A recent viral video showed passengers on a Thailand-bound flight standing in the aisles, eating and aloof from the instructions from the cabin crew. This incident sparked debate around travel etiquette on various platforms. In Vietnam, an Indian traveller expressed "second-hand shame" over fellow tourists' loud and disruptive behaviour, noting with no pleasure that such conduct brings bad name to India's reputation. Similarly, a social media post by an NRI recounted a family conversing loudly on a Finnish train, disregarding the local norms and precedence given to quietness. Such surface inquiry on the internet gives you multiple more incidents that have drawn unfavourable attention to Indian tourists abroad.
In India, across many states, officials and locals are equally grappling with the effects of overtourism. While it remains no secret that once pristine hill stations like Shimla and Manali have now suffered obscene ecological degradation and are nearly bursting at their seams from tourist footfall, other freshly famous hill stations like McLeod Ganj are now haplessly reporting surge in visitors leading to traffic congestion, overbuilding and a sad shift in the town's cultural landscape. Local residents report being compromised and cracking under the strain of infrastructure, so much so that they hardly can help feeling that they're being "pushed aside" in their own town.
Ever since COVID pandemic-induced restrictions eased, a massive boom in outbound tourism among Indians has been observed, with over 25 millions Indians ferrying off overseas annually. The reasons behind the recent surge in travel among Indians can be associated with two chief sources: an expanding middle class and a hike in disposable income. Various projections suggest that the number of Indian outbound travellers is expected to hit a whopping 50 million by 2030. While the growth presents economic prospects beyond the shadow of a doubt, it also introduces challenges around cultural sensitivity, ecological impact and public perception.
However, this surge has unfortunately met with raised eyebrows on account of conduct both locally and internationally. From viral videos with potentially disruptive behaviours to accruing flak around environmental callousness, Indian tourists are receiving more attention than ever before. But with a few steps, this criticism can be
Education and Awareness: Promoting awareness about cultural sensitivities and local customs can help remedy the situation leading travellers to behave more appropriately. Travel agencies and tourism boards can play a role in educating tourists before their trips.
Sustainable Tourism Practices: Encouraging responsible tourism that respects the environment and local communities is crucial. This includes adhering to guidelines, minimising waste, and supporting local businesses.
Policy Implementation: Authorities can implement policies to manage tourist numbers and protect destinations from overexploitation. For example, Bhutan's "high value, low volume" tourism policy imposes a daily fee to limit tourist numbers and fund community services.
Community Engagement: Involving local communities in tourism planning ensures that their needs and concerns are addressed, leading to more sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
There are opportunities and obligations associated with the growth of Indian outbound tourism. Indian travellers may improve their experiences and make a positive impact on the places they visit by promoting a culture of considerate and sustainable travel. Promoting responsible tourism practices that safeguard the environment and cultural heritage requires cooperation from travellers, industry stakeholders and legislators.
