Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India launched by the Ministry of Tourism

The Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) is a comprehensive framework launched by the Ministry of Tourism to ensure that tourism development in the country is environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically viable.

Purpose
- Align India’s tourism industry with global sustainability standards.
- Encourage operators, hotels, and destinations to adopt practices that protect natural and cultural heritage.
- Ensure that tourism benefits local communities while safeguarding resources for future generations.

Segments Covered
The STCI applies to three major sectors of the tourism industry:
1. Tour Operators
2. Accommodation Units (Hotels, Resorts, Homestays)
3. Beaches, Backwaters, Lakes, and Rivers

Key Requirements
- Safe & Honourable Tourism Pledge: Tour operators approved by the Ministry must commit to implementing sustainable practices.
- Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Hotels must integrate sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting, waste management, pollution control, and energy/water conservation measures at the project stage.
- Community Benefit: Tourism projects must optimize local employment and cultural preservation.
- Environmental Protection: Non-CFC equipment for refrigeration/air conditioning, renewable energy adoption, and biodiversity safeguards.

Supporting Initiatives
- National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism: Shared with states/UTs to guide policy.
- Travel for Life (TFL) Programme: Encourages tourists and businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
- Training & Certification: Conducted with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change at Ramsar sites (e.g., Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Sultanpur National Park).
- Swadesh Darshan 2.0: Revamped scheme promoting integrated, sustainable destination development.

Big Picture
The STCI is designed to transform India’s tourism sector into one that balances economic growth with ecological responsibility, positioning India as a global leader in sustainable tourism.