What Is Sustainable Tourism?

This blog post was updated on July 3, 2024.

Sure, you want to see the world. But you also want to make sure there’s still a world to see in the decades to come, right?

Enter “sustainable tourism,” which is all about maintaining your eco-friendly habits even while you’re on the move. It involves making mindful choices that minimize your environmental impact and contribute positively to the communities you visit. This can be as simple as opting for public transportation, staying in eco-friendly accommodations, and supporting local businesses. By integrating these practices, you not only reduce your carbon footprint, you also help preserve the beauty and culture of your travel destinations for future generations.

Hey, you deserve rest and relaxation, OK? But traveling sustainably doesn’t need to interfere with your R&R goals. You won’t necessarily need to drastically change your travel habits to embrace sustainability. (Unless you fly everywhere on a private jet, in which case, yeah, you might need to make some compromises…)

With a little extra effort in planning, you can minimize your carbon footprint and support the local community while enjoying your getaway.

What is Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable tourism is an attitude as well as a practice. It’s about minimizing your footprint — physically, socially, and behaviorally. And it begins with every decision you make. Where you stay, how you get there, what you eat, the tours you take, the souvenirs you buy. It’s building environmental and cultural awareness and respect by the way you act and how you spend money. It’s also any form of tourism that focuses on travel to natural environments with the intent to learn about, and ultimately, help protect those environments.

Why Does Sustainable Tourism Matter?

Statistics show that, yes, sustainable tourism matters because of the correlation between tourism and the world’s carbon emissions. Climate change occurs when greenhouse gases (GHG) are emitted into the atmosphere. This generally arises from burning fossil fuels. And carbon dioxide CO2 accounts for more than 60% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

The main culprit for GHG emissions during travel is transport, which accounts for 75% of all emissions by the tourism industry. Aviation, road transport, and other forms of travel are all factors. Clearly, all of this travel is affecting the environment. But is the answer for people to just stop traveling?

Well, no. When sustainable tourism is done correctly, there is the possibility for the environment of the destination to actually improve rather than diminish. But that’s not possible unless all tourists are willing to do their part.

Here are a few things you can do when planning your next trip to be a better ecotourist.

Stay at Eco-Friendly Resorts or Hotels

The places where you choose to stay have a surprising amount of impact on the environment. Large hotels have more emissions than campgrounds, rental properties, and hostels. If you’re going to stay in a hotel, look for one that has an officer in charge of sustainability, has eco-initiatives, clearly states their sustainability practices on their website, and are certified as sustainable.

Additionally, look for hotels that implement energy-efficient practices, such as using renewable energy sources, water-saving measures, and waste reduction programs. Some hotels may also offer amenities like bike rentals to reduce your carbon footprint during your stay. By choosing accommodations that are committed to sustainability, you contribute to a healthier planet while enjoying a comfortable and responsible trip.

Support Local Businesses

Whenever possible, especially when traveling abroad, support local people and their businesses. This means venturing beyond your hotel for meals, choosing to dine at local restaurants and cafes where you can savor authentic cuisine and directly contribute to the local economy. Not only does this support local livelihoods, but it also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances.

Instead of booking tours through large, national companies, consider opting for small, locally-owned tour operators. These smaller companies often provide more personalized experiences and ensure that your money stays within the community, supporting local guides and businesses. Furthermore, local operators typically use smaller vehicles and equipment, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to larger, commercial tour providers.

When shopping for souvenirs, look for handcrafted items made by local artisans. These purchases often have a deeper cultural significance and provide a direct financial benefit to the creators and their families. Additionally, buying locally-made products reduces the environmental impact of shipping goods from distant locations. Avoid mass-produced, imported souvenirs from gift shops, which rarely support the local economy and often involve significant carbon emissions from manufacturing and transport.

Book an Eco-Friendly Tour

Just as you would do your research before booking a hotel, look into a tour company’s sustainable tourism practices. Take Intrepid Travel, for example. They detail on their responsibility page what their eco-practices are, providing information about their carbon-neutral policy, their animal-rights policies, and their non-profit organization.

The smaller tour group Roar Africa also details their conservation efforts to preserve the Sahara for animals. When visiting cities, consider walking tours or bike tours that reduce your carbon footprint and allow you to experience the local culture more intimately. In Amsterdam, for example, you can join a guided bike tour, such as We Bike Amsterdam. The tour highlights the city’s green initiatives and takes you through charming neighborhoods and parks.

Pack Light

Yes, there are more than just financial benefits to packing light. You’ll also increase plane fuel-efficiency. And if you pack items that can be washed in the sink or worn multiple times during your trip, it will save water as well. Additionally, packing light makes your journey more manageable and reduces the strain on transportation systems. By choosing versatile clothing and packing only what you need, you’ll not only lighten your load but also support sustainable travel practices.

Save Water

You may want your towels washed daily or feel you need that extra long shower. But these statistics might change your mind: the average American household uses approximately 300 gallons (1,135 liters) of water per day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In contrast, a village of 700 in a developing country uses an average of 500 liters of water per month. And a luxury hotel room guest uses 1,800 liters of water per person per night!

To reduce your water footprint while traveling, opt for reusing towels during your stay. Hang them up for reuse rather than requesting new ones daily. Additionally, take shorter showers to conserve water—every minute counts. Consider using a water-saving showerhead if available, and report any leaks or dripping faucets to hotel staff promptly. These small changes can have a significant impact on conserving water resources, providing a more sustainable travel experience for you and future generations.

Travel to Sustainable Destinations

Cape Town, South Africa

Where you choose to travel can make a significant impact on the environment, as many destinations are dedicated to protecting their natural resources and promoting sustainable practices. These eco-friendly locations work hard to ensure they minimize their carbon footprint while offering travelers an enriching experience that aligns with environmental conservation. By visiting these destinations, you not only enjoy breathtaking landscapes and distinctive cultural experiences but also support communities committed to preserving the planet for future generations.

South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa, provides easy access to beaches, mountains, and forests, with numerous locally-sourced restaurants and services like the carbon-neutral Green Cabs. Hike up Table Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for stunning vistas and diverse plant life. Explore local markets like the Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock, known for sustainable, locally-sourced food and crafts. Cape Town’s commitment to sustainability extends to its efficient public transport system, facilitating eco-conscious exploration.

Tobago

Tobago, in the Caribbean, houses one of the world’s oldest legally protected rain forests and works to repair hurricane damage to its coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that promote conservation awareness, snorkel to view colorful coral formations, and participate in eco-friendly water sports. Local tour operators prioritize sustainability, ensuring minimal environmental impact and raising awareness about marine conservation.

Iceland

Iceland, known for its geothermal resources and sustainable fishing practices, is one of the most environmentally-conscious countries in the world. Explore geothermal power plants like Hellisheiði Geothermal Plant to learn about sustainable energy practices, and participate in guided fishing tours that prioritize conservation. These experiences highlight Iceland’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and marine conservation efforts.

New Zealand

New Zealand is working to be completely free from fossil fuels by 2025, focusing on geothermal energy sources. Visitors can support this commitment by visiting geothermal power plants like Wairakei Power Station, and exploring rural regions with eco-friendly activities like farm stays and guided tours. Companies like Real Journeys and PurePods hotels support local communities and sustainable economic growth.

FAQs:

Q: How can I check that the hotels I stay at are eco-friendly?
A: Look for certifications, check their sustainability practices online, and inquire about their energy-saving initiatives and waste management.

Q: How can I minimize my environmental impact when flying?
A: Offset carbon emissions, pack light, and choose airlines with efficient fuel practices or direct flights when possible.

Q: What resources can I use to find eco-friendly accommodations and tours?
A: Look for certifications like Green Key or Rainforest Alliance when booking accommodations. Websites and apps like EcoStay provide listings of sustainable hotels and tour operators worldwide.

Q: What should I do with my waste while traveling?
A: Carry a reusable water bottle, refuse single-use plastics, and dispose of waste responsibly in designated recycling bins. Respect local recycling and waste disposal practices to minimize environmental impact.

Do you have any more sustainable travel tips for us? We want to hear them in the comments section below!