Dr. Anjuna Dhir

Sustainable Tourism Strategist | Responsible Tourism Expert | Tourism Policy & Capacity Building

Dr. Anjuna Dhir is a leading professional in sustainable and responsible tourism in India, with extensive experience in tourism strategy, policy, industry advocacy, capacity building and community-led tourism development. Her work has contributed to advancing the conversation around sustainable tourism, responsible tourism practices and destination development across India.

Through her leadership role with the Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI), Dr. Dhir has been closely involved in promoting responsible tourism and developing frameworks, standards and capacity-building initiatives that encourage the tourism industry to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, cultural preservation and community well-being. She has worked with government institutions, tourism businesses, industry stakeholders and other partners to build greater understanding, acceptance and implementation of sustainable tourism practices.

Her professional contribution extends beyond policy and institutional work to the grassroots level. Dr. Dhir has worked with local communities to mobilise and empower youth, strengthen community participation in tourism, and facilitate the integration of women artisans and craftspeople into the tourism economy. This experience reflects her belief that tourism can create meaningful local livelihoods while protecting cultural identity and strengthening communities.

Dr. Dhir brings a multidisciplinary perspective to tourism, shaped by professional experience across travel and tourism, trade events, retail, fashion, arts and crafts, broadcasting, advertising, communications and academia. This breadth of experience enables her to approach tourism not simply as an industry, but as a powerful intersection of place, people, culture, creativity, policy and sustainable economic development.

Her areas of professional interest and expertise include sustainable tourism, responsible tourism, ecotourism, tourism policy and governance, destination development, tourism standards and certification, community-based tourism, stakeholder engagement, capacity building and the integration of local communities into the visitor economy.

Beyond her professional work, Dr. Anjuna Dhir has a deep personal interest in exploring rivers and river landscapes, as well as a fascination with Indian temple architecture and cultural heritage—interests that complement her wider engagement with destinations, communities, culture and the natural environment.