Hemant Jain, President of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), delivered a powerful address on sustainable tourism at the Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025. He emphasized the urgency of adopting green initiatives within the tourism industry, stating that sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity for India’s future.
Strengthening India’s Position as a Sustainable Destination
Jain opened his address by stressing that India’s efforts to embrace sustainable tourism will be pivotal in establishing the country as a leading global destination. He highlighted that sustainability must be at the core of India’s tourism strategy in order to strengthen the nation’s standing as an eco-friendly and culturally rich destination. He firmly stated, “If we do not make the right choices at the right time, we risk undermining the future of our tourism sector, along with the very environment that makes India a unique and sought-after destination.”
Green Initiatives: A Necessity, Not a Choice
Jain emphasized the critical role of green initiatives in transforming India’s hospitality and tourism sectors. He warned that without a concerted effort to make hotels, restaurants, and other tourism facilities more environmentally responsible, India’s tourism industry could suffer in the long term. “If we don’t take green initiatives now, future generations will be the ones to bear the consequences,” he cautioned. He urged the private sector, particularly businesses in the hospitality industry, to take swift action toward making their operations more sustainable, focusing on areas like energy efficiency, waste reduction, and eco-friendly practices.
The Summit as a Turning Point
The PHDCCI President also highlighted the significance of the Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025, stating that it will be remembered as one of the most impactful events of the year. “This summit marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward a more sustainable tourism industry. The discussions, collaborations, and commitments made here will set the course for the future of Indian tourism,” Jain said. He acknowledged the collective responsibility of all stakeholders – from the government to the private sector and local communities – in making sustainability a priority.
A Shared Commitment to ‘Viksit Bharat’
In his closing remarks, Jain reinforced the importance of working together to fulfill Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). He emphasized that achieving this vision requires all sectors, including tourism, to contribute to sustainable growth. “The future of our nation depends on the actions we take today. If we are to create a developed and prosperous India, we must integrate sustainability into every aspect of our tourism industry,” Jain concluded.
The speech resonated deeply with the audience, urging them to take immediate action and join hands in fostering an environmentally, socially, and economically responsible tourism industry.
Hemant Jain’s address served as a call to action, urging all sectors involved in tourism to prioritize sustainability and take immediate steps to protect the environment. His emphasis on green initiatives and the need to act now to avoid long-term consequences was a strong reminder of the critical role sustainable tourism plays in India’s future. The summit marked the beginning of a new era for tourism in India, where sustainability will be at the forefront of the industry’s growth.
