Kumar Aryan
Tourism today is at a crossroads. As one of the fastest-growing industries globally, it has
an environmental footprint that has come under increased scrutiny. With travel becoming more accessible, destinations around the world are witnessing an upsurge in visitors, bringing both economic benefits and ecological challenges. My exploration into this dynamic has been shaped by a pressing question: Can tourism coexist with environmental sustainability?
Tourism accounts for a significant portion of global economic activity—contributing nearly 6% to global trade and over 13% to consumer spending. These numbers underscore its vast potential. However, unlike many other industries, tourism fundamentally relies on the quality and preservation of its natural and cultural environment. Without pristine beaches, clean air, heritage sites, and authentic cultural experiences, tourism itself begins to lose value.
During my research, one shift became evident—today’s travelers, both domestic and international, are increasingly drawn not just to monuments and cities, but to immersive experiences in scenic and culturally rich environments. India, with its diverse ecosystems and heritage, holds immense promise. Yet, this “embarrassment of riches” is also under threat from unsustainable development practices.
Tourism development often demands large-scale infrastructure: hotels, roads, resorts, and
recreational spaces. These projects, even when undertaken with good intentions, can cause irreversible damage to the ecosystems they aim to showcase. For instance, in coastal regions, unregulated construction has disrupted natural sand dunes—nature’s first line of defense against erosion and tidal surges. In hill stations, overcrowding and unplanned buildings have strained water sources and waste management systems, tarnishing the very beauty that attracts tourists.
Perhaps one of the most alarming consequences is the pressure on water resources. Luxurious resorts, especially along coastlines, require massive quantities of freshwater. This over extraction disturbs underground aquifers, increases salinity, and renders local water undrinkable, severely impacting nearby communities and agriculture. Similar patterns can be observed in hill regions, where rapid construction and tourism-driven consumption further strain already limited resources.
Energy consumption is another dimension that requires attention. Most tourist accommodations heavily rely on artificial heating, cooling, and lighting. A sustainable approach would be to design energy-efficient buildings—using natural light, solar heating, and eco-friendly materials. Integrating local architectural wisdom with modern sustainable technology can reduce both operational costs and environmental degradation.
Nature-based tourism—such as wildlife safaris, trekking, and adventure sports—is rising in popularity. National parks and sanctuaries are now major tourist attractions, offering a closer connection to wildlife and nature. While this can foster environmental awareness, the risk lies in over-tourism and mismanagement. These spaces are not meant for casual recreation or unchecked picnicking. Instances of littering, noise pollution, and habitat disruption have become all too common. It is essential that tourist activities are regulated, respectful, and in tune with the ecosystem’s needs.
One concept that stood out in my research was carrying capacity—the maximum number of visitors a site can support without ecological harm. Assessing this is vital. Whether it is a coastal village, a hill town, or a wildlife reserve, knowing its limits helps balance tourism’s economic benefits with environmental protection. These assessments should not be left solely to government authorities; the tourism industry must take responsibility for conducting and implementing them.
India has made some progress in this direction. Environmental impact assessments are now mandatory for major tourism projects. Several ecologically sensitive areas, like the Aravalli hills and national parks, are protected under strict regulations. However, implementation remains patchy and is often subject to commercial interests.
Tourism in India historically began as pilgrimage—a low-impact, community-integrated form of travel. Pilgrims respected local customs and resources, and were welcomed with warmth. Today’s mass tourism, by contrast, is often commodified, disconnected from the local context, and driven by profit. A shift back to community-based, culturally respectful tourism is urgently needed.
The goal is not to vilify tourism but to reimagine it. With thoughtful planning and ethical
practices, tourism can evolve into one of the most eco-friendly sectors. The key lies in
acknowledging its dependence on a healthy environment and aligning growth strategies with conservation principles.
As I reflect on my research, I am hopeful. Awareness around sustainable tourism is growing, from grassroots movements to international declarations like the 1989 Hague Declaration and the 1992 Earth Summit. These frameworks advocate for tourism that not only coexists with but also contributes to environmental preservation.
To ensure tourism remains a source of joy and livelihood without becoming a source of
destruction, we need a collective reorientation—one that values empathy for nature, respects local communities, and places long-term sustainability above short-term gains.
About the contributor: Kumar Aryan is a Student, Department of Sociology, JMI, Delhi. He is a fellow of EPAYF 2.0 – Environment Policy and Action Youth Fellowship, Cohort 2.0.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
Read more at IMPRI:
Building a Sustainable Plant-Based Food System: A Grassroots Journey through Fatehgarh and Ambala
From the Skies to Your Sips: How Pollution in India is Poisoning Our Health and Our Plates
Acknowledgement: This article was posted by Khushboo Dandona, a research intern at IMPRI.
