Journey Through Sustainable Tourism: An Interview with Elysian Consultancy’s Founder- Dipti Patil

Q. Can you tell us about your journey into the tourism industry and what inspired you to specialize in tourism research and planning? 

DP:  “My journey into the tourism industry was deeply influenced by my family’s passion for travel and the rich cultural environment I was raised in. As a child, I explored many places across India, developing a keen interest in diverse cultures, people, and natural biodiversity. My academic journey began with a graduation in Botany, where outdoor excursions exposed me to various landscapes and villages, further fueling my interest in tourism.

I pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Travel and Tourism Industry Management (PGDTTIM) from Mumbai University’s Garware Institute of Career Education and Development. This program laid the foundation for understanding the challenges and opportunities in the Indian tourism sector and the need for strategic destination planning.

My career started with Kesari Tours as a Sales Executive, where I envisioned global opportunities. This led me to pursue a Master of Science in International Tourism Management (MSc. ITM) from Sheffield Hallam University, one of the top universities in the UK. This education equipped me with international best practices, cultural sensitivity, and sustainable destination development principles. It shifted my perspective from merely creating travel packages to creating enriching experiences that empower local communities.

Building on this, I was selected by Middlesex University, London, for an MBA, which honed my skills in leadership, consumer mindset, financial management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and strategic thinking. During my time in the UK, I worked at the Peak District National Park, providing sustainable tourism solutions, and offered insights on strategic decisions for Stevenage Borough council ‘s Fairlands Valley Park.

My travels across the global exposed me to diverse cultures and demonstrated how small countries leverage tourism as a development tool. Recognizing India’s vast potential for tourism development, I returned after my studies. I joined Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation which gave me opportunities to visit destinations and have stakeholder engagements across India which led to observing tourism’s economic, cultural, and environmental impacts.

Subsequently, I joined Structwel Designers and Consultants as a Senior Tourism Consultant, working on several government projects to develop new destinations. After gaining over a decade of experience, I founded Elysian Consultancy to focus on sustainable destination development planning.

I would say that my journey is a blend of personal passion for travelling, academic excellence, practical experience, and a profound commitment to sustainable tourism.” 

Q. With over 12 years of experience in the tourism industry, what are some of the most significant projects you’ve worked on, particularly those focusing on sustainable development? 

DP: “My journey in the tourism industry, spanning over 12 years, has been marked by significant projects focusing on sustainable development. Here’s a narrative of some of the most impactful ones:

I started my journey in sustainable tourism with Stevenage Borough Council, UK, where I developed Fairlands Valley Park. The project aimed to enhance visitor experiences and serve as a showcase for the Stevenage District Scouts. We analyzed tourism growth opportunities, involved the local community in planning, promoted eco-tourism, attracted responsible visitors, and introduced new activities. This made the area more self-sustainable and enriched the overall visitor experience.

At the Peak District National Park in the UK, I worked on sustainability and ecotourism for the Castleton area. This project involved aesthetic lake design, introducing a new café, revamping the play area, and providing management and marketing solutions. These efforts resulted in a significant increase in visitor numbers and heightened awareness about conserving the area.

One of the memorable projects back in India was the MTDC Bed and Breakfast Training for Homestays of Maharashtra. This involved conducting a Training Needs Analysis across Maharashtra. I travelled to various regions, interacting with B&B owners, customers, and suppliers to identify sector issues related to legislative, social, infrastructure, and business operations. Based on this analysis, we organized workshops to guide B&B owners on customer service, marketing, business management, and government regulations, leading to improved marketing and increased customer numbers.

Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, I conducted a feasibility study for developing Sindhudurg District. Known for its serene beaches, historical forts, and rich folk art forms, Sindhudurg was declared Maharashtra’s first tourism district. Our assessment of infrastructure, sightseeing, and tourism facilities aimed to boost tourist arrivals and create work opportunities for locals.

Another notable project was the Master Plan for Panju Island in Vasai. This 600-acre eco-tourism destination, filled with fragile mangroves, required a sustainable approach. The plan included a pavilion with a restaurant, an activity centre, mangrove walks, agritourism, and village walks, aimed at generating self-sustainable income for the local community.

Working on the Ecotourism project in Pench National Park, Nagpur, Maharashtra, was another highlight. We developed a tourism complex, introduced agritourism, and integrated skill development among local communities through village walks and souvenir making. Additionally, I conducted nature guide training at Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary.

Currently, my consultancy is engaged in Swadesh Darshan 2.0, a holistic development project under the Ministry of Tourism. We are focusing on infrastructure development and capacity building of local communities in states like Sikkim, Tripura, and Madhya Pradesh. By enhancing traditional skills in handicrafts, arts, and culture, we aim to integrate these elements into mainstream tourism jobs, enriching the tourism experiences for travellers.

One of the most ambitious projects we’re working on is the –holistic development of 16 villages in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Satara, Maharashtra. This involves planning infrastructure like roads, electricity, safe drinking water, waste management, public amenities, and tourism amenities such as homestays, treks, and wildlife safaris. This project aims to boost tourism, generate revenue, and promote sustainable development for both the forest and local communities.

These projects reflect my commitment to sustainable tourism development, enhancing local communities’ skills, and preserving cultural and natural heritage.”

Q. Could you provide an overview of the services offered by Elysian Consultancy?

DP: “Elysian Consultancy offers a range of services to promote sustainable tourism development. We create comprehensive master plans for destinations and prepare detailed project reports. Our financial feasibility studies assess project viability, while our market research identifies trends and opportunities. We develop unique tourism products and conduct training programs for skill development and capacity building. Additionally, we plan and implement community-based tourism and agritourism projects. We also provide solutions for fostering public-private partnerships, enhancing local communities, and creating memorable travel experiences.” 

Q. How does Elysian Consultancy differentiate itself from other consultancy firms in the tourism industry? 

DP: “Elysian Consultancy differentiates itself through a unique blend of local expertise and global best practices. We specialize in community-based tourism, integrating local culture and skills into tourism development. We emphasize sustainability, involving local communities in planning and execution, ensuring that tourism benefits both visitors and residents. We practice eco-friendly methods in our offices, and while conducting study tours we ensure to avoiding plastic and supporting local services for accommodations, food, and transport. Additionally, we offer industry training to students, providing hands-on experience in sustainable tourism. This holistic approach benefits a wide range of tourism industry stakeholders.

Elysian Consultancy differentiates itself through a unique blend of local expertise and global best practices. We specialize in community-based tourism, integrating local culture and skills into tourism development. We emphasize sustainability, involving local communities in planning and execution, ensuring that tourism benefits both visitors and residents. We practice eco-friendly methods in our offices, and while conducting study tours we ensure to avoiding plastic and supporting local services for accommodations, food, and transport. Additionally, we offer industry training to students, providing hands-on experience in sustainable tourism. This holistic approach benefits a wide range of tourism industry stakeholders.”

Q. Can you discuss the importance of community-based tourism development and how Elysian Consultancy integrates this into its projects? 

DP: “Community-based tourism development is essential because it directly involves local communities in the tourism process, ensuring that they benefit economically and socially. It helps preserve and promote local culture, traditions, and environments. By engaging locals in tourism activities, it creates job opportunities, enhances skills, and fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents. This approach leads to more sustainable tourism, as communities are incentivized to protect their natural and cultural resources, ensuring long-term benefits and a positive impact on both residents and visitors.

Elysian Consultancy places a strong emphasis on community-based tourism development as a cornerstone of its approach to sustainable tourism. By actively involving local communities in decision-making processes and ensuring they share in the economic benefits of tourism activities, Elysian Consultancy empowers these communities and enhances their socio-economic well-being. Cultural preservation is integral to their projects, as they promote authentic experiences that showcase local traditions and heritage, thereby enriching visitor experiences while safeguarding cultural identities. Environmental sustainability is also prioritized through advocacy for eco-friendly practices and support for initiatives that conserve natural resources and protect biodiversity. Elysian Consultancy invests in capacity building and education within communities, providing training in tourism-related skills to enhance local participation and benefit from tourism ventures. Collaboration with local stakeholders, NGOs, and government agencies ensures inclusive and transparent project development, fostering long-term resilience and alignment with community aspirations. Through these efforts, Elysian Consultancy strives to create sustainable tourism initiatives that not only benefit communities economically but also contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship for future generations.”

Q. What are your future goals for Elysian Consultancy, and how do you envision the company’s role in the evolving tourism industry.

DP: “At Elysian Consultancy, our future goals include expanding our work to more Indian states such as Andhra Pradesh , Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and North East sector while focusing on heritage conservation projects. We also aim to extend our expertise internationally, collaborating with organizations like UNESCO and UNWTO to develop community tourism and sustainable development in culturally rich countries. By leveraging our experience and innovative approaches, we envision playing a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry globally, enriching both local communities and visitors through meaningful and responsible travel experiences.”