Provork partners with People for Himalayan Development for Sustainability Basics workshop for Hotels and Homestays.

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh – December 2024 – A workshop on sustainable practices in the accommodation industry, titled "Every Step Matters," was held in Kullu, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss practical steps toward environmentally responsible tourism. The workshop was organized by People for Himalayan Development (PHD) with the support of Royal Enfield and in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department. This initiative is part of the People Owned and People Governed Tourism (POPGT) project, a community-driven effort to develop tourism sustainably at the panchayat level.

The workshop was graced by Deputy Commissioner Kullu, Torul S. Raveesh, along with the District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO) and other officials, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

Rajesh Nambiar, Founder and Chief Consultant at Provork, served as the resource person for this hotel sustainability basics workshop. Sharing his expertise, Nambiar explained how GSTC guidelines can be implemented in various accommodation units, whether they are large resorts or small homestays. He offered practical solutions on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and reducing environmental impact, underscoring the importance of adopting sustainable practices to ensure the long-term success of tourism businesses.

“Small steps, like reducing waste, optimizing resources, and conserving energy, can collectively make a significant impact,” said Nambiar. “Sustainability is not just for environment, it's also good for the business; even the smallest homestays can also adopt these practices and benefit greatly.”

The highlight of the event was the collective pledge signed by participants—owners and managers from various accommodation units—committing to implementing sustainable practices in their operations. This pledge symbolizes the growing awareness and willingness within the local industry to embrace sustainability as a cornerstone of their businesses.

Sandeep Minhas, Project Manager for POPGT, shared his vision for the initiative, saying, “The People Owned and People Governed Tourism project is a step toward empowering local communities to lead tourism development that respects both people and nature. Sustainability is not just an idea—it’s a necessity. By adopting these practices, we are ensuring that tourism becomes a force for good, creating opportunities for local livelihoods while protecting our environment and culture.”

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Raveesh commended the initiative and remarked, “Sustainable tourism is the way forward. It is not only about protecting our environment but also about creating a model where tourism uplifts communities and ensures that future generations inherit a thriving ecosystem and culture.”

The workshop also provided a platform for open discussions, where participants shared ideas, concerns, and solutions to integrate sustainability into their daily operations. The event encouraged collaboration among stakeholders, fostering a collective sense of responsibility toward ensuring tourism in Himachal Pradesh remains inclusive, eco-friendly, and community-led.

The POPGT project, under which this workshop was conducted, aims to create a sustainable tourism model at the grassroots level, with panchayats leading the way in planning and governance. Supported by Royal Enfield, the initiative seeks to build a future where tourism flourishes in harmony with local communities and the natural environment, preserving the unique cultural and ecological heritage of Himachal Pradesh.

With growing participation and strong local leadership, the "Every Step Matters" workshop marks a critical milestone in transforming Himachal’s accommodation industry into a model of sustainable tourism.

This article is originally published by People for Himalayan Development