The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), reaffirming its commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, successfully launched the first phase of its nationwide “Swachh Paryatan Abhiyaan – Cleanliness Awareness Drive” at the iconic Qutub Minar in New Delhi on May 30, 2026.
The initiative brought together IATO members, tourism professionals, students, local stakeholders, and tourism enthusiasts with a shared objective of creating awareness about maintaining cleanliness at monuments and tourist destinations, promoting civic responsibility, encouraging respectful behavior towards tourists, and preserving India’s rich heritage and cultural values.
The campaign highlighted the importance of safeguarding India’s cultural and historical assets through collective action and responsible visitor behavior. Participants actively engaged in awareness activities and pledged their support towards keeping tourist destinations clean and promoting environmentally responsible tourism practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, said: “India’s heritage monuments are not only symbols of our glorious past but also major attractions for international and domestic tourists. Clean and well-maintained destinations significantly enhance visitor experiences and strengthen India’s image as a world-class tourism destination. Through the Swachh Paryatan Abhiyaan, IATO seeks to inspire every stakeholder and traveler to take responsibility for preserving our heritage for future generations.”
Mr. Gosain further emphasized that cleanliness, sustainability, and responsible tourism are critical pillars for achieving India’s tourism growth objectives and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global tourism marketplace and this campaign will be carried out on pan India basis in different cities.
The campaign was organized under the theme: “Respect Heritage – Don’t Litter – Preserve Our Legacy”
Mr. Sunil Mishra, Hony. Secretary, IATO reiterated its commitment to supporting the Government of India’s vision of Swachh Bharat, sustainable tourism development, and effective destination management through regular awareness campaigns and stakeholder participation across the country.
The Association believes that preserving heritage sites and ensuring clean tourist destinations will contribute to enhanced visitor satisfaction, stronger destination branding, and sustained tourism growth.
