About us – RTSOI

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

Our Story

The Beginning

Formed in 2008, at the behest of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, the founding members of Ecotourism Society of India comprised of 13 widely experienced, eco-sensitive professionals from the Tourism industry, state government departments of tourism and forests, wildlife conservation, NGOs and also Members of Parliament.

ESOI stood for Responsible and Sustainable practices In the Business of Tourism- and advocated our Collective Responsibility to ensure the Sustainability of the supporting Natural Environment and the Socio- Cultural surroundings for the Business to sustain over a long time.

To highlight the above aspects, the society has been re-christened as: ‘THE RESPONSIBLE TOURISM SOCIETY OF INDIA’

RTSOI/ESOI works closely with the central and state government bodies responsible for sustainable tourism and a network of like-minded regional / state players across the country to facilitate and support synergy of policies, initiatives and activities at the national and state level.

The society is open for membership to conscious companies and individuals who wish to walk the Sustainable path and lend support to the cause.

RTSOI stands on 3 Pillars

Engaging in advocacy: Championing sustainable practices and promoting responsible tourism for a better tomorrow

Helping create policies and guidelines: Shaping the future of travel by developing policies and guidelines for responsible tourism.

Helping with certification: Facilitating certification to promote and ensure responsible tourism practices.

Responsible tourism is any form of tourism that can be consumed in a more responsible way.

Responsible tourism is tourism which:

Minimizes negative social, economic and environmental impacts.
Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities.
Improves working conditions and access to the industry.
Involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances.
Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity.
Provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues.
Provides access for physically challenged people.
Is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

Cape Town Declaration, 2002

The Responsible Tourism Society of India is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable and responsible tourism practices within the tourism industry.

All funds/income generated are utilized towards achieving the following objectives of the society.

Tabulate eco-sensitive areas where tourism will have an impact on the social, cultural and natural environment.
Make strategies and efforts to ensure long-term (perpetual) sustenance of the environment.
Work with empowered bodies to establish Carrying Capacity and sustainable tourism practices which include conservation of nature and wildlife, and allow local communities to benefit from tourism.
Develop policies and codes of conduct for promotion of Sustainable tourism, and help implementation Strategy.
Develop a Sustainability based Certification of tourism service providers.
Act as a watchdog for excessive consumption of Natural Resources and any negative impact of/on the tourism sector.
Support Research in Tourism.
Work with service providers to enhance quality of their product and services to a level so they can be sustainable and eco-friendly.
Encourage use of appropriate local practices, materials, art, craft, architecture, food etc
Encourage minimal conspicuous consumption and prevent excessive consumption of energy.
Encourage Energy Saving Practices, Water Harvesting, + Use of Solar and other Natural Energy Sources.
Encourage good Waste Management Practices especially of non-bio-degradable materials.
Encourage low pollution-generating practices and minimize Carbon Footprint.
Organize training and other activities to create awareness on Ecotourism, Sustainable and Responsible tourism.
To collaborate with like-minded bodies and implement ecotourism objectives in India and abroad.
To continually identify new Ecotourism destinations, + Strengthen Ecotourism and make India a preferred Ecotourism Destination.