Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria India (STCI) launched

August 27, 2014

In a proposal to augment its sustainability offerings, the Union Ministry of Tourism launched the comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for accommodation, tour operators and beaches, backwaters, lakes and rivers sectors.
STCI has been launched to develop tourism in India based on principles of sustainability and minimizing carbon footprints. While talking about sustainability, one should not only talk about conservation of resources but also our culture and heritage. All the stakeholders in the Tourism industry have been requested to be eco-sensitive and implement the STCI and have been requested to do business for long-term profits with diverse aims.
STCI were formulated by a committee constituted by the Ministry of Tourism.
The principles of sustainability include:
Conservation of water, energy, culture, heritage, revival of ancient architecture, involvement of communities, protection of wildlife and non- exploitation of women, children and weaker sections.