Tourism holds the transformative power to reshape the way the world works. It can elevate the per capita income of a nation, generate employment on a massive scale, and bring communities closer together, said Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism, Government of India, at the BOTT Knowledge Conclave: Tourism@2025.
Sinha noted that domestic tourism is growing remarkably, driven by experiential travel, heritage exploration, and wellness tourism. She expressed optimism about a robust rebound in inbound tourism as international travelers rediscover India’s timeless charm and hospitality.
Tourism has become the world’s largest industry in the last two decades, contributing 6% to global output and employing 100 million people worldwide. It also has significant potential for eco-tourism.
Sinha highlighted the importance of serving future generations in an evolving technological world and spoke about eco-tourism. “Ecotourism is a vast concept. It includes elements of adventure tourism, like trekking. Adventure happens in landscapes that support such activities. On the hilly slopes of places like Kashmir and Gulmarg, you can go skiing. Topography plays a significant role in enabling these activities. The fact that snow falls in those regions makes it possible,” she added.
While detailing eco-tourism, she said that apart from eco-tourism, other aspects need to be considered. “Karnataka is doing a great job, and Rajasthan has also done well. We have numerous natural wildlife parks and sanctuaries, which are all ecotourism sites. However, over-commercialization has caused problems—like 200 vehicles entering these parks. There needs to be a balance between commercial interests and ecological sustainability,” Sinha explained.
Without altering the natural parts of the parks, the social and physical infrastructure can be developed outside the sanctuaries, as in the case of Keoladeo, where it has been developed outside the sanctuary, leaving it unchanged. They use a single common pool bus to transport visitors, reducing the carbon footprint. Visitors can also cycle or walk through the sanctuary. There is no artificial construction; even the watchtowers are made of wood. This is an excellent example of sustainable ecotourism, Sinha noted.
“Keoladeo National Park is a great model of ecotourism. The waters have entered the region, creating a large wetland that supports beautiful birdwatching opportunities. This was the result of a long-term decision. The Chambal dam diverts water to Bharatpur, sustaining the natural biodiversity, flora, and fauna. It allows birds to thrive without impacting the ecosystem,” she explained.
She further elaborated with an example from Karnataka, stating that the state is doing something similar with forest lodges, where visitors can experience the jungle’s beauty while staying in eco-friendly accommodations. This way, tourists become more conscious and responsible about how they engage with nature. “Wildlife ecotourism initiatives, such as the petroglyph trails in Ladakh, are also significant. However, these attractions cater to niche audiences. Not everyone will enjoy them, so we need to market them to the right people—like European and American travelers who appreciate photographing lions or tigers up close,” she said.
While discussing niche audiences, Sinha said, “I can’t promote these experiences to everyone. For example, someone from Brazil, with access to the Amazon rainforest, may not find it unique. We need to be discerning about what we offer and to whom. At the same time, we must avoid the ‘Disneyfication’ of our ecotourism sites. Sustainable policies are essential to maintain the natural environment while ensuring long-term viability.”
The Director General of Tourism shared a story about women’s inclusion in policymaking. In 1903, Lady Curzon, the wife of the then Viceroy of India, visited Kaziranga. When she heard about rampant poaching, she urged her husband to take action. This marked the beginning of serious conservation efforts in the region. Many people have sacrificed their lives to protect the rhino in Assam. Visitors can see these martyrs’ names in the forest conservation center in Assam.
“The government is building dedicated animal corridors to address the issue of roads cutting through wildlife habitats. This is similar to what the Netherlands has done. These interventions and stories should be shared widely to showcase India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism,” said Sinha.