Useful Resources for Sustainable Tourism
Explore trusted international standards, Indian government
policies, sustainability guidelines and practical resources
to help your tourism business become more responsible,
resilient and sustainable.
1. Global Standards & Sustainable Tourism Guidelines
International criteria, frameworks and guidance for responsible tourism.
UN Tourism
Access international tourism policies, research and guidance on sustainable tourism development.
Tourism for SDGs Platform
Learn how tourism can contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism
Understand climate action through measurement, decarbonisation, regeneration, collaboration and financing.
One Planet Network — Sustainable Tourism
Discover global initiatives and knowledge for reducing tourism’s environmental footprint.
GSTC Hotel Standards
Understand sustainability practices covering management, communities, cultural heritage and the environment for accommodation providers.
GSTC Tour Operator Standards
Guidance for responsible tourism policies and sustainability across tour operations and supply chains.
UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism
Find Sustainable Tourism Toolkit
2. Indian Government Policies & Publications
National strategies and guidelines relevant to tourism businesses in India.
National Tourism Policy
India’s national framework for the tourism industry.
National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism
Guidance relevant to adventure tour operators and activity providers planning safer, sustainable, and responsible experiences.
Council on Energy, Environment and Water
Sustainable Tourism that support nature conservation and responsible use of natural areas.
Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI)
RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER GUIDELINES
TOFT India Wildlife Association
Resources to help accommodation providers build more responsible, resilient and nature-positive businesses.
3. Sustainable Hotel Operations
Practical resources for accommodation providers and hospitality teams.
World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
Industry resources on climate action, water stewardship and reducing the environmental impact of hospitality.
Water Stewardship for Hotel Companies
Practical steps for measuring water use, setting targets and improving hotel water management.
Green Key Sustainability Criteria
Environmental and sustainability criteria for eligible accommodation and other tourism establishments.
4. Climate Action, Plastic & Food Waste
Resources to help tourism businesses reduce environmental impacts.
UN Tourism Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
Discover initiatives addressing climate change, plastic pollution and food waste in tourism.
Global Tourism Plastics Initiative
Find guidance on reducing plastic pollution and moving towards more circular use of plastics in tourism.
Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism
Develop an approach to measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from tourism activities.
Water Stewardship for Hotel Companies
Learn about setting water targets and improving water efficiency throughout hotel operations.
5. Responsible Tour Operators & Nature-Based Tourism
Guidance for tour operators, destinations and conservation-focused tourism.
UN Tourism — Biodiversity
Understand how tourism can support biodiversity conservation and responsible nature-based experiences.
The Long Run
Discover an approach to nature-focused tourism built around conservation, community, culture and commerce.
Building a More Sustainable Tourism Industry
SETTA encourages members to use these resources to learn, improve their practices and contribute to responsible tourism.
