As the world marks World Environment Day 2025 with the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”, the travel and tourism industry is reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. From hoteliers and tour operators to aviation and destination leaders, voices across the sector are coming together to share their thoughts, actions, and aspirations for a more responsible future. In this special feature, Travel Trade Insider brings you reflections and pledges from industry professionals who believe that protecting the planet is not just a responsibility—but a shared mission that lies at the heart of meaningful travel.
Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director, BLS International
“World Environment Day on June 5 is a global call to action—urging us all to embrace sustainable choices in every part of life, including travel. Sustainability is no longer an afterthought in tourism; it’s becoming the core. Today’s travellers—especially millennials and Gen Z—are driven by purpose. They seek destinations untouched by industrialization, where nature and culture thrive in harmony. Countries like Spain and Slovakia are leading by example, promoting responsible tourism through eco-certified stays, green trails, and low-impact travel initiatives that protect their stunning natural heritage. This shift is reshaping tourism into a powerful catalyst for environmental care, delivering meaningful experiences while preserving the planet. From reducing paper use to cutting carbon emissions, the travel industry is embracing its role in building a greener future.”
Ashutosh Chhibba, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WelcomHeritage Hotels.
“WelcomHeritage champions responsible tourism, seamlessly blending sustainability with cultural preservation. Each of our properties is committed to environmentally conscious practices, reflecting our profound respect for India’s heritage and natural ecosystems. We don’t just advocate for sustainable living—we embody it. Many of our hotels have eliminated single-use plastics, adopted eco-friendly alternatives, and actively reduce food waste through mindful consumption. For instance, WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa, Jawai and WelcomHeritage Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat, Ranakpur are prime examples of our dedication to organic farming, sourcing local produce to ensure both authenticity and sustainability in their kitchens. We work closely with local communities, safeguarding their traditions while fostering meaningful employment and engagement at the destination level.
Our commitment to clean energy and resource conservation is evident through features like electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at properties such as WelcomHeritage Santa Roza, Kasauli and WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa, Solan. We also prioritize eco-friendly dry amenities to minimize plastic use and have implemented solar energy panels for conservation in many properties.
This World Environment Day, we reaffirm our pledge to not only protect our environment but also to celebrate and safeguard the cultural and natural legacy of India for generations to come. At WelcomHeritage, every stay contributes to a more sustainable and culturally rich future.”
Smita Jatia, Vice Chairperson, Westlife Foodworld.
“Environmental consciousness stands as a cornerstone of Westlife Foodworld’s business philosophy. Our sustainability journey began with purpose and conviction, embedding eco-friendly practices such as eliminating single-use plastic from all customer touchpoints throughout our operations as part of our fundamental values. On World Environment Day, we reflect on how responsible corporate citizenship must balance innovation with the preservation of our planet’s precious resources. Businesses today have both the opportunity and obligation to reimagine traditional models, creating frameworks where economic growth and ecological harmony coexist. At Westlife, our environmental initiatives form an integral part of our corporate DNA that influences every decision we make. We aim to inspire our entire ecosystem of stakeholders to join us in safeguarding our planet while envisioning and building a more sustainable, regenerative future for generations to come.”