Case study on a country implementing a successful eco-tourism model

NEW DELHI: A number of international and Indian experts in the fields of eco-tourism and conservation came together at ‘Horizons 2007 -- Eco Tourism’ here on Friday to discuss ways to develop sustainable eco-tourism in the country.

Forest cover

Inaugurating the conference, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni said: “India is the flavour of the world today. Endowed with a vast forest cover, national parks, sanctuaries, wildlife, mountains, beaches, rivers, water bodies, our country’s rich bio-diversity is unparalleled anywhere in the world. We are conscious that through best practices of eco-tourism we can promote sustainable tourism.”

Ms. Soni said she was hopeful that the annual conference would provide interesting insights into the issues concerning eco-tourism.

“The diverse stakeholders from the public and private sectors are involved in this conference. And I am optimistic that they will certainly be able to work out long-term strategies for promoting sustainable tourism in the country.”

On the occasion, climate change expert and environmentalist Ian Swingland said: “I believe that the successful conservation of flora and fauna through sustainable tourism is a must and carbon sequestration can be additional revenue generating platform. We need to realise this objective by public involvement and educating the community at national and international levels. ‘Horizon 2007’ is a tremendous initiative in this direction.”

Organised by CNN’s Tourism Advertising Solutions and Knowledge (TASK) group in association with the Ministry of Tourism, the conference saw discussions on tourism and related issues. The forum dwelt on how responsible and strategic tourism initiatives will offer benefits to future generations.

Some of the key sessions included a case study on a country that has implemented a successful eco-tourism model; eco-labelling and the importance of marketing and a peek into the evolved, ecologically sensitive traveller of tomorrow.

Documentation will be formulated from the deliberations and policy discussions of the conference will then be shared with the Ministry of Tourism.