11th January 2022, 

To All Members,   

Sub: Responsible Tourism Recommendations at the 36th IATO Annual Convention.

Dear Friends,

We had an important session on Responsible Tourism during the recently concluded 36th IATO Annual Convention where certain recommendations were made by RSTOI, which are as follows:-

1.Tour Operators are the best ambassadors of the Tourism Industry as Travellers most often have the Tour Operators as their first contact. Thus it becomes imperative that IATO members should consider it necessary- educating/ sensitising the traveller before embarking on their journey. For e.g. Promote Experiencing the Jungle instead of chasing the elusive Tiger. Unfortunately the success or failure of a beautiful safari depends on the sighting of the glamorous species, when there is so much else to see and admire.   

2.IATO members should sell a Complete immersion in a good local Experience that includes understanding and respecting local customs, cuisine, lifestyle and beliefs.

3.IATO should Promote Gender Sensitivity and Inclusiveness. Learning from Bhutan, where a major part of Tourism is operated by the ladies.

4.We are all aware that the tourism industry generates substantial waste and garbage. At IATO, we need to impress on our local facility providers to ensure Waste Management. It would be absolutely criminal to see the most pristine locations going to dumps.

5.IATO members should support organisations that employ and empower local communities. In most of the locations, there are almost no other livelihood opportunities for the locals.

6.Training and skilling of field staff for providing a complete experience can be taken up by IATO as an organisation.

7.IATO may impress on the government the need to do carrying capacity studies in high tourism density destinations.   

8.IATO may impress on the government to put in place and enforce a mechanism to fine/ punish violators of necessary environmental practices including in the informal sector (unregistered  guest houses, dhabas etc.) by means of TOURISM WARDEN etc.

9.Since the effective implementation of Responsible and Sustainable practices requires a CHANGE OF MINDSET, it is very important to impart this RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN   education in all schools across India Including Compulsory social service and also Support the RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLERS CAMPAIGN.

As a responsible tourism stakeholders, it is our duty to follow and sensitize the tourists to follow the Responsible and Sustainable practices in our business and be Collectively  Responsible to ensure the Sustainability of the supporting Natural Environment and the Socio- Cultural surroundings for the Business to sustain over a long time.

With regards,

Rajnish Kaistha

Hony. Secretary