Formed in 2008, at the behest of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, the founding members of Ecotourism Society of India comprised of 13 widely experienced, eco-sensitive professionals from the Tourism industry, state government departments of tourism and forests, wildlife conservation, NGOs and also Members of Parliament. This national body for ecotourism stood on three pillars:
- Engaging in advocacy
- Helping create policies and guidelines
- Helping with certification
ESOI stood for Responsible and Sustainable practices In the Business of Tourism- and advocated our Collective Responsibility to ensure the Sustainability of the supporting Natural Environment and the Socio- Cultural surroundings for the Business to sustain over a long time.
To highlight the above aspects, the society has been re-christened as;
‘The Responsible Tourism Society of India’
RTSOI/ESOI works closely with the central and state government bodies responsible for sustainable tourism and a network of like-minded regional / state players across the country to facilitate and support synergy of policies, initiatives and activities at the national and state level.
The society is open for membership to conscious companies and individuals who wish to walk the Sustainable path and lend support to the cause.
Responsible Tourism
Responsible tourism is any form of tourism that can be consumed in a more responsible way.
“Responsible tourism is tourism which:
- Minimizes negative social, economic and environmental impacts.
- Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities.
- Improves working conditions and access to the industry.
- Involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances.
- Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity.
- Provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues.
- Provides access for physically challenged people.
- Is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.
Cape Town Declaration, 2002
OUR MISSION
The Responsible Tourism Society of India is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable and responsible tourism practices within the tourism industry. All funds/income generated are utilized towards achieving the following objectives of the society.
- Tabulate eco-sensitive areas where tourism will have an impact on the social, cultural and natural environment.
- Make strategies and efforts to ensure long-term (perpetual) sustenance of the environment.
- Work with empowered bodies to establish Carrying Capacity and sustainable tourism practices which include conservation of nature and wildlife, and allow local communities to benefit from tourism.
- Develop policies and codes of conduct for promotion of Sustainable tourism, and help implementation Strategy.
- Develop a Sustainability based Certification of tourism service providers.
- Act as a watchdog for excessive consumption of Natural Resources and any negative impact of/on the tourism sector.
- Support Research in Tourism.
- Work with service providers to enhance quality of their product and services to a level so they can be sustainable and eco-friendly.
- Encourage use of appropriate local practices, materials, art, craft, architecture, food etc
- Encourage minimal conspicuous consumption and prevent excessive consumption of energy.
- Encourage Energy Saving Practices, Water Harvesting, Use of Solar and other Natural Energy Sources.
- Encourage good Waste Management Practices especially of non-bio-degradable materials.
- Encourage low pollution-generating practices and Minimise Carbon Footprint.
- Organize training and other activities to create awareness on Ecotourism, Sustainable and Responsible tourism.
- To collaborate with like-minded bodies and implement ecotourism objectives in India and abroad.
- To continually identify new Ecotourism destinations, Strengthen Ecotourism and make India a preferred Ecotourism Destination.
Board & Staff

Former CEO, BASS (IHG) HOTELS, South & West Asia. &
Former President, ITC WelcomHeritage Hotels
Director and Principal Advisor:
LORDS Hotels and Resorts
WOODBRIDGE Guest Homes




















Former CEO, BASS (IHG) HOTELS, South & West Asia. &
Former President, ITC WelcomHeritage Hotels
Director and Principal Advisor:
LORDS Hotels and Resorts
WOODBRIDGE Guest Homes






Our Supporters
RTSOI Members


Ms Effat Ara
Managing Director
Mr. Junaid Wahab Khan
Manager – Marketing & Brand Development


Mr. Mandip Singh Soin
Managing Director
Mrs. Anita Singh Soin
Director
E: mandip@ibexexpeditions.com, anitasoin@ibexexpeditions.com
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Mr. Kanhai Kapoor
Director Operations
E: kanhai.kapoor@tajhotels.com, sachin.tevatiya@tajhotels.com

Mrigank Save
Director
E: chinmay@pugmarksholidays.com, mrigank.harry@gmail.com, admin@pugmarksholidays.com
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Mr. Ajeet Bajaj
Managing Director
Mrs. Shirly Thomas Bajaj
E: ajeetbajaj@hotmail.com, stb@snowleopardadventures.com
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Mr. Ajay K. Bakaya
Executive Director
Ms. Preeti Nathani
Asst. Manager – Corporate Affairs






Mr. Abhimanyu Mehra
MD
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Syed Junaid Altaf
M. D.
Syed Ali Jafary
Head – Sales & Marketing
Geetu Kaura
General Manager
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Mr. Shivraj Singh Shekhawat
Partner
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Mr. Pradeep Kumar Marwah
Director
Mr. Sidhartha Roy
Sr. Vice President
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Mr. Riyaz U. C.
Managing Director
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Mr. Bansal
Chief Operating Officer
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Ms. Shahna Steve
Executive Director
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Mr. Narendra Singh Rathore
COO
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Mr. Mandeep Singh Dhillon
Director
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Mr. Sunder Vasudevan
Founder & CEO
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Mr. Hussan Lal, IAS
Principal Secretary
Ms. Kanwalpreet Kaur Brar, IAS
Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Lakhmir Singh, PCS
Executive Director
E: secy.tca@punjab.gov.in, directorculture@gmail.com, ed.apd.phtpb@gmail.com
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Sh. Sanjay Sood, IFS
CEO-Cum-CCF
Eco-Tourism & Pub.
Department of Forests
E: hpecosoc@gmail.com
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Dept. of Travel & Tourism, Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Polytechnic
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Asst. Professor,
Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University
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Asst. Professor
Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences
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The Responsible Tourism Society of India is looking for creative and hard working interns with a passion for responsible travel. This is a unique opportunity to work with a leading organization, learn about the Tourism & Travel industry, get exposed to the events and activities that RTSOI organizes, and get a deeper understanding of how the Tourism industry works.
For current students and recent graduates, this is an opportunity to learn about careers in a growing, dynamic, rewarding industry, while starting on the path toward being tomorrow’s innovators, travel industry leaders.
Interns will have the opportunity to work remotely from anywhere, communicating with the RTSOI team and Society Members, while learning about the industry, contributing to the goals and initiatives of the Society, and gaining practical and applicable work experience.
This is a remote part time position with flexible hours. Student must have access to computer and internet. Internships are not compensated.
Each program will last three to six months and accept up to 4 interns. Program extensions may be considered.
Skills Needed
- English language proficiency.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience with using Internet, email, basic document programs, Google Drive, etc.
- Organization skills.
- Time management skills.
- Strong team player.
- Ability to work remotely with internet access.
- Social media skills a plus.
Program Benefits
- The opportunity to work at National Level Society & events.
- The opportunity to be published on one of our blogs.
- Practical, real world work skills and experience working with a remote global team.
- A Capstone or legacy project.
- Exposure to our business community through various channels.
- Access to research and education.
- Access to job opportunities.
- A certificate of completion of program at the end of the Three month period.
Terms are February to July and August to January.
Applications are currently being accepted for August to January 2020.
Contact Us
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Manager – Administration & Programmes