India’s Ecotourism Moment: A Green Path to Global Leadership

A global wave of responsible, experience-driven travel is lifting ecotourism from the fringes to the forefront of the tourism industry. According to the UNWTO, ecotourism accounted for nearly 25% of global tourism revenue in 2024. Allied Market Research projects the global ecotourism market, valued at $210.4 billion in 2023, will grow to $829.8 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 11.7%. Nearly 45% of these destinations are located in rural areas—underscoring the transformative potential of ecotourism to foster both environmental sustainability and inclusive development.

Lessons from the Global South

Several countries in the Global South have already demonstrated how ecotourism can serve as a national development strategy rooted in both conservation and livelihoods. Costa Rica has embedded Payments for Environmental Services into national policy. With over 25% of its land protected, the country has turned ecological preservation into a pillar of economic growth, tourism contributes 5.8% of its GDP. Namibia passed legislation in 1996 granting tribal communities the rights to manage and benefit from local wildlife tourism. Today, 86 conservancies cover nearly 20% of the land and generate over $10 million annually. The Philippines embraced ecotourism as a jobs strategy. Through its Green Jobs Act (2016), it trained locals as reef protectors and eco-guides, proving that conservation can be a viable livelihood.

India: From Hidden Potential to Global Leader

India’s greatest advantage lies in its villages, more than 6.5 lakh of them, home to 65% of the country’s population. These rural landscapes are not just geographical entities; they are cultural and ecological treasure troves. They hold traditional wisdom, diverse biodiversity, and the human potential to steward both. Recent government efforts such as the National Strategy for Promotion of Rural Homestays (2022), Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD schemes, and the inclusion of a Rural Tourism section on the Incredible India portal show encouraging momentum. Over 300 eco-villages and circuits have been developed. However, the benefits remain uneven, concentrated in a few states and urban centers.

State-Level Sparks of Success

States like Kerala, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Meghalaya offer homegrown models of success. Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission has trained more than 20,000 families, revitalizing local economies and curbing outmigration. Mountain Shepherds in Uttarakhand and Sundarbans Jungle Camp in West Bengal showcase models that centre ecology, community ownership, and cultural storytelling.

The ABC Formula: India’s Ecotourism Action Plan

To truly lead globally, India must adopt a livelihood-first approach that sees ecology and economy as partners. This begins with the ABC Formula, Action, Backing, and Convergence:

1. Catalyst Capital

Dedicate a share of tourism budgets to a Community Ecotourism Fund that empowers rural entrepreneurs. Even a modest, sustained national allocation, like Costa Rica’s approach (0.3% GDP in their case), can unleash a powerful multiplier effect across rural India.

2. National Ecotourism Skilling Portal

Launch vernacular-language training in eco-guiding, cultural hospitality, and digital marketing, designed for diverse geographies.

3. Convergence with Flagship Schemes

Integrate ecotourism with MGNREGA, PMGSY, NRLM, and Digital India to improve infrastructure, access, and entrepreneurial support.

4. Ecotourism Cooperatives

Strengthening community-owned collectives to manage pricing, storytelling, and visitor experience ensuring transparency and equitable income.

5. Real-Time Ecotourism Dashboard

Deploy a dynamic MIS system to track revenue, jobs, and ecological impact enabling better governance and CSR alignment.

6. Ecotourism Mission Cell

Establish a dedicated body within the Ministry of Tourism to coordinate multi- stakeholder action and ensure long-term impact.

India’s time is now. Ecotourism is not only about showcasing pristine landscapes, it’s about building local leadership, strengthening self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) and shaping a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. As we move toward Viksit Bharat 2047, ecotourism could become one of India’s most transformative development tools.