Watching the beautiful pristine mountain lakes, the majestic royal Himalayan peaks, learning about the locals, indigenous tribes practicing their faith – makes for a great tourist vacation with memories lasting a lifetime. But with time, we need to ask ourselves if such beautiful natural habitats can last on their own and will our future generations even get a chance to enjoy such vacations?

Unbridled tourism is creating tensions not just with the environment triggering climate change but also putting a pressure on the locals who are trying desperately to save their heritage. Mark Twain, famous American writer once said, “India is a fabulous world of splendors and rages, the one country under the sun with an imperishable interest, the one land that all men desire to see.” It’s no surprise to see that tourism sector in India is the second largest foreign exchange earner with thousands and thousands of tourist from different parts of the world flocking to see the rich cultural heritage, admire the forts and architecture build during ancient civilizations, enjoy the unique topography etc. despite infrastructure challenges.

The United Nations General Assembly has designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, it’s imperative that the country adopts best practices of eco-tourism which helps preserves the natural surroundings, local culture too and promote good livelihood options too. The practice of sustainable tourism will also prevent pollution, degradation and emission leading to conservation of natural resources. Along with these challenges, it’s also important to strike a balance between the number of visitors who bring in revenue to the local markets and also the increasing footfall.

Sustainable Tourism – a tool for poverty eradication

With tourism being linked to SDGs along with economic growth and employment its for the international community and governments to start adopting innovative business models, new technologies and strategic partnerships to attract globetrotters. Developing countries like Africa can benefit from leap and bounds. UNCTAD's Economic Development in Africa Report 2017: Tourism for Transformative and Inclusive Growth, examined the role that tourism can play in Africa's development process. The report, released last month, concluded that tourism can be an engine for inclusive growth and a complement to development strategies aimed at fostering economic diversification and structural transformation within an appropriate policy context.

#Travel.Enjoy.Respect #Makewayforher

Innovative sustainable tourism practices can really change the situation bringing in viable and long term gains which can be then equally distributed and enjoyed by the indigenous community. Raising awareness of the value and contribution that sustainable tourism, a campaign has been launched by UNWTO, ‘Travel.Enjoy.Respect’ which will educate the tourist and help them become stakeholders in the development process.

IPE Global observes the importance of sustainable tourism practice, advocating the impact it has on women. Women entrepreneurs need to be encouraged to promote the indigenous crafts at local markets at popular tourist locations, we need to make way for them to come forward. Women travelers too should enjoy safe vacations where they can appreciate the true natural beauty without constantly worrying about their safety. We call for enhanced cooperation and partnership among governments, regional and international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to tap the potential of women and youth in tourism and #MakeWayforHer.