The Need to Diversify India's Tourism Narrative

The summer of 2025 has brought more than just seasonal heat to India — it has exposed a simmering crisis that is reshaping the country’s tourism economy.

 

Tourism in India is undergoing a seismic shift. What was once a largely seasonal activity has now evolved into a persistent, all-year phenomenon.

 

This surge is not without cost. The very cultures, ecosystems, and community rhythms that attract tourists are now at risk of being eroded. 

 

At the heart of this transformation lies a policy vacuum. India lacks a unified and enforceable national tourism framework that prioritises sustainability. Local authorities are often under-resourced, reactive, and politically constrained.

 

In Swiss Alpine towns, in contrast, carrying capacities are non-negotiable. Visitor caps, zoning restrictions, and dedicated tourism police units ensure that tourism never overwhelms the host environment. 

 

The Indian response, by comparison, remains piecemeal. India must diversify its tourism narrative. National and state tourism boards need to promote lesser-known destinations.

Second, mobility models must be reimagined. Hill stations should invest in clean, efficient, and scenic public transit — electric buses, ropeways, and pedestrian paths are vital. Parking zones should be set up at entry points, and last-mile mobility solutions should be eco-sensitive and scalable.

 

Third, local communities must be empowered. Tourism revenue should be ring-fenced for local infrastructure: Healthcare, fire services, water systems, and waste management.

 

Fourth, India needs a functional tourism police system. These units should help maintain public order, protect cultural sites, and support travellers while upholding community norms.

 

Most importantly, the mindset of the Indian traveller must evolve. Respect, not entitlement, should define the tourist ethic.

 

India’s hill stations are repositories of history, literature, and cultural resonance. To let them buckle under the weight of tourism would not just be an ecological loss — it would be a civilisational mistake. 

This article was published in Deccan Herald