India is largely a volume-driven tourism destination due to the structural realities of the sector, says Debjit Dutta, Chairman IATO West Bengal Chapter. He feels tourism here is still highly fragmented, with certification and accreditation remaining voluntary, while a significant part of the market continues to focus more on transactions than on transformative traveller experiences. “However, the global tourism landscape is rapidly evolving. Responsible and experience-led travel is increasingly shaping the future of tourism, especially among high-value travellers who are now seeking authenticity, sustainability, and meaningful human connections. Luxury today is no longer defined only by opulence, but by access to pristine environments, local culture, regional cuisine, and immersive community experiences. What defines your taste is becoming the new meaning of luxury travel,” he says.
India possesses immense potential to transition from a volume-led destination to a value-driven tourism economy, he adds. “Today’s evolved travellers are looking beyond conventional sightseeing toward deeper cultural engagement, environmental responsibility, wellness, and experiential journeys. This shift can help India sustainably unlock emerging destinations, reduce pressure on overcrowded circuits, and create stronger socio-economic benefits for local communities while preserving biodiversity and heritage. The future of Indian tourism lies in thoughtful, responsible, and inclusive travel experiences,” Dutta says.
He urges that as an industry, we must collectively reposition India as a global leader in responsible, women-led, and community-driven tourism. “This requires stronger awareness, capacity building, sustainability standards, destination stewardship, and collaborative industry initiatives. In this direction, the IATO Responsible Tourism Mission 2027 (RTM27) reflects the Indian tourism industry’s commitment to transform tourism into a force for economic growth, environmental regeneration, and social equity. Such initiatives can help India attract discerning value travellers who seek purpose, authenticity, and positive impact alongside premium experiences,” he shares.
With over 17 years of experience in the B2B travel and hospitality sector, she brings deep insight into travel trade dynamics, industry challenges and market developments. She holds an MA in English Literature and a Diploma in Journalism from the Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, which underpin her strong editorial expertise. An avid nature enthusiast, she prefers outdoor and adventure-led travel, including hiking and trekking.