Deyasini ChatterjeeThe world as we know it is changing before our eyes, at a speed unprecedented and unanticipated. With a significant number of travellers becoming increasingly aware of the irreversible impacts of climate change, eco-tourism in India has seen a considerable surge. Eco-tourism is more than travelling to a hidden forest or relaxing getaway on a tea-estate; it involves understanding the symbiotic relationship between human society and nature and leaving minimal impact on the environment in remote areas. The phenomenon, then, has a dual nature: ensuring environmental conservation and maintaining the cultural, economic, and social integrity of local and indigenous populations. In simpler terms, the essence of eco-tourism lies in positively impacting both the ecology and the economy of a region.
Why does ecotourism matter in 2025?
Ecotourism has several salient benefits, both for the discerning traveller and their choice of destination.
Education
Despite the abundance of information available today, even the most well-informed tourist may not know what’s really happening in the world. In this context, eco-tourism offers an excellent avenue to educate ourselves on environmental issues, while also learning about the social customs of their destination. Researching a place before visiting provides a valuable perspective on how we can do our bit to help the planet while travelling.
Conserving resources
Eco-tourism gives precedence to sustainable, renewable resources over conventional and non-renewable ones. It provides greener alternatives for all aspects of travel: mode of transportation, accommodation, food and beverages, activities, and even shopping. The simple consequence is a trip that is simultaneously adventurous and eco-conscious.
Regenerating economies
An important principle of ecotourism is its focus on helping local, indigenous businesses. When tourists spend money on such ventures that are at the heart of the local economy, it can be a significant boost for local entrepreneurs to thrive and grow amidst competition.
How can we be mindful eco-tourists?
With ecotourism destinations rapidly gaining popularity, tourists can take certain measures that their travels are sustainable and mindful.
Steer clear of greenwashing
With companies around the world adopting so-called sustainable practices, greenwashing has become rampant. It’s most commonly used as a marketing strategy where environment-friendly practices are discussed and promised, but lack real-time implementation. As eco-conscious travellers, it’s important to be mindful of hotels and businesses that make similar claims of sustainability. A helpful way to do this is to research the environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores of the services we wish to avail of, including airlines, hotels, and boutiques. Databases like the one developed by Bloomberg and other metrics monitor thousands of global businesses and can be referred to for a quick check.
Pack smart and light
Who knew that shedding that extra baggage could reduce an aircraft’s carbon emissions? The truth is, the lighter an aircraft flies, the less fuel it burns. Packing only necessary, re-usable, and non-toxic items in small quantities can help lighten the load and also create less waste. In addition to packing light, it’s crucial to choose the right airline — one that is fuel-efficient and allows for less check-in luggage.
Opt for eco-friendly stays
Sprawling properties, like luxury hotels and resorts, consume enormous amounts of energy and create tonnes of waste in the form of food, bed linen, plastic waste, and more. When it comes to accommodation, good alternatives for eco-tourism are home-stays and guest-houses run by locals. Not only are they more eco-friendly but also offer the chance to help the local economy by contributing to a small business. However, if hotels are what you prefer, it’s wise to research the property’s impact on the environment and compliance with global sustainability standards.
Take a curated tour
Pick tour companies that practise the best environmental measures. Most such organisations offer walking and cycling tours, local food trails, and hikes and short treks, and even museum tours. It may be an added expense but while being worth every penny, such tours have become synonymous with eco-tourism and are easily available in eco-tourism destinations. In addition to getting a chance to interact with locals, they also allow tourists to contribute to the region’s economy, thus leaving a holistic, positive impact.
Learn the local customs
As they say, when in Rome, do as Romans do! Eco-tourism flourishes through conscious and thoughtful exploration. To truly achieve a sustainable travel practice, it’s essential to look beyond flora and fauna and understand the social fabric of a region, immersing yourself in the local language, culinary culture, and the arts. Talk to the person next to you in the bar, seek out locals’ favourite music hotspots, and enjoy an authentic dish made by a heritage restaurant. Local businesses with shorter supply chains not only reduce ecological strain but are also kinder to your wallet than large restaurant chains. So, the next time you find yourself walking down a pretty lane in a new town, observe the man watering his garden. It will tell you a lot about where you are.
Parting thoughts
By its very definition, eco-tourism has a dual responsibility. Just as delicate ecological zones cannot be compromised for economic profit, neither should indigenous human communities suffer in a bid to protect wildlife. Fragile ecosystems like rainforests and islands, that are marketed as alluring eco-tourism destinations, are not equipped to sustain large tourist populations without undergoing environmental pressure.
For ecotourism to genuinely safeguard the rights of indigenous peoples and preserve the delicate beauty of their homelands, it must meet three essential criteria:
- The economic benefits must directly reach the intended communities.
- Indigenous groups must hold secure rights to the land where ecotourism occurs.
- Projects should actively support broader social and political equity for local populations.
It is only when such criteria are met that our feet will truly take us places, marvelling at the planet’s natural beauty and cultivating a deep appreciation for the people who call these far-away places ‘home.’
