Tourism ministry acknowledges misinformation risks in influencer travel posts

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Tourism has acknowledged concerns over misleading travel content circulated by social media influencers, particularly posts promoting visits to ecologically sensitive or restricted locations, but said it is not feasible for the government to directly monitor or regulate such material given the scale of digital platforms.

The issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha by MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, who sought details on how the government plans to address the growing volume of influencer-led travel promotions, the mechanisms in place to verify their authenticity and safety, and the absence of a certification system or code of conduct for content creators influencing public travel behaviour.

In a written reply, the Ministry said it has taken note of the increase in travel-related content across social and digital media platforms. However, it stated that monitoring or regulating individual influencers is not practical due to the large number of users and creators operating across multiple platforms.

The Ministry added that it does not have a separate mechanism to verify the authenticity or safety of influencer-driven travel promotions, noting that such content is user-generated and disseminated independently on private digital platforms. It also clarified that it does not actively monitor influencer activity.

The response comes amid growing scrutiny of influencer content accused of spreading misinformation related to travel safety, environmental impact and access to restricted destinations. In several instances, viral videos and reels showcasing offbeat locations have been criticised for downplaying legal restrictions or safety risks, contributing to overcrowding and ecological stress in fragile areas.

Mittal’s question also sought an explanation for why no certification framework or code of conduct has been proposed so far for travel influencers and whether the Ministry plans to work with digital platforms to counter unethical tourism promotion online.

Addressing this, the Ministry reiterated that its role is limited to disseminating verified tourism-related information through official channels. It said it uses the Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) and its official social media handles to share travel advisories, destination details and policy-related updates.

The reply indicates that responsibility for regulating misleading tourism content largely rests with digital platforms rather than sector-specific ministries. However, as influencer-led narratives continue to shape travel decisions, policy experts say the absence of a formal oversight framework is drawing increasing attention, particularly where public safety and environmental sustainability are concerned.