Two-minute guide to responsible tourism in India

In a country as vast and diverse as India, it is not possible to summarise and homogenise all the region’s various tourism issues into a few short paragraphs, but it is possible to raise travellers’ awareness so they can choose holidays which will make a positive impact on communities and environments.

In most cases, the tourism issues in India are driven by poverty, inequality and sometimes sheer inefficiency. The country is a constant dichotomy; hi-tech companies thrive in cities such as Bangalore, yet power outages are a common occurrence in rural areas; Mumbai offers tours of palaces, but also tours of its sprawling slums.

Recognising and highlighting the powerful effects of poverty and inequality in India is essential if tourism is to be a force for positive change, however, in doing so we run the risk of adding to the tired, clichéd conclusion reached by many tourists that India is just full of beggars and thieves. It isn’t, of course.

Nor are all Indians poor. Since 1950, with food subsidies and education, the Indian government has reduced poverty levels by 50%. Now it is estimated that 21.9% of the population lives below the poverty level, but with 1.27 billion inhabitants this is still a huge number of people. And it is this inequality that exacerbates the negative impacts of tourism. Those for whom tourism could bring about the biggest positive changes are often exploited the most.

With this in mind it is then possible to understand why poaching is still a major issue in India’s tiger reserves. To struggling local communities the value of the big cats may be greater as commodities to be sold, than if they are protected and alive in reserves.

This is where responsible tourists can help. By supporting and growing tourism which directly benefits the local people surrounding India’s tiger reserves, tourists can help give a real economic incentive to keeping these beautiful, endangered creatures alive.

It also explains why houseboats in Kerala continue to pollute its pristine backwaters. Of course it makes sense that in the long term it would be ultimately beneficial for houseboat operators to be protecting their stunning natural environments – it is, after all, the reason why people want to stay on the boats in the first place.

But it is such an important source of income for the area that the houseboats at present remain relatively unregulated, with congestion and safety concerns for other river-users also prevalent. Some houseboats are starting to realise their responsibilities, and Tourism Concern have suggested  a Code of Conduct is developed which boats can follow to allow tourists to make informed choices. In the meantime, tourists need to research their boat carefully, and value those which are sensitive to the needs of local people and environments.

Kerala is often talked about as the "easy" India, less poverty and less culture shock. Keralites themselves have always looked outwards, proud of their heritage of education and literacy, however, with tourism numbers driving increasing pollution from houseboats and overdevelopment of its coastline it is time for Kerala to start looking inwards again.

Tourists can help this process by highlighting the issues and spending their money with responsible tourism operators, choosing to boost the type of tourism which will drive environmental protection and support local communities.

Across the country, and whatever the issue most pertinent to the region they are in, travellers will find the Indian people they meet enjoy debate, and are not shy about discussing these issues. Most of all, being a caring, spiritual country, it is one which strives for positive change, and welcomes tourists who want the same.

Find out more about the responsible tourism issues in India and Kerala in responsibletravel.com’s 2 minute guides: www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/india and www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/kerala.