Tourism as an industry has evolved as one of the largest and lucrative industry in Indian economy. It is regarded as one of the most effective instrument for national integration and harmony. Thus, leading towards social transformation and upliftment of the rural poor. The success of the tourism sector is highly influenced by the supporting industries such as hotels, transportation, communication, banking and so on. Sustainable tourism takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, industry, environment and host communities. Importance of sustainable tourism is immense for poverty reduction, the protection of environment and preservation of cultural heritage. Various stakeholders of sustainable tourism in Uttarakhand call for increase in productivity and efficiency of existing land, water, flora and fauna resources in a planned manner without jeopardizing their future use. This paper primarily aims to enhance a common understanding and commitment about Sustainable Tourism, and to demonstrate how it is a vehicle to foster economic and social growth, through the achievement of development imperatives, while minimizing negative social, cultural and environmental impacts in the state of Uttarakhand. The conceptual paper comes to note that all of us have our own role to play in ensuring tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development.
