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MUMBAI:
Today many International & Indian luminaries in the fields of
eco-tourism and conservation came together at Horizons 2007 –
Eco Tourism in New Delhi to discuss ways to develop sustainable
eco-tourism in India. CNN's TASK group (Tourism Advertising Solutions
& Knowledge), recently launched by CNN's advertising division,
has initiated a unique series on tourism in India and challenges
pertinent to Indian tourism industry. Horizons 2007 – Eco Tourism
was organised in association with Ministry of Tourism, Government
of India supported by PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) and
Air India .
The
conference was inaugurated by Union Tourism and Culture Minister,
Smt. Ambika Soni in the presence of Secretary, Ministry of Tourism,
Shri. S. Bannerjee, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Leena
Nandan, Mr. Phillip Turner, CNN's New Delhi bureau chief, Prof.
Ian Swingland, Climate Change Expert and renowned journalist and
author Yeoh Siew Hoon amongst other dignitaries.
Addressing
the inaugural ceremony, Mrs. Ambika Soni, Union Minister for Tourism
and Culture said, "India is the flavour of the world today.
India's rich bio-diversity endowed with vast forest cover, national
parks, sanctuaries, wildlife, mountains, beaches, rivers, water
bodies, etc. is unparalleled anywhere in the world. We are conscious
that through best practices of eco tourism we can promote sustainable
tourism. I am hopeful that the annual conference Horizons 2007 –
Eco Tourism organised by CNN TASK Group will provide interesting
insights into these issues. The diverse stakeholders including from
the public and private sector involved in this conference will certainly
be able to work out long term strategies for promoting sustainable
tourism in the country."
On
this occasion, Climate Change Expert and Environmentalist, Prof
Ian Swingland said, "I believe successful conservation of flora
and fauna through sustainable tourism is a must and carbon sequestration
can be additional revenue generating platform. We need to realize
this objective by public involvement and educating the community
at National and International levels. Horizon 2007 is a tremendous
initiative in this direction. I am delighted by the remarkable effort
and the spirit of CNN Task Group and the Government of India who
are trying to make a difference through this initiative."
The
conference looked at stimulating discussions on tourism and related
issues and was aimed to provide insight and learnings on eco-tourism
based on successful models and best practices, both in India and
worldwide. The forum dwelt on how responsible and strategic tourism
initiatives will offer benefits to future generations. Some of the
key sessions on the agenda included a case study on a country that
has implemented a successful ecotourism 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
that will then be shared with the Ministry of Tourism for implementation.
For
the uninitiated, Eco Tourism is environmentally responsible travel
to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate
nature that promotes conservation, has low negative visitor impact,
and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement
of local population.
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