Sustainable Tourism in India: Lessons from Sikkim’s Success, Learn 1

By Vikas Sharma. I am the Founder and a Travel Tourism Advocate with a Decade of Experience.

Sustainable tourism in India has become a pressing need as the industry grows at an unprecedented pace. India’s diverse landscapes, bustling cities, and deep-rooted culture attract millions of travelers annually. Yet, this influx often brings with it a challenge we can no longer ignore—waste. Whether it’s the beaches of Goa, the foothills of the Himalayas, the impact of mismanaged tourism is clear. It can also be seen in the pristine backwaters of Kerala.
I have been part of this industry for over a decade. I have worked on the ground with B2C clients. I have managed vendor relations. I understand the pain points of service providers. I believe it’s high time we addressed the elephant in the room: waste management. More importantly, the responsibility lies with us as stakeholders, not just the tourists.

A Growing Concern: Waste in Popular Destinations. It is an important issue in Sustainable Tourism in India.
Tourism in India is on a growth trajectory, with 1.22 billion domestic tourist visits in 2022 (Source: Ministry of Tourism). This resurgence post-pandemic is heartening, but it has put enormous pressure on infrastructure. Smaller towns and eco-sensitive regions are especially vulnerable. According to a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report, tourist destinations generate 15%-25% more waste during peak seasons. This is compared to the off-season. A significant chunk of this waste—plastics, food packaging, and beverage containers—pollutes our natural resources.
Take Himachal Pradesh as an example. The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board estimates that tourists leave behind an average of 500 grams of waste per visit each day. While this might seem negligible for an individual, multiply it by millions of visitors, and the numbers quickly become overwhelming.
The crux of the matter? Waste is a systemic issue that needs collective action rather than finger-pointing.

Challenges Hindering Sustainable Tourism in India
It’s easy to blame tourists for littering. However, the issue is more rooted in the systems—or lack thereof. Having worked in this industry for years—managing treks, arranging packages, and understanding operational gaps—I’ve come across three main problems:

If we truly want to embrace sustainable tourism in India, we must focus on waste management. This process should start with those who plan and execute the industry’s services, not just the tourists passing through.

Sikkim: A Role Model for Sustainable Tourism in India
Sikkim has set a gold standard for sustainable tourism in India. In 1998, the state banned single-use plastics, long before most other regions. Its government implemented strict waste management protocols for trekkers. Trekkers are required to carry reusable water bottles. They must also bring waste bags during trails.
These efforts weren’t just about regulations. They involved educating communities, empowering local stakeholders, and ensuring compliance at every level. The result? Sikkim is now recognized as one of India’s cleanest states, consistently attracting eco-conscious travelers.
Imagine if these practices were adopted across other regions in India. The transformation wouldn’t just reduce waste—it would elevate India’s reputation as a responsible global tourism destination.

Action Points for Promoting Sustainable Tourism in India
Having worked closely with asset owners, service providers, and customers, I have gained valuable insights. I firmly believe in actionable solutions. Here are three steps every tourism operator can implement immediately to contribute to sustainable tourism:

1. Equip Tours and Transport for Sustainable Tourism in India
   Every taxi should have a waste bin installed. Each bus should also be equipped with waste bins. Ensure every trekking tour vehicle includes waste bins. Train drivers to guide passengers on proper waste disposal. It’s a small but effective step that can significantly reduce roadside litter.
2. Make Sustainable Tourism Practices a Standard
   Encourage accommodations to provide refillable water stations instead of single-use plastic bottles. Include eco-friendly waste bags in travel packages as part of the customer welcome kit. This not only helps reduce waste but also builds your brand as an environmentally conscious service provider.
3. Work with Local Governments for Sustainable Tourism in India.
   Establish partnerships with municipal authorities. Together, set up regular waste collection systems in key tourist hubs. Advocate for incentives to reward businesses that adopt green practices, such as using biodegradable materials or setting up composting systems.
   These changes aren’t complicated—they just require commitment and consistency.

Economic Benefits of Sustainable Tourism in India
While sustainability is the ethical approach, it also makes economic sense. A clean destination doesn’t just look attractive—it boosts long-term profits. Research from the World Bank indicates that tourists are willing to pay more for destinations known for sustainable and eco-friendly practices. In fact, they are willing to pay up to 20% more.
For operators, this translates to:

When destinations are cleaner and waste is well-managed, everyone wins.

A Call to Action: Building Sustainable Tourism in India
India’s tourism success relies on how well we manage the resources that bring people here. These include our mountains, rivers, forests, and cultural heritage. Clean tourism is not an added cost; it’s an essential investment in our future.
The mountains have taught me that small, consistent actions build long-lasting impact. One responsible hotelier, one clean trek, one well-educated traveler—each contributes to a ripple effect that can transform our tourism landscape.
Let’s stop blaming tourists and start fixing the systems. By addressing waste management proactively, Indian tourism can become a global benchmark for sustainability—not just in policies but in practice.

Closing Note
As the world embraces conscious travel, Indian tourism must rise to meet the challenge. Let’s lead by example—building better systems today for cleaner, sustainable journeys tomorrow.