of and want to share?

Submit your work to our expert team of peer reviewers who will help you take it to the next level.

Related articles

Share this:

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Ecotourism Policy in India: Rhetoric and Reality

Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2018); http://journals.grassrootsinstitute.net/journal1-natural-resources/

16 Pages Posted: 25 Mar 2021

G. Poyyamoli

Pondicherry University - Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences

Date Written: August 13, 2018

Although there is a National Ecotourism Policy for India, it has serious flaws that permit “green washing” resulting in the degradation of nature and culture in highly sensitive ecotourism destination areas. National Ecotourism Policy is critically reviewed in this article, indicating the lacuna and shortcomings that throw some light on the gap between rhetoric and reality. Remedial policy interventions for promoting authentic ecotourism in India are suggested in this article based on best practice case studies from Asia that will ensure sustainable management of precious natural and cultural resources through community cooperation and collective action at the local and regional level.

Keywords: Ecotourism; Green Washing; Mass Tourism; Sustainability; Livelihoods

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

G. Poyyamoli (Contact Author)

Pondicherry university - department of ecology and environmental sciences ( email ).

Pondicherry 605014 India

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics, related ejournals, sustainability & economics ejournal.

Subscribe to this fee journal for more curated articles on this topic

Consumer Social Responsibility eJournal

Socially responsible investment ejournal, sustainability law & policy ejournal, india law ejournal, environmental law & policy ejournal, environmental anthropology ejournal, climate & environmental psychology ejournal, political economy - development: domestic development strategies ejournal, history & theory of geography ejournal, political economy - development: environment ejournal, agricultural, economic, political & social geography ejournal, cognitive, cultural & historical geography ejournal, environmental, medical & human-ecological geography ejournal.

Ibex Expeditions

The evolution of ecotourism in india, ecotourism can be used to walk a fine line between sustainable habitats and income generation. but it needs a robust will on the part of the stakeholders an a whole host of management systems. in this long form essay, mandip singh soin tackles some important issues around the tourism industry in india. the essay was originally published in the times of india coffee table book – towards a green india..

Tourism was alternately seen as an economic saviour for the region it patronised and as a destroyer of the environment. Through the 70s and 80s, it was thought of as a negative impact on local cultures, values and traditions and often seen as impacting the environment including the wildlife, be it within national parks or outside. In a sense, it is good that finally tourism is considered more than a detrimental force – as a spoiler of places that left garbage in its wake – literally and metaphorically.

The global leaders and thinkers in the tourism industry knew that we could not stop the juggernaut of tourism and indeed we should not, as everyone has an innate desire to travel and discover. Rather, it was thought, let tourism (now the world’s second largest industry) evolve such that it doesn’t stomp about mindlessly, but retains sensitivity on its journey and goes beyond – assisting communities, cultures and the fauna and flora. At this time, the juggernaut of tourism began to take into account the smaller, localized experiences that opened the avenue for hitherto unobserved tourism options.

In the process tourism began to take into account its impact upon the small local communities, in terms of financial revenues being generated by the continuation of their traditions and traditional way of life. Traditional tourism, in turn, got a peek into the secret traditions and dances of different cultures and all the amazing animals and plants and the magical creations of our wonderful planet.

Ecotourism was born as tourism of responsibility and eco consciousness. My friend, Hector Ceballos Lascaurian, who is credited with coining the word ecotourism, defined it thus, “Ecotourism is that tourism that involves traveling to relatively undisturbed natural areas with the specific object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural aspects (both past and present) found in these areas. Ecotourism implies a scientific, aesthetic or philosophical approach, although the ‘ecotourist’ is not required to be a professional scientist, artist or philosopher.”

ECOTOURISM This is no different from today’s world of mass tourism where one can participate in cookie cutter trips, often with a superficial experience of the destination. However, there are a number of options for a tourist to embark upon journeys that are reflective of ecotourism principles, and as Hector said, “to have the ability of immersing him or herself in nature in a way that most people cannot enjoy in their routine, urban existences. This person will eventually acquire a consciousness and knowledge of the natural environment, together with its cultural aspects, that will convert him into somebody keenly involved in conservation issues.” By 1989, the International Ecotourism Society was launched and they defined ecotourism as , “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” The key principles were:

• To allow people to discover and travel to natural areas in a conscious way so that every visitor could make a small difference.
• Minimize the negative impacts of tourism.
• Contribute to the conservation efforts.
• Employ locally and give money back to the community.
• Educate visitors about the local environment and culture.
• Cooperate with local people to manage natural areas.
• Provide a positive experience for both – the visitor and the host

This was an effort at showcasing how ecotourism, with its enormous potential to do good, was the antithesis of mass tourism, which generally comprised tourists lazing on crowded beaches, with their hotels depleting fresh water reserves in the area. The cultural impact on the local communities was adverse and such that they made the locals feel inadequate. In contrast, the subtle re-affirmation of the local communities’ beliefs and traditions, which are the hallmark of true ecotourism, allowed the local communities to invest their traditions and traditional way of life with a sense of value that could also bring in revenue. As the interactions became more intensive, tourists started to look for ways of giving back and helping communities and many years later this gave rise to ‘voluntourism’. This is a type of tourism where the essential component of a ‘give back’ is often reflected in tourists coming and spending weeks sharing their skills – be it teaching in schools or helping with patients at hospitals, for the upliftment of the communities.

THE RISE OF ECOTOURISM

What ecotourism was basically doing, was to bring to the table a consciousness that allowed even the non-nature based tourists to adopt what is now popularly called responsible tourism principles and actions. This, in a sense, was a direct result of two key interventions at a global level. First, the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992 adopted Agenda 21 of Sustainable Development of the UN and tourism needed to adapt and support it. The resolution defined sustainable tourism as, “tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions, while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future.”

This, years later, led to the formulation of the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) in 2008, a collaborative effort between the UN and other advocacy groups. The criteria, which are voluntary, involve the following standards, “effective sustainability planning, maximum social and economic benefits for local communities, minimum negative impacts on cultural heritage, and minimum negative impacts on the environment.” (Clarkin and Kähler)

In India, our own journey on the ecotourism path started way back in the 80s.

In 1989, a personal turning point made me more of an eco-warrior/pacifist than I had imagined as a result of taking part in a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) supported Arctic environmental expedition called Icewalk. The Polar explorer Robert Swan, who had organized this expedition, communicated, in a strong message, that the problem was created by us and, therefore, we must find the solutions. He inspired us and made us believe that each one of us can make a difference. So, I decided upon my return, to try and make the tourism sector in India ecosensitive. Being a mountaineer and explorer I already had an innate respect for the outdoor world. Now, I decided that my company, one of India’s pioneering adventure travel company, Ibex Expeditions would try to prove that good environmental sense is also good business sense and began signing up for the Himalayan environment code of good practice. We also learned that when they understood the logic behind it, travellers were more than willing to abide by the code.

It was such practices and more that we wanted to bring about in the travel industry. This needed to be jointly dealt with by the government as well as the industry. So, at PATA (the Pacific Asia Travel Association), which was the largest advocacy group in our part of the world, we started to log in best practices and keep abreast with ecotourism developments the world over. In 1998, we helped draft the national ecotourism policy for the government through an interactive process between government officials, NGOs and the industry. The idea was to identify our ecotourism resources and enumerate the principles that would lead to sensitization for sustainable tourism growth.

PATA’s international sustainable and social responsibility committee created a traveller’s code, which initiated travellers into becoming auditors of the organisations they chose to travel with, as well as the lodges and hotels they stayed in. Soon, the same committee evolved simple environmental guidelines for airlines, railways, cruise liners, transporters, and national tourism boards. For the first time the leaders of the tourism industry in India took a public environmental pledge on the World Environment Day on June 7, 1999.

Next came the publication of the ‘Environment & Ecotourism Handbook – A Practical Guide for the Tourism Industry’.

Now in its 4th edition, this compilation of do’s and don’ts, handy facts, best practices, resources, etc., continues to be the guiding star for many. This edition also contains a vital document called the Sustainable Tourism Criteria of India for the tour operators and the hotels and accommodation sectors, which came about as a result of year-long consultations amongst the industry stakeholders and the government.

This was based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) and our mission was to adapt it to India, keeping in mind, the diverse geographical regions as well as differing cultural sensitivities. The Sustainable Tourism Criteria of India was first launched at the UNWTO meeting in Hyderabad in 2013 and once again comprehensively launched on World Tourism Day in New Delhi on 27 September, 2014.

ON THE GROUND

The impact of this knowledge; that was being relentlessly disseminated through meetings, conferences and workshops; was visible. First, we saw a wonderful experiment of the Kerala Tourism and the Forest Departments coming together to rehabilitate the bark poachers of Periyar as tourist guides, with the help of the Kerala tourism industry. This was a win-win solution towards preventing poaching and providing a livelihood for locals.

Ecotourism implies a scientific, aesthetic or philosophical approach, although the ‘ecotourist’ is not required to be a professional scientist, artist or philosopher.

Over the Cauvery, in Karnataka, the Jungle Lodges Corporation launched a programme of Mahaseer fishing where guests would use local people as fishing guides or Gillies. Based on a catch and release principle, the programme was a sustainable operation, employing ecotourism principles and enabled locals to profit from preserving the river rather than depleting its fish. In Kerala, around the lake of Kumarakom, Jose Dominic, the visionary behind the CGH Earth Group hotels, embarked on an eco-sensitive journey in conceiving resorts where one of the core values was to save heritage homes from being destroyed or sold. Instead, they were reassembled beautifully against the Vembanad Lake in the resort called Coconut Lagoon.

In Nagaland the youngsters of Konohma village near Kohima were hunting down even endangered birds like Blyth’s Pheasant and Tragopans because they needed meat on their table and didn’t have the resource to buy chickens from the market. Involving the village community and the tourism department of Nagaland, we helped these very bird poachers to become guides for tourists who were interested in bird watching. Another ambitious rehabilitation and ecotourism project has been undertaken in the Chambal valley. We are helping rehabilitate the famous Chambal dacoits as ecotourism guides as the area is teeming with wildlife. Two river expeditions have been undertaken on the Chambal along with the MP Ecotourism Development Board.

Our native village, in Karnataka, the brain child of an advertising entrepreneur C.B. Ram Kumar, is built on a 12-acre farm and all its 24 rooms are naturally cooled through a good wind flow design. As a first, his swimming pool resembles a natural pond where a special algae cleans the water better than chlorine! Every brick used has been made from the soil in the land and the bricks have been sun-dried rather than being baked in a kiln. They have a solar plant for electricity, they use bio gas, and they harvest rain water, and generally have a zero waste attitude.

Close to Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary, the Orange County resort at Kabini, under Cherian Ramapuram’s leadership, succeeded in bringing tribals back from their search for work. Today, many of them find employment in the resort and restaurants. Back in Kerala, a dynamic young IAS officer launched Kudumbashree in 1998 for eradicating poverty through concerted community action under the leadership of local self-governments. Today, the Kudumbashree initiative of providing the women a more dignified life and a better future has succeeded. It did so through an interface with tourism stakeholders like the hotels and resorts. They started to procure their food supplies from these local groups after shedding their fears of lack of quality control, etc. This has led to the tilling of otherwise fallow land and was a good way for a tourism entity to engage with the neighbouring community.

THE ECOTOURISM SOCIETY OF INDIA

In 2008, after an interactive Indo-Australian inter-governmental meeting on ecotourism, the Ministry of Tourism asked us to form a national body that could focus on ecotourism with its wider mandate of driving responsible tourism through all the sectors. Thirteen founding members from diverse backgrounds like state government departments of tourism and forests, the tourism industry, NGOs and even a member of Parliament came together to found the Ecotourism Society of India (ESOI). These founding members are P.D. Rai, member of Parliament; Dr Venu V, IAS, former Secretary of Tourism, Kerala; Jose Dominic, CEO, CGH Earth Hotels; Ravi Singh, Secretary General, WWF India; Steve Borgia, managing director, Indeco Leisure Hotels; Rakesh Mathur, Indian Hotel and Heritage Association; K.K. Singh, former MLA and environmentalist; Toby Sinclair, wildlife film maker; C.R. Sarath, naturalist; Sudhir Sahi, UNDP consultant, Niranjan Khatri, former GM, Environment, ITC Hotels; and Avay Shukla, former Additional Chief Secretary Forests of Himachal and I.

We also have five illustrious personalities as our honorary patron members. Over the course of six years and after 12 national workshops on responsible tourism, environmental law and best practices, we have helped raise the consciousness of the stakeholder participants and some more wonderful examples have been added at an accelerated pace to the handful that were swimming against the current earlier. Most notable is that of Ishita Khanna, a young lady from Welham Girls’ who went to the Spiti valley and, with a bunch of friends, formed Ecosphere, a social enterprise, that uses tourism revenues, generated through experiences offered to the tourists, for the betterment of the people in the area of Dhankar. Ecosphere has helped develop comfortable homestays in the attractive homes of the villagers thus augmenting the income of the local community and has trained locals to become guides to spot the elusive Himalayan Wolf.

Even the Ministry of Tourism implemented ecotourism principles through the launch of their rural tourism project that seeks to showcase rural life and immersive interactions to the tourists. Their Hodka project in Gujarat won the PATA Gold Award.

THE POSSIBILITIES

All ecotourism experiences and projects need not only be basic and budget. Taj Safaris changed that definitively by bringing in deluxe properties in Madhya Pradesh and enhancing the quality of the tourism experience many fold by quality guiding and interpretation. For their help to wildlife survival they officially partnered the MP Forest Department in relocating the Gaurs from Kanha to Bandhavgarh. Otherwise, the Gaurs would have been wiped out in the event of any epidemic. They also support local communities in several initiatives.

So, I am very hopeful that India will continue its journey towards sustainable tourism. But intent alone cannot win the day. I worry when I hear of the tourism industry and government trying for a double digit increase in India’s share of tourists. Despite the great examples I have focused on, there are also many challenges. If we don’t put the principles of responsible tourism into practice in every tourism policy that the government draws up, or indeed every action the industry takes, it is simply not going to work because we are also sometimes too lax with our management systems.

The success of Aamir Kahn’s film, which used Ladakh and the picturesque Pangong lake as a locale, brought in its wake an increased awareness of Ladakh. From a prior daily visitor number of eight jeep loads of tourists per day, it has reached an astounding 350 jeep loads of tourists per day in the high season. This impacts the tourism experience, creates non-biodegradable garbage, but worst still is the uncontrolled behaviour. The marmots are being fed by the tourists and that is an epidemic waiting to break out. This is a classic case where basic tourist management could ameliorate the situation. A couple of years ago, the tourism industry went through a crisis when the Tiger/ Wildlife tourism almost came to a grinding halt after the intervention of the Supreme Court. This was because of the absence of proper land use regulations around sanctuaries and national parks by the government and the greed displayed by the industry to exploit the loopholes and make a quick buck even to the detriment of the wildlife and the tourist experience!

CARRYING CAPACITY

So, the crying need is to institute a set of carrying capacity studies in all different geographical zones and across all tourism “products”; be it trekking or jeep safaris or rafting or wild life visits or indeed even our heritage sites and monuments. In theory, the government has accepted the committee’s recommendation for the 12th Five-Year plan and hopefully created a budget. However, on the ground, nothing has been initiated. This needs to be speed tracked while at the same time allaying the fear of the industry that there will be severe caps on numbers. It is interesting to note that carrying capacities are very flexible and much depends on how strong a management system is in place in order to harmonize the tourist flow to the diverse sites. If we can use these ecotourism principles to also protect our eroding traditional vernacular architecture, it will be a step in the right direction. Guidelines for constructing resorts and hotels, which must reflect the local character of the landscapes and cultures, are needed but these guidelines need to be implemented at both the centre and state levels.

We can actually aspire to be one of the world’s leading ecotourism destinations by 2025 if we can fix the loopholes like poor management systems and really develop the tourism potential of India, which is immense, in accordance with the principles of ecotourism and responsible and sustainable tourism. Of course, this requires a true partnership between not just the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment but also between the people and the land and its equally important non-human inhabitants.

Written for the Times of India Coffee Table Book – Towards a Green India

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

Sustainable Tourism for Regional Development in North-East States of India: Trends, Problems and Prospects

Northeastern part of India comprising the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim possesses great physical and human diversities to project it as one of the most potential areas of the country in respect of tourism. The North-Eastern states of India are lesser explored as compared to the rest of the country, despite their scenic beauty. In the context of a globally growing sector like tourism, North-East India with both physical and human diversities is one of the most promising regions of the country in respect of tourism. Considering the significance of the tourism sector as a catalyst for regional development, an attempt has been made in this article to visualize the trend and development of tourism sector in Northeastern region and focus on the need for adoption of a sustainable tourism development strategy. Furthermore, the present study is also an attempt to address the key determinants of sustainability of tourism industry...

Related Papers

Dr. PRAVEEN RIZAL

Tourism sector is not only a growth engine but also an employment generator of the nation. Nevertheless, it is the number of tourist arrival which defines the present status and future prospects of tourism. Further, various measures have been used to rank the top tourism economy in the world especially on the basis of tourist arrival, tourism receipt, tourism expenditure etc. The present study is an attempt to overview and rank the comparative status of tourism among the Indian states, with the help of Density of Tourist Population (DTP). The study concludes that DTP can be used as an easy and simple alternative method to rank the states. According to DTP ranking, Delhi, Chandigarh, Daman and Diu, Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu has been ranked as the top five states and Union Territories (U.Ts), and Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Meghalaya are the lowest five states. The present study advocates for sustainable tourism policy in top ranked states/U.Ts and Tourism destination development policy in lowest ranked states/U.Ts. It has also been observed that the North-eastern states of India need more comprehensive planning in this regard. In this context, the present study does not advocate to stop the inflow of tourists in the area of high DTP area. Rather, it alerts the planner and gives a light to plan properly and take immediate sustainable planning and research for the top ranked states/U.Ts and Tourism Destination Development planning for the lowest ranked states/U.Ts.

SSRN Electronic Journal

Cornell University - arXiv

Ms. Janifar Alam

Creating a Sustainable Ecology Using Technology-Driven Solutions

ali mamhoori

The issues surrounding the understanding and practice of sustainability in tourism are becoming increasingly important to both academicians and tourism planners. For more than two decades the attainment of sustainable development and the protection of touristic assets have been at the forefront of central policy issues in global tourism development. Recently, it has been argued that collaborative and associative forms of governance among tourism stakeholders are growing in importance in the drive for sustainable tourism development. Despite the increasing number of debates on the role of stakeholders in tourism, they are not well supported by empirical studies and how such stakeholders can contribute to the sustainable development of tourism. This study investigates various sustainable tourism development dimensions among tourism stakeholders and whether these dimensions depend on the demographic characteristics of stakeholders. By employing factor analysis, the study reveals that t...

BL College journal

suman kalyan Chaudhury

Dr.Akhil goyal , Jitendra Singh

Abstract In 1988, the United Nations World Tourism organization (UNWTO) defined sustainable tourism as ‘leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems’. Later in 1992, the ‘Earth Summit’ in Rio established the triple principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability. Since then, the principles of sustainable tourism have been adopted by the tourism industry worldwide. In India, the tourism sector is based on its unique endowments of biodiversity, forests, rivers, and its rich culture and heritage. The challenges in this sector lie in successfully preserving these in their original form, and making them accessible to domestic and international travelers, together with safeguarding the economic interest and heritage of local communities. Key words:-Sustainable Tourism, Environmental Issues, Return of Investment, Responsible Tourism, Stallholders, Monitoring & Planning.

Viju Mathew

Sustainability is a multidimensional concept that encompasses not just environmental protection but also extends to economic development and social equity (Gladwin, et al., 1995). The tourism system is a complex social system and considered as a smokeless industry which operates within the micro and macro environments considering all factors of competitiveness and sustainability. "Tourism Industry Forecast" indicates that the tourism industry is growing at a faster rate with large number of tourist flow over the world. In case of South Asian countries the experience and opportunities can be elaborated in various areas of travel and tourism. Inspite, of having massive infrastructure, support facilities and travel and tour destination with great value chain has not yet received great attention from the global tourist community and have not yet in the global ranking of highest tourist destination arrivals. This paper tries to find various components of sustainable tourism in ...

IPE Journal of Management

Indranil Bose , PhD, FHEA

Sustainable tourism or sustainable development through tourism or tourism development in terms of sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly relevant among contemporary scholars from different countries. The relevance of sustainable tourism has evolved from eco-tourism to community tourism and from community tourism to sensible tourism involving 'waste management' , 'energy management' etc. In the present paper, attempt has been made to review the concepts and practices of contemporary sustainable tourism, those have evolved over the periods of time. The three major early sustainable tourism initiatives in the states of India, those are considered as 'Early bird states' have also been briefly discussed in the paper. Finally, a short survey based empirical study has been conducted to do a comparative study based on the opinions related to 'sustainable tourism in India', where some Indian tourists and 'non-Indian/foreign tourists', those have travelled to India in recent years have been involved.

International Journal of Commerce and Business Management

Tourism is widely being recognized by the governments the world over as a sector with immense potential for economic development and employment generation. Various international agencies like World Tourism Organization (WTO) have pointed out the vast developmental potential of tourism, particularly with reference to the developing nations, like India. It has been estimated that economies like India and China would emerge as the superpowers in world tourism by the years 2020.Of late, Asia Pacific region is fast growing in tourism though the region as a whole has been rather lagging behind the world. Similarly, India has also been late in encouraging tourism as a means of economic development, but the scenario has changed since the early 2000s. For instance, in the year 2006, the foreign tourists arrivals in India (4.45 million) have been almost double that of 1996 (2.29 million), while the earnings have almost tripled during the period, from Rs. 10046 Crore to Rs.29604 Crore. Further, in line with the above increasing trend, for the seven months’ period January to July 2007 the provisional figures stand at 2.76 million as against 2.47 for the corresponding period of 2006. However, in spite of the appreciable growth in tourism over the last few years and also the excellent prospects that the industry offers for economic development there are growing apprehensions regarding the sustainability of tourism as a development paradigm because of various reasons, but most importantly the adverse impacts of tourism on the environment. Accordingly, it is widely believed that environment friendly tourism alone can be sustainable for development in the long run. In the above context, this paper seeks to (i) make an overall review of the current status of global tourism and its trends and patterns, (ii) make a detailed analysis of Indian tourism, its development over the years, problems and prospects, (iii) strategies for sustainable tourism development in India, with focus on environment friendly tourism. The paper considers, inter alia, relevant global experiences, ever-growing environmental issues, and after all the peculiar socioeconomic, geographic and such other features characteristic of the Indian union.

javaid nabi

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.

RELATED PAPERS

Dr. Archan Mitra , Asif khan

SALESIAN JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

Rashmita Barua

Journal of Mountain Science

sarika bahadure

Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad

Journal ijmr.net.in(UGC Approved)

Journal of World Economy

B Suresh Lal, PhD

Vijay Sushmaa

IAMEM PUBLICATION

IAEME Publication

Dr. Jeet Dogra

Journal of Tourism & Hospitality

Dr Mahesh Chandra Uniyal

Latin American Journal of Tourismology

Gowhar wani

eSAT Journals

Emergence of Tourism in Sustainable Growth of India

Nagaraju L G , Lakshmi Nagaraju

ranjana tiwari

Gursharan Kaur

Tourism Management Perspectives

Dr. M. Sultan Bhat

Journal of Tourism

Mohit Payal , Ashish Jangid

Tushar Mandal

Dr Ghanashyam Deka

Tij S Research Journal of Economics Business Studies Rjebs

Dr Raju Subba

GOUTAM BERA

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

UPSC Coaching, Study Materials, and Mock Exams

Enroll in ClearIAS UPSC Coaching Join Now Log In

Call us: +91-9605741000

Ecotourism: A Scenic Journey

Last updated on December 28, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

A team of educationists and government officials visited the Dongrim-Mandur area to explore the possibility of developing a pilot eco-tourism project.

Do you think ecotourism should be promoted in India? Learn its role in the sustainable development of the state.

Also, read about the Buddhist tourism circuit.

Table of Contents

What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is an entirely new approach to tourism. It is the preservation of trips to natural areas to appreciate the natural and cultural history of the area while taking care not to disturb the ecosystem’s integrity. This will generate economic opportunities that benefit the local population by promoting the conservation and protection of natural resources.

It is also defined as, tourism that includes exploring natural areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves to take in the scenic beauty of a wide variety of flora and animals.

According to experts, the promotion of ecotourism is essential to spreading a better understanding of nature and bolstering conservation efforts. It significantly contributes to the empowerment of local communities by giving them alternate means of support.

UPSC CSE 2025: Study Plan ⇓

(1) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims cum Mains

(2) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims Test Series

(3) ⇒ UPSC 2025: CSAT

Note: To know more about ClearIAS Courses (Online/Offline) and the most effective study plan, you can call ClearIAS Mentors at +91-9605741000, +91-9656621000, or +91-9656731000.

Purpose of Ecotourism

• Educate the traveller.
• Raise public awareness of the need to protect forests.
• To provide funds for ecological conservation.
• Aid and prosper neighborhood communities and raise their standard of existence.
• To foster respect for different cultures and human rights.

Guiding Principles for Ecotourism

• Ecotourism places a paramount emphasis on preserving natural habitats, biodiversity, and ecosystems.
• Responsible tour operators and travelers aim to leave minimal environmental impact during their visits.
• Local communities are integral to ecotourism initiatives, benefiting economically and socially from tourism activities.
• Empowering communities to participate in decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and ensures the long-term success of ecotourism projects.
• Ecotourism emphasizes the importance of respecting and preserving local cultures and traditions.
• Tourists are encouraged to engage in cultural exchange while minimizing any negative impact on indigenous communities.
• Ecotourism seeks to educate visitors about the natural and cultural significance of the destinations they visit.
• Interpretation centers, guided tours, and informational materials contribute to raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of the environment.
• Sustainable tourism practices, such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and responsible water usage, are core tenets of ecotourism.
• Accommodations and facilities are designed to operate in harmony with the environment.

The positive impact of Eco-tourism

• An opportunity to preserve ecosystems and biological diversity.
• It is environment-friendly.
• It generates public interest in and awareness of India’s native flora and fauna. It serves as a platform to inform and support conservation activities.
• Increases the revenue derived from tourism: It boosts economic development in areas surrounding reserves through sustainable development.
• Creation of employment opportunities for the locals: In a rural area, it might generate employment. By imparting to the visitor their knowledge of the local geography and environment, it gives the locals a chance to escape poverty.
• Preservation of local culture: neighborhood residents to participate in conserving and defending their local area.
• Ecotourism-related businesses can improve the long-term economic prospects of a town.
• Protected areas and nature conservation provide many benefits to society.

Ecotourism in India

• India, a country with a diverse landscape, has several tourist attractions that can both relieve tension and revitalize you.
• There are several ways to enjoy Mother Nature in the most pristine way.
• A selected few locations, like the Himalayan region, Kerala, Northeast India, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the Lakshadweep Islands, allow you to take advantage of Mother Nature’s priceless bounty. The first planned ecotourism destination in India was Thenmala , which was established to serve eco-tourists and lovers of the outdoors.
• The geography of India is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. India’s surroundings are home to a large number of rare and endangered species.
• The expansion of the wildlife resource, which was once constrained by the hunting of many kings, has been aided by the creation of numerous wildlife areas and national parks.
• Community-led eco-tourism initiatives have been launched in several Indian states and union territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Kerala, Sikkim, and West Bengal.
• Several communities in Ladakh have started homestay programs for hikers and other tourists, with money raised going toward village development and conservation.
• The Maharana Kumbha Common Interest Group established the “Green Village Project” in Khonoma village, close to Kohima, which includes nine BPL communities. The young people received visitor management training. The camp includes hiking, folk dances, camel and horseback riding, and more.

Challenges associated with Ecotourism

• Striking a balance between allowing access for visitors and protecting delicate ecosystems can be challenging.
• Overcrowding can lead to environmental degradation and disrupt the very ecosystems ecotourism aims to preserve.
• Some businesses may falsely label their operations as ecotourism to attract environmentally conscious consumers.
• Proper certification and transparent communication are crucial to combat greenwashing .
• Developing infrastructure to support ecotourism without negatively impacting the environment poses a challenge.
• Roads, accommodations, and facilities must be designed and constructed with sustainability in mind.
• Unmanaged tourism can lead to cultural commodification and a loss of authenticity in local traditions.
• Balancing cultural preservation with tourism demands requires thoughtful planning.
• Climate change poses a threat to many ecotourism destinations, impacting ecosystems and wildlife.
• Adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change is a growing concern for the sustainability of ecotourism.

India, a country with diverse terrain, offers many tourist destinations that not only help people unwind but also revitalize them. There are numerous methods to take in Mother Nature in the purest form.

There are only a few sites where you may appreciate the priceless bounty of Mother Nature, like the Himalayan region, Kerala, North-East India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Lakshadweep Islands.

Also read:  Ecocide

Article Written by: Remya

Top 10 Best-Selling ClearIAS Courses

Upsc prelims cum mains (pcm) gs course: unbeatable batch 2025 (online), rs.75000   rs.29000, upsc prelims marks booster + 2025 (online), rs.19999   rs.14999, upsc prelims test series (pts) 2025 (online), rs.9999   rs.4999, csat course 2025 (online), current affairs course 2025 (online), ncert foundation course (online), essay writing course for upsc cse (online), ethics course for upsc cse (online), upsc interview marks booster course (online), rs.9999   rs.4999.

About ClearIAS Team

ClearIAS is one of the most trusted learning platforms in India for UPSC preparation. Around 1 million aspirants learn from the ClearIAS every month.

Our courses and training methods are different from traditional coaching. We give special emphasis on smart work and personal mentorship. Many UPSC toppers thank ClearIAS for our role in their success.

Download the ClearIAS mobile apps now to supplement your self-study efforts with ClearIAS smart-study training.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don’t lose out without playing the right game!

Follow the ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Integrated Approach.

Join ClearIAS PCM Course Now

UPSC Online Preparation

• Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• IAS Exam Eligibility
• UPSC Free Study Materials
• UPSC Exam Guidance
• UPSC Prelims Test Series
• UPSC Syllabus
• UPSC Online
• UPSC Prelims
• UPSC Interview
• UPSC Toppers
• UPSC Previous Year Qns
• UPSC Age Calculator
• UPSC Calendar 2024
• About ClearIAS
• ClearIAS Programs
• ClearIAS Fee Structure
• IAS Coaching
• UPSC Coaching
• UPSC Online Coaching
• ClearIAS Blog
• Important Updates
• Announcements
• Book Review
• ClearIAS App
• Work with us
• Advertise with us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Talk to Your Mentor

Featured on

and many more...

ClearIAS Programs: Admissions Open

Thank You 🙌

UPSC CSE 2025: Study Plan

Subscribe ClearIAS YouTube Channel

Get free study materials. Don’t miss ClearIAS updates.

Subscribe Now

IAS/IPS/IFS Online Coaching: Target CSE 2025

Cover the entire syllabus of UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains systematically.

Eco Eco Eco Eco Eco Eco

Activities Parks Wonders Places Lodge/Resorts Trips/Tours

What is Eco-Tourism Home Stays Flora & Fuana

Rishikesh Whitewater Rafting

Duration: 02 Nights - 03 Days

Bird Watching Tour

Duration: 05 Nights - 06 Days

Indian Tiger Safari

Duration: 07 Nights - 08 Days

Nepal Himalayas Tour

Duration: 09 Nights - 10 Days

Nature Trail In Flowers Valley

Duration: 11 Nights - 12 Days

Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

India’s tourism growth has been exponential in the last decade. India attracts domestic and international tourists as a preferred destination. Tourism lets the international tourists understand and experience firsthand India’s cultural diversity. Official estimates paint a rosy picture of the Indian tourism industry. It has outperformed the global tourism industry in the context of growth in the volume of foreign tourists, including the corresponding revenue growth. The growth in Indian tourism has been commensurate with the growth in the Indian economy. The economic upsurge is perhaps the main reason for the growth in tourism in India. Nonetheless, the infrastructural constraint must also be admitted. If the current growth is to be sustained, the government needs to invest in infrastructure projects like hotels, transport, lodging and accommodation, improved roads, healthcare and hygiene, internet connectivity, etc. With the aim of sustaining the growth, the industry has, on the other hand, investing in new technology like CRM tools and state-of-the-art security systems.

Segments within Tourism

There are several segments within tourism; medical tourism, cultural heritage tourism, and eco-tourism, to name a few. India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage attracts millions of tourists each year to its monumental attractions led by the Taj. The traditional Indian way of life, simple and calm, appeals in a big way. India is also one of the popular eco-tourism destinations in the world, promoting conservation of nature, responsible travel, and sustainable environmental growth with minimum destruction. Its luxuriant flora and fauna and breathtaking biodiversity heritage from the wetlands in the Himalayan region to the natural caves in the Khasi and Garo hills, the backwaters of Kerala, and shifting sand dunes of Thar Desert draw tourists and academics from every corner of the world. Adventure tourism gives the Youth the thrill of trekking on challenging terrain, while Pilgrimage tourism explores the origins of religion and spirituality. Medical Tourism is one of the fastest growing segments within tourism. India has successfully leveraged its competitive edge in comparison with the other countries. India has the advantage of a strong pool of skilled doctors backed by a sound medical infrastructure. The quality of private healthcare here is world class, and the treatment and procedures cost-effective. Overseas patients flock to India for common treatments that India can offer at a competitive price. The most common of these include bypass and other heart surgery, hip and knee transplant, cosmetic surgery, and dental care, among others. India’s traditional therapies, including yoga and Ayurveda, are also popular rejuvenation therapies attracting foreign tourists.

Economic Importance of Tourism

The economics of tourism in India is mind boggling. The World Travel & Tourism Council calculated that tourism generated 8.31 lakh crore (US$120 billion) or 6.3% of the nation’s GDP in 2015 and supported 37.315 million jobs, 8.7% of its total employment. The sector is predicted to grow at an average annual rate of 7.5% to 18.36 lakh crore (US$270 billion) by 2025 (7.2% of GDP). In October 2015, India’s medical tourism sector was estimated to be worth US$3 billion. It is projected to grow to $7–8 billion by 2020. Domestic tourism has witnessed an exponential rise from 2000 to over 1.85 billion in 2018 and growing.

Tourism Challenges and Solutions The biggest challenge is to enhance nationwide tourism infrastructure. Upgrading the existing hotels and building many more with a focus on quality and target groups is essential. Cities that attract a large number of international tourists should be upgraded with world-class amenities, while participation of residents and the local community should be promoted in rural tourism. Another challenge is that ecotourism is fragile, and without proper regulations, it can unsettle the harmony between man and nature. There is an urgent need to develop human resources to meet the needs of the tourism and hospitality industry, both quantitatively and qualitatively. This would also check the fleecing of unsuspecting tourists by tricksters. More hotel management institutes should be established and more HM graduates absorbed in the sector. A pan India vocational training system should be established to harness local drop-outs and semi-literate youth in tourist hotspots to employ them as official tourist guides and other related profiles. Employment and rising incomes will also curb crimes against tourists, a problem that takes away a little too many footfalls in India and hurts the image of the country as well. Publicity and marketing is another area that needs re-thinking. “Incredible India!” campaign seems to have outlived its utility, for even Vietnam and Indonesia have a greater share in international tourist arrivals than India. We need to think beyond traditional means and emphasize rural tourism and adventure tourism, taking advantage of thrifty and extravagant classes. Lack of cleanliness is a major problem. Insanitary conditions and a dirty environment drive tourists away. Swachh Bharat Mission is a good step in this regard. World class amenities at major Ghats and cleaning of major rivers Ganga, Yamuna, etc., will definitely increase footfalls in the cities they flow by, namely Varanasi, Delhi, Agra, and so on.

National Tourism Policy

Recognizing these problems, the Government of India has drafted National Tourism Policy, 2015. More than 50% of the Ministry of Tourism’s expenditure on Plan schemes is incurred for the development of tourism infrastructure at various tourist destinations and circuits, e.g., PRASAD scheme for pilgrimage tourism augmentation, development of Buddhist circuit, etc. Such schemes need to be converged with other related schemes. For example, efforts of PRASAD could be converged with that of the HRIDAY scheme of the Ministry of Urban Development for heritage city augmentation. E-recognition of travel service providers such as travel agents, tour operators, etc., bodes well for the tourism trade. Market research is equally important for policy-makers for planning/ policy formulation and monitoring the progress of schemes and evaluating their impact. Cooperation with international organizations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) could further help increase international tourist arrivals and receipts. On this particular front, the easing of the Indian tourist visa regime has been a positive development.

India’s Tourism Competitiveness

India seems to be heading right despite challenges. It has shown the maximum growth in global tourism, jumping from the 40th rank in 2017 to 34th among 140, the only lower-middle-income nation among the top 35, in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019 published by the World Economic Forum. It shows India also greatly improved its business environment (89th to 39th), overall T&T policy and enabling conditions (79th to 69th), infrastructure (58th to 55th); and information and communications technology (ICT) readiness (112th to 105th),

Thus, tourism has the potential to transform the economy. With the right policies, requisite budgetary allocation systematised planning, and targeted action, it can indeed prove to be the next big thing for India.

Top Courses for UPSC

FAQs on Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India - UPSC

Semester Notes

Mock tests for examination, practice quizzes, tourism: can this be the next big thing for india - upsc, study material, viva questions, sample paper, objective type questions, shortcuts and tricks, past year papers, extra questions, previous year questions with solutions, video lectures, important questions.

Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India Free PDF Download

Importance of tourism: can this be the next big thing for india, tourism: can this be the next big thing for india notes, tourism: can this be the next big thing for india upsc questions, study tourism: can this be the next big thing for india on the app.

Welcome Back

Create your account for free.

Forgot Password

Unattempted tests, change country, practice & revise.

EcoTourism In India - All You Wanted To Know

What is ecotourism.

Simply put, it is  tourism with an ecological conscience.  It involves visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively untouched natural areas, with the intention to support conservation efforts. One observes the flora and fauna in their natural environment and cause as little impact as possible. It is often done on a small scale and is a great alternative to the mainstream commercial tourism.

Ecotourism is critical. We have far left behind the years when this was simply ‘important’- today it is critical. Today each one of us must contribute towards nature. Nature has all the resources to satisfy man’s need. Although humans have become increasingly greedy (our ‘needs’ remain the same, our ‘wants’ spiral out of control), we need, we want but no one gives back. No one replenishes what they take.

Let me explain biodiversity in the simplest way- the variety of life on earth that exists where each and every species is given equal importance. Homo Sapiens understand the importance of Gender Equality, they promote equal rights for both sexes and give equal importance to both men and women. We know that genders are interdependent. Men can’t live without women and visa versa. Similarly in an ecosystem, species of plants and animals live with each other. Not to forget man also forms a part of an ecosystem. Why then are different species of plants and animals not afforded the same importance, why is the perception of importance between species so skewed?

This photo was clicked on the outskirts of Bangalore at Hessarghatta lake bed and grassland. The habitat is rich in biodiversity but has suffered extensive damage due to over-enthusiastic travellers, unethical photographers, overgrazing cattle and off-roading and motor biking activities by locals and tourists

Importance of Ecotourism

Various human activities have triggered an increase in the population of invasive species which make the survival of other species difficult. This directly hampers the food chain along with the habitat and leads to vulnerable existences in the ecosystem. Today mother earth is screaming for protection and man is single-handedly responsible for having put her in such a trouble. There is still time to put a full stop to this destruction by those responsible for this vulnerable position we find ourselves in. You might like to question me- why should I conserve. To them I say go- back to school and read your 8th Std science textbooks once more.

Here’s why you must conserve:

• Rain-forests are responsible for a stable climate; heard of global warming? Destruction of rainforests is a major contributor!
• Most resources and raw materials that we use today for medicinal or industrial purpose come from the forests
• The ozone layer is still intact, thanks to forests, else we’d be dying of skin cancer
• Studies say that pollution and temperature rise shall destroy all the coral reefs in the next 20-40 years
• The earth’s biological treasures are thrashed and scientists are calling it the 6th mass extinction event
• Thanks to birds that today we can fly Mumbai-Delhi and overseas in no time. Nature is highly inspirational

The Small Pratincole clicked at Malyadi Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka

The reasons for conservation are infinite. If I sit back and start writing it would take me a lifetime- suffices to say, if we don’t conserve mother nature, mother nature will not sustain us. There are many ways by which you can do your bit for nature. I would want you to focus on your roles towards conservation via eco-tourism, one of the fun ways of conserving and helping nature. The tourism that we are exploring today isn’t about living in luxury resorts, throwing waste on streets and in lakes, travelling in AC cars, feeding wild animals, habitat destruction and disturbing the entire balance of the ecosystem. We are talking about responsible tourism where you trek, cycle, live with local tribes, experience the real jungle, learn and conserve. Promising yourself to do all that it takes to protect nature- that’s what makes you a responsible eco-tourist.

Steps to Become an Ecotourist

So if you are planning on promoting Ecotourism in India and also becoming an ecotourist, here are a few points to remember:

1. Read and collect Info: Read as much as you can about the place you’re travelling to- before you go there. Read about all the wildlife found in that ecosystem, distance to maintain from these animals and activities to do without causing disturbances to that habitat.

Preparation is key!

2. Don’t encourage ill practices: Clicking pictures with wild animals or throwing stones to see them react, unruly behavior with local communities, feeding animals, off-roading on open spaces and grasslands

I came across this Rhesus Macaque baby near the Shivapuri National Park in Nepal. I am totally against petting wild animals. Most of these locals end up earning money when people pose with their pets. Encouraging these poor villagers for petting wild animals is a very common mistake done by most travellers who are not yet eco-travellers! 3. Avoid plastic: Avoiding plastic as much as you can is a good practice in day to day life and also a way of promoting ecotourism in India. According to a recent study, 5 trillion pieces of plastic are floating on the world’s ocean weighing about 269,000 tonnes. India ranks 12th on the list of twenty worst marine polluter countries. While on your eco-tour try to reuse your plastic bottle or replace them by steel bottles. Plastic is one the biggest pollution problems in natural spaces and cities.

Plastic ruins the entire ecosystem!

4. Follow the “Leave Only Footprints Approach”: While you explore jungles try and bring back the smallest of your waste. Dispose wherever it is possible to reuse/recycle or is the most appropriate place.

Leave Only Footprints

5. Stay on the trail when you go on treks within the wild: This is beneficial for both you and the wild animals. You can easily find your way back without disturbing the animals or invading in their personal space.

Follow the trail- always!

6. Avoid smoking: This is good for your lungs and the earth’s lungs- the forests. Umpteen times cigarettes thrown in dry deciduous forests have triggered uncontrollable forest fires. Forest fires are the single most important cause of destruction of many species at once. It is imperative that we take all necessary precautions to prevent such avoidable disasters, which are against the very essence of ecotourism in India and all over the world. Also cigarette butts take about two to twenty-five years to biodegrade, if ingested by wildlife animals or marine life it’s often fatal for them.

Cigarette butts are not only notoriously non-biodegradable but also a forest fire hazard!

7. Learn to be ethical in the forests: Photographs are one of the essentials in a traveller’s diary. Learn photography ethics or simply talk to the experts to get an idea of how to click wildlife without disturbing them. This is an important factorwhen it comes to ecotourism in Inda. Here are a few links to help you:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/how-to/nature/wildlife-photography-ethics/

http://focusingonwildlife.com/news/nature-photography-ethics-and-conservation-issues/

I personally like distant photography. This photograph speaks so much about the animal’s habitat. Isn’t it better to capture and witness a Wild Elephant family enjoying at their home. Clicked at Anamalai Tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu

8. Get involved with organisations who promote ecotourism in India: You can choose to work and be an active part of these organisations. I would like to list a few names here- bigger organisations like WWF-India and BNHS run tours and events. Also other private and self funded organisations, one of them being Flock Together- conduct weekend eco-tours based out of Bangalore and Mumbai, learn and have fun.

Organizations which promote ecotourism

9. Make Donations: Everyone must make it a point to donate to conservation efforts! If you do not like ecotourism and wish to travel with all your luxuries and disturb nature- then it’s even more imperative to donate to causes that support conservation. Everyone needs to support the cause. Here are a few links to help you:

https://www.snowleopard.org/shop/index.php?main_page=donate

http://support.wwfindia.org/index.php?link=1&source=WWF_WEB

Donate for a greener tomorrow! 

Places for Ecotourism in India

I would now like to take you through a number of ecotourism destinations in India that you can explore once you have decided to become an eco-tourist. India is a land with a huge diversity of dry deserts, snow-clad mountains, rainforests and the grasslands which are perfect for ecotourism.

1. Valparai, Tamil Nadu

The endangered Nilgiri Tahr (A large mammal, a close relative of sheep, shares common ancestors with cattle, horses etc) protected under section I of the Wildlife Protection Act in India can be witnessed grazing here. Valparai is located at 3,500 feet above the sea level on the Anamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu. While you trek down the Shola forests and the lush green tea gardens you might come across Wild Elephants and Great Hornbills. Homestays for tourists is the best option to live and explore the place.

Nilgiri tahr takes a stroll where no human would dare to walk!

2. Chatru and Chandratal lake, Himachal Pradesh

Eco-tourism in India is about visiting the clearest and most pristine lakes in India while at the same time ensuring that it stays like that! You should always reach these spots by foot because that will help keep the water pure. According to locals, this lake situated at a height of 4,300 meters, has immense spiritual significance. The water can be consumed without much purification. The temperature here reaches up to -20 degrees.

The snow-hooded mountains turned upside down by the beauty of Chandratal Lake 

3. The Seven Sister States

The North-East of India (The states of Arunachal-Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland) is a must-visit on every eco-traveller’s bucket list. These rich tropical rainforests harbour rare and unique species like the Clouded Leopard, One-horned Rhino, Gayal- in the most simple words the wild ox and the only ape found in India-the Hoolock Gibbon. The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland is a once in a lifetime experience, celebrated every year in the first week of December.

The seven sister states and their relative positions!

4. Kokrebellur near Mysore

This village is a prime example of a harmonious relationship between humans and threatened birds- the Spot Billed Pelican and the Painted Storks. The villagers let these birds occupy trees and roofs of their houses, they say the bird droppings are organic manure for their crops. The villagers here welcome the birds like their daughters. When you reach this place as a traveller you would love to hear incredible stories on sustainable living from kids here.

The Spot-billed pelican takes-off 

5. The Crocodile Park, Puducherry

Chennai to Puducherry is a beautiful long drive along the stunning coastline of the Bay of Bengal. Every year Olive-Ridley Turtles come to the shore of Puducherry and lay eggs. A lot of destruction has been caused by tourists visiting these beaches from December to February. Most of these turtles are caught by fishermen and the eggs are consumed by locals. Sometimes mere presence of tourists and touristic activities can unknowingly cause disturbances to this vulnerable species. Ecotourism in India can help in changing the general mindset of the people.

This is what you wouldn’t do because you are now an eco-tourist. You have promised to take all necessary steps for conservation

6. Spiti-Valley

One of the most magnificent valleys in the Himalayas is a home for the near threatened Griffon Vulture. Vultures have suffered 99.9% population decline- most of it owing to habitat destruction and lack of food. The clear blue water of Spiti river is breathtaking and pollution free although at some places you will find traces of human waste disturbing the fragile ecosystem. At Spiti you may come across the elusive snow leopard- if you’re really lucky! There are only 400 odd left in India. The temperature here might go up to -20 degrees. It is advisable to go well prepared to enjoy this picturesque tranquil valley.

On careful observation you might be able to see the river bed through the crystal clear water of Spiti River!

7. Bisle Rainforest, Western Ghats

The western ghats in India are a biodiversity hotspot. Bisle rainforest is a home for numerous snakes, frogs, birds and mammals. Although I must warn you before you head out on an exploration here -the forest here is dense vegetation with fog, cold breeze and rains adding to it. Leeches are among the least creepy creatures that you will come across. Be prepared for facing Wild-Elephants, Leopards or a group of Wild dogs. If this doesn’t excite you enough the most dangerous sloth bear might just be waiting outside your tent. Be careful and recall the first point I had mentioned at the start of this post.

Clouds took over while I was driving through the Bisle forest range

This post was published by Madhushri Mudke

Share this post on social media Facebook Twitter

India Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Andaman Island Trip Package - Snorkeling at Elephant Beach

Kerala Munnar Tour Package with Thekkady

Manali Volvo Tour Package - Excursion to Solang Valley

Srinagar package for 5 nights with sonamarg excursion, jaipur jodhpur udaipur tour package - pearls of rajasthan, ladakh 7 days itinerary - summer holiday package with nubra & pangong stay, related articles.

IRCTC Announces Pay-on-Delivery For Train Tickets

Best Spots to Go Paragliding in India

Travel Tips

Drinking Water Standards In India

Best Places For Scuba Diving In India

Top Places For Hot Air Balloon Ride in India

River Rafting in India - Best Places & Basic Guide

Best Spots for Rock Climbing in India

Experiences

Hot Water Springs in India

12 Highest Motorable Roads In India

Dangerous Roads in India For That Memorable Road Trip

Vaccinations Required While Travelling To India

Hottest Places in India Where The Sun Gets Scorching

Art & Culture

Places To Visit This Independence Day To Experience Patriotism

27 Caves in India That are a Must Visit for a History Buff!

Indian Visa Requirements - Application Process, Eligibility, Fee & More

Handicrafts of India - A Shopping Guide

Music Festivals In India That Every Music Enthusiast Must Attend!

Travelling With Children In India

Fairs & Festivals

Diwali 2023 : All You Need To Know About Diwali in India

15 Dances of India - Classical Indian Dance Forms and Their States of Origin

Wildlife & Nature

Biodiversity Hotspots in India

List of Best Art Galleries In India - For The Hidden Artist In You!

Bachelor Party in India - Best Party Destinations in India Before Getting Hitched!

Luxury Trip

Luxury Cruises in India for Your next Big Vacation

10 Best Places for Horse Riding in India - Saddle Up!

Souvenirs To Buy from 29 States Of India! - A Shopping Guide

Amazing Places to Celebrate Holi in India in 2024

Skydiving in India: Feel The Feeling of Free Fall

Kite Festivals in India - The Fight Of Colourful Kites Flying Through The Sky

Festivals in India - List of Festivals & Events in India To Plan Your Trip Around

Comments on this post

Browse package collections, india package collections.

India Honeymoon Packages

International Honeymoon Packages

International Tour Packages

Honeymoon Packages

India Nepal Tour Packages

All Inclusive Honeymoon Packages

Top Listed Packages

Spiti Valley in Summers: 1 Week in Breathtaking Kinnaur & Spiti

5 Days Trip in India: Alleppey, Kovalam & Munnar

3 Days Tour Package in India: Char Dham Yatra By Helicopter

Luxury India Honeymoon Tour Package - Tri-City Tour

Kashmir 8 Days Itinerary: Enthralling Trip with Srinagar Houseboat Stay

3 Nights 4 Days Package in India: Beautiful Rajasthan Tour

Sikkim Tour Package for 5 Days

Himachal Pradesh Itinerary: Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Shimla & Manali

Sikkim Tour Package for Couple - 8 Nights

Gangtok Itinerary of 7 Nights 8 Days Package

Browse Hotel Collections

By hotel type.

Best Private Pool Villas in India

Best Cottages in India

Best Hostels in India

Capsule Hotels in India

Ski Resorts in India

Eco Friendly Resorts in India for Those Who Travel Consciously

Best Heritage Hotels in India for a Royal and Luxurious Stay

By Budget Category

Most Expensive Hotels in India for a Royal Stay

Best Luxury Hotels in India

Best Luxury Resorts in India

By Star Category

Best 5-Star Hotels in India

For Special Purposes

Resorts & Homestays to Work from Mountains in India

Best Yoga Retreats in India

Beautiful Treehouses in India Perfect for a Quick Staycation

Best Beach Resorts in India

Most Romantic Resorts in India

Top Places in India

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Is India a Safe Place for Women? Another Brutal Killing Raises the Question.

The rape and murder of a trainee doctor at her own hospital has brought up, once again, uncomfortable truths about a country that wants to be a global leader.

By Anupreeta Das and Sameer Yasir

In December 2012, a 23-year-old physiotherapy student boarded a bus in New Delhi a little after 9 p.m., expecting it would take her home. Instead, she was gang-raped and assaulted so viciously with an iron rod that her intestines were damaged. She died days later as India erupted in rage.

Nearly 12 years later, the nation is convulsing with anger once again — this time, over the ghastly rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in a Kolkata hospital, as she rested in a seminar room after a late-night shift. Since the Aug. 9 killing, thousands of doctors have gone on strike to demand a safer work environment and thousands more people have taken to the streets to demand justice.

For a country desperate to be seen as a global leader, repeated high-profile cases of brutal sexual assaults highlight an uncomfortable truth: India, by many measures , remains one of the world’s most unsafe places for women. Rape and domestic violence are relatively common, and conviction rates are low.

This week, the Supreme Court of India took up the Kolkata case as one of fundamental rights and safety, questioning how hospital administrators and police officers had handled it and saying new protective measures were needed. “The nation cannot wait for another rape and murder for real changes on the ground,” Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said.

Gender-related violence is hardly unique to India. But even as millions of Indian women have joined the urban work force in the past decade, securing their financial independence and helping to fuel the country’s rapid growth, they are still often left to bear the burden of their own safety.

Longstanding customs that both repress women and in many cases confine them to the home have made their safety in public spaces an afterthought. It can be dangerous for a woman to use public transportation, especially at night, and sexual harassment occurs frequently on the streets and in offices. Mothers tell their daughters to be watchful. Brothers and husbands drop their sisters and wives off at work.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

Try AI-powered search

Indian tourists are conquering the world

A booming middle class, budget flights and bollywood.

Your browser does not support the <audio> element.

I NDIAN EXPRESS on a Friday evening is always bustling. Diners from all corners of India dig in to kebabs and curries. Kingfisher, an Indian lager, flows freely, and Bollywood music blares from the speakers. A similar (if slightly more abstemious) scene plays out down the road at Radha Krishna, a vegetarian eatery. One might be in any of a dozen cities in India. But this paratha party is happening in Bangkok.

India’s economic rise has lifted millions out of poverty and given the country greater geopolitical heft. Less obvious is the effect of its growing consumer class on other countries. International departures from India more than doubled, to 27m, in the decade to 2019. Overseas spending by Indian travellers tripled between 2010 and 2023, to $33bn. One forecast suggests it will jump to $45bn next year. Driving this is a mix of demography and economics. People aged between 25 and 34 are keenest on travel; a fifth of the population will age into that group soon. The middle class is expected to be twice as big by 2047. The number of valid Indian passports grew from 52m a decade ago to 93m this year.

By 2040 the number of international departures could hit 80m or even 90m, reckons McKinsey, a consultancy. That is not far off the 104m Chinese who went abroad in 2019. But Chinese consumers are increasingly staying at home; their foreign travel is not growing as fast as it used to (see chart 1). Indians are thirsty to see the world. Unlike the Chinese at a similar stage, however, they are not rushing to Europe. It is countries closer to home that are reaping the rewards.

In recent decades, as China became the world’s biggest source of tourists, Western countries adjusted. Governments simplified visa processes, airports installed signage in Mandarin, and shops started accepting Chinese payment platforms. But they have been slower to court Indian tourists. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern and South-East Asian countries are racing ahead. Thailand and Malaysia have suspended visa requirements for Indians. Other countries are recruiting Bollywood stars as brand ambassadors: Abu Dhabi tourism has landed Ranveer Singh, who used to promote Switzerland; Dubai has roped in Saif Ali Khan and Sara Ali Khan, a father-and-daughter duo. The countries that welcome Indians will enjoy both the economic benefits and the cultural soft power that tourism affords.

For lessons on how to do it, look to the South-East Asian countries that were early to grasp India’s potential. They are now redoubling their efforts in hopes of replacing China’s flagging numbers. In 2019 Chinese accounted for 11m of Thailand’s 40m overseas visitors. Last year they were a mere 3.5m out of 28m. Indians, by contrast, keep coming. A decade ago around 1m visited annually; that level was already reached in the first half of 2024. Many are on their inaugural trip abroad. Margaux Constantin of McKinsey thinks Bangkok could take over from Dubai as Indians’ number-one leisure destination this year. Thailand’s tourism ministry estimates that Indians generated 63bn baht ($1.8bn) in 2023, or around 0.4% of Thai GDP .

Thailand appeals to Indians because it is cheap, easy to get to and welcoming. The last point is most important. The Indian passport is a weak document, providing visa-free or equivalent entry to just 58 countries, mostly small islands in the Pacific and Caribbean (see chart 2). Even Cubans and Belarusians have better access to the world. Last year Thailand lifted all visa requirements for Indians, a privilege usually reserved for rich Western countries. Visitor numbers immediately shot up. Iran, Kenya and Sri Lanka have also abolished visas for Indians. More modest loosening helps, too. When Azerbaijan launched an e-visa programme for Indians in 2017, annual arrivals tripled within a year and doubled again the next year, to 160,000.

Rich Western countries, however, make Indians feel unwanted. Waiting times for American tourist-visa interviews can be longer than a year. Britain’s visa fees are extortionate. Getting a visa for Europe’s border-free Schengen zone, if an appointment can be found, requires stacks of paperwork, evidence of financial health and proof of intent to return. Many travellers find it humiliating. Some refuse to go. “It’s too painful a process to go through for a visa you may or may not get and if you do get it, it’s for the exact duration of stay,” says a Bangalore-based professional who works for a European firm. He prefers to go to South-East Asia. Last year 19% of Indian applications for a British visitor visa were rejected, as were 15% of such applications for the Schengen region. “By design or otherwise, they’re losing out,” says Rajesh Magow, the boss of MakeMyTrip, India’s biggest online travel agent.

Moreover, Indians tend to be last-minute travellers. Britons book international trips three months in advance, on average, and Americans two months. Indians do so barely 30 days earlier. That is not enough time to get a visa to Europe or North America. Indians still travel to America and Britain in big numbers, largely to see friends and family in the huge Indian diaspora; visa problems make them less appealing as holiday destinations. Europe performs even worse. No country in the Schengen region is among the top ten destinations for Indians except France, which comes seventh. Germany and Italy rank below Kuwait and Qatar. Europeans worried about being swamped can rest easy; Indians are taking their rupees elsewhere.

After visas, the biggest factor influencing where Indians decide to go is the ease of getting there. Direct flights have surged: 31 Indian cities now offer international flights to 322 destinations, up from 23 and 272 in 2015. “Foreign airports are knocking at our doors pretty much every other day,” says Pieter Elbers, the boss of IndiGo , India’s largest airline.

These numbers, too, are poised to take off. WizzAir, a European budget airline, is considering introducing direct flights to India. AirAsia, based in Malaysia, has just added its 17th Indian destination. VietJet, a Vietnamese low-cost carrier, has expanded beyond Mumbai and Delhi to smaller Indian cities. “Vietnam’s fortunes changed because it got connectivity,” says Neil Patil of Veena World, a tour operator. Two years ago there were barely any direct flights. Today there are more than 200 every month. Arrivals from India have jumped nearly tenfold to 30,000 a month.

The effect is even greater when an Indian airline launches a direct route, says Binit Somaia of CAPA India, an aviation consultancy. They have broader sales bases and bigger domestic marketing budgets. Indian tourist arrivals to Turkey grew by 50% after IndiGo started daily nonstop flights to Istanbul in 2019. It recently started flying to Central Asia and the Caucasus. Uzbekistan’s cities quickly filled up with Indian tourists. Carriers are adding foreign destinations at a fast clip. Akasa Air, just two years old, operated only domestically six months ago. Now it flies to five international destinations. IndiGo and Air India, the flag carrier, are ordering dozens of new wide-body aircraft. In total, Indian carriers have some 1,500 planes on order. Next year Mumbai and Delhi will each get a second international airport.

The third major consideration is cost. Indians’ budget-conscious habits have led travel firms to innovate in making trips cheaper. Agencies such as MakeMyTrip offer discounts and coupons galore. Many tie up with banks to offer credit: around a fifth of urban Indians who took out a personal loan did so for leisure travel, according to a survey in 2023. Moreover, as India itself gets pricier, other places start to look like a bargain. At peak times Thailand offers better value than Goa, India’s beach-and-booze state.

The number of people with cash to spare is growing, too. Those with household incomes of over $10,000 are less price-sensitive, says Mr Magow. Goldman Sachs, a bank, estimates that some 60m individuals make at least that much. Another 40m are likely to join them by 2027. CAPA India is even more optimistic: it thinks more than half of Indian households will have incomes over $10,000 by 2030.

One European(ish) country that is focusing on Indian travellers is Russia, where visitors from the West have dwindled. It sees India as a “prime” market and its government is said to be negotiating bilateral visa-free access. Other countries whose tourism boards are actively wooing Indians tend to be far from Europe: places like Kenya and Australia. Saudi Arabia hopes to attract 7.5m Indians by 2030, up from 1.5m last year.

Apart from visas, flights and prices, winning more Indian tourists has to do with the sort of cultural pitch a country makes. Middle Eastern countries promise shopping—with discounts—and adventure activities. Thailand, eager to shed its reputation as a drinking and sex-tourism destination for men, is targeting solo women and high-spending wedding groups. The bets on Bollywood go beyond getting stars as brand ambassadors: countries compete to host the filming of Indian movies and television shows. Switzerland is still benefiting from a spate of Bollywood movies shot there in the 1990s. Singapore’s tourism board encourages producers to film in the city-state.

A paneer of respectability

A final question is the availability of Indian food—especially vegetarian. It is the top concern for many outbound travellers. In March Ankesh Kanuga, a 43-year-old pharmacist in Mumbai, made his first trip overseas, to Azerbaijan. Over four days Mr Kanuga and a dozen friends skied, visited historical sites and sampled the nightlife for a total cost of about 90,000 rupees ($1,100) each. His chief complaint was the lack of Indian restaurants and vegetarian food. Still, Mr Kanuga says he would like to go abroad “again and again”. Tens of millions of Indians feel the same way.

Some denizens of rich countries may not be sorry to hear that Indians are not coming to visit. Overtourism has become a bogeyman in many places, especially European cities. But the consequences of turning away visitors from a huge rising power go beyond economics. Tourism shapes global culture; it helps determine which places are seen as important and which are overlooked. Even at its most superficial, it builds personal connections between countries. It is easier to hold prejudices about places one has never seen. The countries that invest in attracting Indians will shape the mental geography and implicit alliances of the future. At the moment, it is South-East Asia and the Middle East that are doing so. America and Europe are missing out, as are the Indians who would like to see them. ■

Stay on top of our India coverage by  signing up to Essential India , our free weekly newsletter.

Explore more

This article appeared in the International section of the print edition under the headline “The Indians are coming”

From the August 24th 2024 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

More from International

The poisonous global politics of water

Polarisation makes it harder to adapt to climate change

Can Donald Trump’s Iron Dome plan keep America safe?

In a dangerous world, cutting-edge missile defence is all the rage

Why the war on childhood obesity is failing

Sugar taxes and obesity drugs will not be enough

Paris could change how cities host the Olympics for good

The games will test the success of new solutions to old bugbears

Could America fight its enemies without breaking the law?

The speed and intensity of prospective conflicts could test the laws of war

How China and Russia could hobble the internet

The undersea cables that connect the world are becoming military targets

• India Today
• Business Today
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Cosmopolitan
• India Today Hindi
• Reader’s Digest
• Aaj Tak Campus

Download App

Court denies bail to man who impersonated candidate, filed papers for Lok Sabha polls

The bombay high court said that the applicant's actions "undermined the integrity" of the electoral process, a fundamental pillar of democracy..

Listen to Story

• FIR filed for cheating and criminal breach of trust
• Court cited gravity of offence and impact on democracy
• Accused misused similar name of VBA candidate to deceive election officers

The Bombay High Court refused to grant anticipatory bail to a man from Ulhasnagar, who impersonated a Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) party candidate and filled up necessary forms to contest the Lok Sabha elections in May instead of the original candidate from Bhiwandi.

Justice RN Laddha was hearing a petition for pre-arrest or anticipatory bail filed by Ulhasnagar resident Milind Kashinath Kamble.

Justice Laddha said, "The applicant’s actions undermined the integrity of the electoral process, a fundamental pillar of democracy. Considering the gravity of the offence, its far-reaching impact on society, and the ongoing investigation, this Court is not inclined to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant. The custodial interrogation of the applicant would be necessary to uncover the truth. As a result, the application stands rejected."

The case had been registered at Bhiwandi City police station in Thane district by VBA candidate Milind Deoram Kamble for the offences punishable under Sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code.

The VBA had nominated Milind Deoram Kamble as their candidate for the Bhiwandi Loksabha Constituency in the 2024 election and provided him with an AB form. An AB form is an important document which denotes that a certain candidate has been approved by a political party and should be allotted the election symbol of that party.

Milind Deoram Kamble gave this form to the accused, Milind Kashinath Kamble, to complete the formalities. However, Milind Kashinath Kamble took advantage of the similarity in their names and deceitfully filled out the form in his name instead. Later, it so happened that the election scrutiny officers saw the difference in the middle name and rejected Milind Kashinath Kamble's nomination as VBA candidate.

Advocate Prakash Wagh, appearing for the accused, submitted in the court that Milind Kashinath Kamble is innocent and has not engaged in any wrongdoing as alleged, with no elements of the offence applicable to him.

"Nothing is to be recovered from the applicant, and he is willing and ready to cooperate with the investigation," submitted Wagh.

However, Additional Public Prosecutor Swapnil Pednekar, appearing for the state, pointed to the severity of the offence which occurred during the election process and resulted in Milind Deoram Kamble losing an opportunity to contest the election due to this mischief.

After the arguments from both sides, Justice Laddha said, "India’s electoral process is a vibrant and resilient mechanism that upholds the core democratic principles of freedom, fairness and transparency, serving as the foundation of the world’s most populous democracy. It reflects the people’s will and reinforces representative governance."

"The candidate selection process allows political parties to choose their preferred candidates for the ballet paper, guided by internal rules and procedures, with an expectation of transparency and fairness," the bench added.

Jump to navigation

Mirroring Change: Literature and Social Transformation

International Seminar

3rd & 4th October 2024

Organized by

Research and Cultural Forum (RCF)

Department of English

Pondicherry University

Puducherry-605014

Host Department : The Department of English at Pondicherry University has been an important educational destination for research scholars and students, ever since it commenced functioning in 1986. Over the years, the department has produced innumerable PhD and M. Phil scholars, in addition to a large number of postgraduate students. The faculty of the department with their different specializations and academic interests are at the forefront of innovative teaching and advanced research varying from contemporary literary, cultural and language studies to theoretical explorations. The department also runs a Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Communication in English, an add-on program, in much demand among students and employees.

Furthermore, the department has also sought to enhance the language and communication skills of students from across the University through Functional

English and other communication-oriented courses. Another hallmark of the department is the Research and Cultural Forum (RCF) which acts as an avenue for scholars and students to showcase their research work and creative abilities. The department has also been at the forefront of organizing seminars, workshops and faculty development programs.

About Research and Cultural Forum (RCF):

Conceived thirty-five years ago as Research and Journal Alert Forum (RJAF) at the Department of English, Pondicherry University, RCF is a platform for research scholars and students of the department to discuss their research findings in various areas related to literature and culture and also present their creative talents. Run exclusively by the research scholars of the department, under the guidance of the faculty members and the support of MA students the forum hosts invited talks, workshops and interactive sessions by experts of national and international repute in the emerging areas of English Studies. The forum was recently renamed Research and Cultural Forum to integrate the department's research and cultural outputs. Now, it proudly undertakes the mission of bringing together and highlighting the role of literature in social transformation through this two-day International Seminar.

About the Seminar:

A Two-Day International Seminar has been planned by the Department of English on the 3rd & 4th of October 2024, with the focus area “Mirroring Change: Literature and Social Transformation”.

Literature has been able to predict, analyze, and critique social, economic and political change for a long time. This, in turn, has contributed to understanding social and political transformation through a medium that has been conventionally seen to be largely imaginative and fictional. While Orwell’s cautionary tale, 1984 predicted the effects of totalitarian regimes and surveillance, Harriet Beecher’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin “helped lay the groundwork for the American Civil War” (Kaufman, 2006: 18). If Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath brought into full view the travails of America during the Great Depression, Munshi Premchand’s Godaan brutally exposed poverty and the evils of the zamindari system in India. Literature has thus been constantly in sync with the changing silhouettes of society.

The conference aims to explore how literature has closely interacted with and mirrored the intricate matrix of the social and political milieu. This interaction has resulted in innumerable texts that have reflected these significant changes and helped us understand an ever-changing world. The wide gamut of social, political, economic, cultural, sociological and anthropological change has prompted the writer to ask questions, show up the mirror and sometimes even offer prescriptions for ills, thus making literature a vehicle for social transformation.  The conference aims to investigate and explore the significant role that literature has played in reflecting these changes, therefore acting as truth-seeker, sentinel, chronicler, and critic, all rolled into one.   

The conference aims to explore the interchange between literature and social transformation across varied arenas and can include, but is not restricted, to the following areas:

•           Political upheaval and social movements

•           Caste, class and hierarchy

•           Reigns, regimes and democracy

•           Marxism and literature

•           Changing dimensions of gender

•           Queer narratives

•           Geographies, borders and migration

•           Indigenous literatures

•           Anthropocene, Ecocriticism and Ecofeminism 

•           Dalit literature and social justice

•           Technology and literature

•           Popular culture and subcultures

•           Medical imperialism and illness narratives

Registration Fee:

Faculty Members:      Rs. 2000

Research Scholars:     Rs. 1000

PG Students:               Rs. 500

Co-authors are required to pay individually.

UG students (participation only): Rs 200

Abstracts can be uploaded through the Google form link

below on or before 30th August 2024.

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/CA78DHY86yfQtzhW9

Your queries may be addressed to rcfseminar202 4 @gmail.com

Important Dates:

Last date for sending abstracts: 30th August 2024

Confirmation of acceptance will be communicated by: 2nd September 2024

Complete papers are to be sent by: 27th September 2024 

Travel and Accommodation:

We hope that you will be able to take care of your travel and accommodation. However, accommodation will be arranged for outstation paper presenters if intimated in advance.

Working lunch and local hospitality will be provided.

Chief Patron :

Prof. K.Tharanikkarasu, Honourable Vice-Chancellor (i/c), Pondicherry University

Prof. Clement S Lourdes, Director, Culture  & Cultural Relations

Prof. Rajneesh Bhutani, Registrar (i/c)

Prof. D. Lazar, Finance Officer (i/c)

Chairperson : Prof. Clement S Lourdes, Dean, School of Humanities

Convener : Dr. T Marx, Prof & Head, Department of English

Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Harpreet Kaur Vohra, Associate Professor

Coordinators: Drishya K, Steward C.

Members:     

                        Prof. Binu Zachariah

                        Prof. K. Reshmi

                        Prof. Lakhimai Mili

Dr. Aiswarya S. Babu

                        Dr. Vidya Sarveswaran

Dr. S. Visaka Devi

Address for Communication:

Steward  C.        

Research Scholars                                                     

Department of English                                              

Pondicherry University                                             

Puducherry-605014                                                   

8589825788, 8270410154                                                                 

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

As a Teenager in Europe, I Went to Nudist Beaches All the Time. 30 Years Later, Would the Experience Be the Same?

In July 2017, I wrote an article about toplessness for Vogue Italia. The director, actor, and political activist Lina Esco had emerged from the world of show business to question public nudity laws in the United States with 2014’s Free the Nipple . Her film took on a life of its own and, thanks to the endorsement from the likes of Miley Cyrus, Cara Delevingne, and Willow Smith, eventually developed into a whole political movement, particularly on social media where the hashtag #FreeTheNipple spread at lightning speed. The same year as that piece, actor Alyssa Milano tweeted “me too” and encouraged others who had been sexually assaulted to do the same, building on the movement activist Tarana Burke had created more than a decade earlier. The rest is history.

In that Vogue article, I chatted with designer Alessandro Michele about a shared memory of our favorite topless beaches of our youth. Anywhere in Italy where water appeared—be it the hard-partying Riviera Romagnola, the traditionally chic Amalfi coast and Sorrento peninsula, the vertiginous cliffs and inlets of Italy’s continuation of the French Côte d’Azur or the towering volcanic rocks of Sicily’s mythological Riviera dei Ciclopi—one was bound to find bodies of all shapes and forms, naturally topless.

In the ’90s, growing up in Italy, naked breasts were everywhere and nobody thought anything about it. “When we look at our childhood photos we recognize those imperfect breasts and those bodies, each with their own story. I think of the ‘un-beauty’ of that time and feel it is actually the ultimate beauty,” Michele told me.

Indeed, I felt the same way. My relationship with toplessness was part of a very democratic cultural status quo. If every woman on the beaches of the Mediterranean—from the sexy girls tanning on the shoreline to the grandmothers eating spaghetti al pomodoro out of Tupperware containers under sun umbrellas—bore equally naked body parts, then somehow we were all on the same team. No hierarchies were established. In general, there was very little naked breast censorship. Free nipples appeared on magazine covers at newsstands, whether tabloids or art and fashion magazines. Breasts were so naturally part of the national conversation and aesthetic that Ilona Staller (also known as Cicciolina) and Moana Pozzi, two porn stars, cofounded a political party called the Love Party. I have a clear memory of my neighbor hanging their party’s banner out his window, featuring a topless Cicciolina winking.

A lot has changed since those days, but also since that initial 2017 piece. There’s been a feminist revolution, a transformation of women’s fashion and gender politics, the absurd overturning of Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction in New York, the intensely disturbing overturning of Roe v Wade and the current political battle over reproductive rights radiating from America and far beyond. One way or another, the female body is very much the site of political battles as much as it is of style and fashion tastes. And maybe for this reason naked breasts seem to populate runways and street style a lot more than they do beaches—it’s likely that being naked at a dinner party leaves more of a permanent mark than being naked on a glamorous shore. Naked “dressing” seems to be much more popular than naked “being.” It’s no coincidence that this year Saint Laurent, Chloé, Ferragamo, Tom Ford, Gucci, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, and Valentino all paid homage to sheer dressing in their collections, with lacy dresses, see-through tops, sheer silk hosiery fabric, and close-fitting silk dresses. The majority of Anthony Vaccarello’s fall 2024 collection was mostly transparent. And even off the runway, guests at the Saint Laurent show matched the mood. Olivia Wilde appeared in a stunning see-through dark bodysuit, Georgia May Jagger wore a sheer black halter top, Ebony Riley wore a breathtaking V-neck, and Elsa Hosk went for translucent polka dots.

In some strange way, it feels as if the trends of the ’90s have swapped seats with those of today. When, in 1993, a 19-year-old Kate Moss wore her (now iconic) transparent, bronze-hued Liza Bruce lamé slip dress to Elite Model Agency’s Look of the Year Awards in London, I remember seeing her picture everywhere and feeling in awe of her daring and grace. I loved her simple sexy style, with her otherworldly smile, the hair tied back in a bun. That very slip has remained in the collective unconscious for decades, populating thousands of internet pages, but in remembering that night Moss admitted that the nude look was totally unintentional: “I had no idea why everyone was so excited—in the darkness of Corinne [Day’s] Soho flat, the dress was not see-through!” That’s to say that nude dressing was usually mostly casual and not intellectualized in the context of a larger movement.

But today nudity feels loaded in different ways. In April, actor and author Julia Fox appeared in Los Angeles in a flesh-colored bra that featured hairy hyper-realist prints of breasts and nipples, and matching panties with a print of a sewn-up vagina and the words “closed” on it, as a form of feminist performance art. Breasts , an exhibition curated by Carolina Pasti, recently opened as part of the 60th Venice Biennale at Palazzo Franchetti and showcases works that span from painting and sculpture to photography and film, reflecting on themes of motherhood, empowerment, sexuality, body image, and illness. The show features work by Cindy Sherman, Robert Mapplethorpe, Louise Bourgeois, and an incredible painting by Bernardino Del Signoraccio of Madonna dell’Umiltà, circa 1460-1540. “It was fundamental for me to include a Madonna Lactans from a historical perspective. In this intimate representation, the Virgin reveals one breast while nurturing the child, the organic gesture emphasizing the profound bond between mother and child,” Pasti said when we spoke.

Through her portrayal of breasts, she delves into the delicate balance of strength and vulnerability within the female form. I spoke to Pasti about my recent musings on naked breasts, which she shared in a deep way. I asked her whether she too noticed a disparity between nudity on beaches as opposed to the one on streets and runways, and she agreed. Her main concern today is around censorship. To Pasti, social media is still far too rigid around breast exposure and she plans to discuss this issue through a podcast that she will be launching in September, together with other topics such as motherhood, breastfeeding, sexuality, and breast cancer awareness.

With summer at the door, it was my turn to see just how much of the new reread on transparency would apply to beach life. In the last few years, I noticed those beaches Michele and I reminisced about have grown more conservative and, despite being the daughter of unrepentant nudists and having a long track record of militant topless bathing, I myself have felt a bit more shy lately. Perhaps a woman in her 40s with two children is simply less prone to taking her top off, but my memories of youth are populated by visions of bare-chested mothers surveilling the coasts and shouting after their kids in the water. So when did we stop? And why? When did Michele’s era of “un-beauty” end?

In order to get back in touch with my own naked breasts I decided to revisit the nudist beaches of my youth to see what had changed. On a warm day in May, I researched some local topless beaches around Rome and asked a friend to come with me. Two moms, plus our four children, two girls and two boys of the same ages. “Let’s make an experiment of this and see what happens,” I proposed.

The kids all yawned, but my friend was up for it. These days to go topless, especially on urban beaches, you must visit properties that have an unspoken nudist tradition. One of these in Rome is the natural reserve beach at Capocotta, south of Ostia, but I felt a bit unsure revisiting those sands. In my memory, the Roman nudist beaches often equated to encounters with promiscuous strangers behind the dunes. I didn’t want to expose the kids, so, being that I am now a wise adult, I went ahead and picked a compromise. I found a nude-friendly beach on the banks of the Farfa River, in the rolling Sabina hills.

We piled into my friend’s car and drove out. The kids were all whining about the experiment. “We don’t want to see naked mums!” they complained. “Can’t you just lie and say you went to a nudist beach?”

We parked the car and walked across the medieval fairy-tale woods until we reached the path that ran along the river. All around us were huge trees and gigantic leaves. It had rained a lot recently and the vegetation had grown incredibly. We walked past the remains of a Roman road. The colors all around were bright green, the sky almost fluorescent blue. The kids got sidetracked by the presence of frogs. According to the indications, the beach was about a mile up the river. Halfway down the path, we bumped into a couple of young guys in fanny packs. I scanned them for signs of quintessential nudist attitude, but realized I actually had no idea what that was. I asked if we were headed in the right direction to go to “the beach”. They nodded and gave us a sly smile, which I immediately interpreted as a judgment about us as mothers, and more generally about our age, but I was ready to vindicate bare breasts against ageism.

We reached a small pebbled beach, secluded and bordered by a huge trunk that separated it from the path. A group of girls was there, sharing headphones and listening to music. To my dismay they were all wearing the tops and bottoms of their bikinis. One of them was in a full-piece bathing suit and shorts. “See, they are all wearing bathing suits. Please don’t be the weird mums who don’t.”

At this point, it was a matter of principle. My friend and I decided to take our bathing suits off completely, if only for a moment, and jumped into the river. The boys stayed on the beach with full clothes and shoes on, horrified. The girls went in behind us with their bathing suits. “Are you happy now? my son asked. “Did you prove your point?”

I didn’t really know what my point actually was. I think a part of me wanted to feel entitled to those long-gone decades of naturalism. Whether this was an instinct, or as Pasti said, “an act that was simply tied to the individual freedom of each woman”, it was hard to tell. At this point in history, the two things didn’t seem to cancel each other out—in fact, the opposite. Taking off a bathing suit, at least for my generation who never had to fight for it, had unexpectedly turned into a radical move and maybe I wanted to be part of the new discourse. Also, the chances of me going out in a fully sheer top were slim these days, but on the beach it was different. I would always fight for an authentic topless experience.

After our picnic on the river, we left determined to make our way—and without children—to the beaches of Capocotta. In truth, no part of me actually felt very subversive doing something I had been doing my whole life, but it still felt good. Once a free breast, always a free breast.

This article was originally published on British Vogue .

More Great Living Stories From Vogue

Meghan Markle Is Returning to Television

Is Art Deco Interior Design Roaring Back Into Style?

Kate Middleton and Prince William Share a Never-Before-Seen Wedding Picture

Sofia Richie Grainge Has Given Birth to Her First Child—And the Name Is…

The 10 Best Spas in the World

Never miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month.

Vogue Daily

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Vogue. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.