Sustainable Tourism: Journey with a Purpose
©Six Senses Bhutan
With the summer holidays now right around the corner, many of us are putting the final touches on our travel plans. Whether you're visiting loved ones or embarking on an exciting vacation, there’s always room to make your upcoming trips and travels more eco-friendly.
As a matter of fact, as one of the fastest-growing economic sectors in the world, tourism is increasingly recognized as a vital contributor to job and wealth creation, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and poverty alleviation. In this edition of GREENEXT Talks, let's explore sustainable tourism, and how you can make a positive impact on your next trip!
What is sustainable tourism?
Svart Hotel, Norway
Sustainable tourism, also known as responsible tourism or eco-tourism, refers to an approach to tourism that seeks to create a balance between tourism activities and the well-being of the environment and local populations.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), sustainable tourism is defined as: tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.
Sustainable tourism focuses on preserving natural resources, protecting biodiversity, conserving cultural heritage, and promoting social and economic development in host communities.
Facts about the tourism industry
The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the global economy, but it can also have negative impacts on the environment, communities, and cultural heritage. Since the 1950s, there has been an extraordinary surge in international tourist arrivals, with the numbers skyrocketing from 25 million globally to 527 million in 1995 and a staggering 1.2 billion in 2016. Projections indicate that this figure will continue to rise, reaching an estimated 1.8 billion by 2030 and doubling by 2050.
The increasing global air travel population also presents a significant environmental challenge, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a body established by the United Nations, highlights that aviation accounts for approximately two percent of human-generated carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. This figure is comparable to the total emissions of Germany, a country with an approximate population of 18 million.
Besides, popular tourist destinations often face issues of overcrowding, resulting in strain on local resources, increased waste generation, traffic congestion and disruption of natural habitats. Overtourism can lead to a loss of authenticity, cultural erosion, and increased conflicts between tourists and local communities.
The above-mentioned has brought forth the imperative for sustainable tourism development, making it an integral part of the global agenda aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With such remarkable expansion, ensuring the sustainability of tourism practices has become paramount in addressing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of this booming sector.
4 simple tips to make a positive impact on your next trip
Traveling can be a wonderful experience, and by adopting eco-friendly practices, we can make it even more rewarding.
Opt for eco-conscious accommodations
Choosing to stay in eco-friendly accommodations significantly reduces the environmental impact of tourism. These sustainable lodgings prioritize practices such as renewable energy production and utilize bio-architecture techniques to minimize their ecological footprint. By implementing these measures, eco-friendly accommodations contribute to positive environmental outcomes.
However, the benefits extend beyond environmental preservation. Staying in such establishments also has a positive impact on the local economy. Many eco-friendly lodgings prioritize sourcing zero-kilometer, organic food, supporting local farmers and producers. This symbiotic relationship between eco-tourism and the local economy fosters sustainability and reinforces the connection between responsible travel and community development.
Pack Smart
Packing reusable items is a simple yet effective way to reduce waste and promote sustainability while traveling. When packing for your trip, consider including reusable water bottles, travel mugs, utensils, cloth bags, and reusable shopping bags. These items not only help reduce waste but also allow you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility of reusable alternatives throughout your journey.
Besides, when preparing for a tropical getaway, it is crucial to pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the marine environment. Traditional sunscreens often contain harmful chemicals, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can have detrimental effects on coral reefs. These chemicals can bleach and damage coral, disrupt coral's reproduction and growth cycles, and contribute to coral reef decline.
Supporting local businesses
Supporting and buying from local businesses not only empowers the local economy but also yields additional benefits. By choosing local products, consumers contribute to the reduction of transportation-related carbon emissions, as these products do not require long-distance shipping.
Furthermore, local products often involve less packaging, reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption. Additionally, supporting local businesses creates more job opportunities within the community, fostering economic growth and stability. By prioritizing local sourcing and consumption, individuals can make a positive impact on both the environment and the local economy, promoting sustainable practices and community development.
Avoid animal entertainment
Wildlife encounters have long been cherished aspects of travel, providing unforgettable experiences for tourists. However, it is disheartening to acknowledge that a staggering 75% of all wildlife tourism has detrimental effects on animals.
One important aspect of sustainable travel is to avoid participating in animal entertainment activities. Many tourist destinations offer various forms of animal entertainment, such as elephant rides, dolphin shows, or posing with wildlife for photos. However, these activities often involve cruelty, exploitation, and negative consequences for animal welfare.
Animals used in entertainment are often subjected to harsh training methods, confinement in inadequate living conditions, and forced performances that go against their natural behaviors. These practices can cause immense physical and psychological suffering for the animals involved. Even seemingly innocuous forms of entertainment, such as feeding an eagle, handling a snake, or indulging in Luwak coffee, can contribute to this issue.
