In recent years, interest in sustainable, responsible travel has increased by leaps and bounds. As the negative impacts of mass tourism become more visible to travelers all over the world, they are increasingly seeking out more environmentally conscious options.
There’s confusion surrounding the subject of sustainable travel, perhaps because there are so many different names used to describe it. Ecotourism is the most commonly used and most longstanding term; the movement first took shape in the 1980s. More recent buzzwords include green tourism, sustainable tourism, low-impact tourism, or nature tourism. Responsible tourism, ethical tourism, and mindful travel are related concepts.
Regardless of the term you use, the central concept revolves around the idea that the travel industry has a responsibility to adopt environmentally friendly practices, preserve the local environment and cultural heritage of destinations, and support local communities rather than marginalize or exploit them.
The other idea underlying this more responsible form of tourism is that travel can be a force for good, as well as a meaningful way to experience the richness of our planet’s cultures and natural wonders. Travel can bring people from different walks of life together as well. Tourism not only benefits travelers; it can also benefit local communities, generating business, jobs, and wealth.
Sustainable travel is more important than ever before. As the years go by, the impact of climate change is becoming increasingly obvious, as is humankind’s role in causing it. According to a 2018 study by Nature Climate Change, the tourism industry accounts for around 8% of total global greenhouse gas emissions, a significant percentage. The need to embrace a more sustainable form of tourism is glaringly obvious.
Ecotourism
Ecotourism usually implies travel to a natural area rather than a city. Travelers may come simply to relax in a beautiful location, in lodgings that are operated sustainably. However, many eco-hotels and ecotourism outfitters provide experiences that allow travelers to get more in touch with their natural surroundings—for example, through hiking, birdwatching, canoeing, classes on local flora and fauna, opportunities to learn about Indigenous cultures and local heritage, and even volunteer service projects.
The main principles of ecotourism include:
- Protecting wildlife, natural resources, and the environment.
- Creating authentic tourist experiences that conserve cultural heritage.
- Providing communities living in tourist destinations with socio-economic benefits.
- Bringing local communities and tourists together for mutual benefit.
- Creating accessible, inclusive tourism opportunities.
In its essence, ecotourism recognizes that people want to enjoy nature in a more responsible way. Communities in rural areas or sensitive environments look to ecotourism to ensure that the features that draw travelers to their area—like beautiful beaches or vast forests—aren’t destroyed over time by those same travelers.
Economic benefits
Recognizing ecotourism’s vast potential for driving sustainable development, many developing countries are embracing the principles of sustainable tourism, incorporating it in their economic development strategies. Many destinations have strategies to leverage tourism to help conserve natural and cultural heritage and alleviate poverty—for example, through the creation and operation of national parks. The parks become a tourist attraction that support an entire local economy.
According to the World Economic Forum, approximately 10% of the global population is employed in tourism-related occupations. When managed well, tourism can provide a huge economic boost to local and even national economies. This is one incentive for countries to create the infrastructure needed to facilitate sustainable travel.
Impact of the pandemic
Sustainable travel trends are still being affected by COVID-19. According to a 2021 Booking.com survey, 83% of travelers said that sustainable travel is vital, and 61% of travelers cite the pandemic as motivation for actively seeking out sustainable travel choices. The pandemic also apparently sparked an interest in sustainability in other areas of life. Some 49% of travelers agreed that COVID-19 had changed their attitude toward making positive changes in their everyday lives.
How to embrace sustainable, responsible travel
Becoming a more responsible traveler requires a shift in behavior and more thought about the choices you make when you’re on vacation. Here are some of the most effective ways to reduce your impact on the local environment and support the local community at your destination:
- Consider the most sustainable way to reach your donation. A flight may be unavoidable, but what about taking the train? The greenhouse gas emissions from a train trip are almost always less than that produced by air travel. If you have to fly, you might consider purchasing carbon offsets.
- Use a sustainable travel agent or booking site that specializes in responsible tourism, such as BookDifferent.com.
- Choose destinations that have demonstrated their commitment to sustainable tourism—for example, locations with sustainable tourism governing bodies, marine protected areas, or other natural preserves.
- Avoid the most popular locations in the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, the height of the tourism season.
- Visit fewer places and stay longer. This way, you lessen your greenhouse gas emissions from travel and help minimize the number of people visiting a particular location.
- Save energy by turning off lights, air conditioning, and electronics when exiting hotel rooms, and save water by reusing towels and taking shorter showers.
- Patronize local businesses, guides, and artisans to support the local economy.
- Show basic courtesy and respect for people, nature, and property. People on vacation often behave like they’re on a break from normal life and its consequences. Remember: your escape is someone’s hometown. Treat it with care.
- Respect local customs. Understand that people in different places may do things differently from you. Don’t automatically scoff at local customs. Approach differences with curiosity rather than criticism.
Individually, these steps may not seem to amount to much, but if we all takes strides to make more sustainable travel choices, collectively, we could make a world of difference.