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Sustainable tourism takes full account of the tourism industry and the travel industry’s impact on the environment and people. It is said that 1.2 billion people travel internationally each year in addition to those who travel domestically. With tourism development, this number will surely increase! Regardless of how far you travel and where you go, it’s important to hold to responsible tourism. There are a few specific categories for sustainable tourism that you may hear about or already know of. They are:

  • Ecotourism (focuses on responsible travel to natural environments)
  • Community Tourism (supports communities with authentic tourism activities)
  • Soft Tourism (tourism with no negative impacts on nature or people)
  • Rural Tourism (focuses on local culture, heritage, art, etc.)
  • Voluntourism (volunteering while at the travel destination)

These various categories come together to form the whole picture, which is global sustainable tourism. Global sustainable tourism benefits economies, environments, cultures, and more, no matter where you travel to. Below we will talk about reasons sustainable tourism is important and how it affects long-term sustainability. When travelers hold to sustainable tourism principles and sustainable tourism practices, they are benefiting the environment, helping host communities and local businesses, and fighting against the breakdown of the natural world.

Avoids Overconsumption

Sustainable tourism focuses on using less or using more wisely rather than using without consideration. Rather than consuming all the things, sustainable tourism asks travelers to prioritize quality over quantity. For example, it would be better to spend more money to buy a reusable lunch bag than to buy a bunch of inexpensive and disposable lunch bags that will eventually be thrown away if not recycled. Families can avoid overconsumption by bringing along reusable bags, silverware, dishware, and more, on their traveling adventures. This is especially helpful for families who like to camp.

Helps Conserve the Natural World

When travelers consider sustainable tourism, they should consider how to help conserve the natural environment. This includes helping to protect wildlife. Sustainable practices have a positive impact on natural and environmental resources. Refraining from littering while visiting a national park, for example, is a way that tourists can help benefit the environment rather than harm it. Travelers can also choose to ride on buses or trains rather than book flight tickets. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), train travel produces the least amount of greenhouse gas emissions. 

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Respects Local Traditions and Heritage

Sustainable tourism is commonly linked with protecting the environment and natural resources, and while it does those things, it also helps the local people. Tourists who respectfully visit local cultures and help to conserve natural heritages and traditions of local cultures encourage sustainable tourism. Tangibly, this might look like visiting authentic sites, hiring local tour guides, and following cultural rules and guidelines.

Per the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), World Tourism Organization, “Tourism policies and activities should be conducted with respect for the artistic, archaeological and cultural heritage, which they should protect and pass on to future generations; particular care should be devoted to preserving monuments, worship sites, archaeological and historic sites as well as upgrading museums which must be wide open and accessible to tourism visits.” These are great ways to responsibly travel around the world. 

Economically-beneficial

There are many economic benefits when families choose to travel sustainably. One way families can help the economy is simply by choosing to visit local artisans and shops. Small shops are usually filled with unique and handcrafted pieces that make wonderful souvenirs. By visiting these shops and purchasing small business products, tourists help provide money to local communities and, as a result, provide jobs to them as well. This goes for eating at local restaurants too. In fact, more than half of consumers, per a recent survey, said that sustainability has some influence on their decision of what to eat and not eat.

Protects the Future of Travel

Unfortunately, when travelers don’t consider sustainable tourism, they make decisions like leaving trash on a trail or using up too much water. These actions might seem like little things, but if millions of people do them, they negatively impact the world year after year. If things continue to get worse and travel is not done responsibly, parks and other public attractions could have to shut down as a form of protection. Thankfully, it’s not difficult to help, and according to Booking.com, 53% of travelers are willing to support sustainable travel initiatives. That’s a little more than half, which is great, but we hope the number continues to increase as more folks are educated about sustainable travel.

Tips for Traveling Sustainably

Traveling Sustainably

Curious about more ways you can travel sustainably? Here are just a few tips (of many) for sustainable travel so that you can help the environment and the people you visit. You can even involve your children in sustainable efforts, so they are aware of how their actions affect the travel industry and the world in the long run. 

  • Pay entrance fees
  • Don’t litter and pick up trash when you see it
  • Visit local shops and buy souvenirs there
  • Stay on designated paths
  • Carpool together
  • Use less
  • Exchange reusable for disposable where possible
  • Consider traveling via train or bus rather than a plane
  • Enjoy meals at local restaurants (not chains)
  • Hire local tour guides
  • Walk or bike rather than drive

Educating yourself on sustainable tourism and travel practices and making some slight behavioral changes can make a difference in the world. Consider the availability of travel and tourism for future generations and what you can do now to positively impact the travel and tourism industry years down the road. If you are traveling with your children, you can be a role model to them by showing them how to travel responsibly. This influence can affect generation after generation. Together, we can responsibly take care of our home!

What other tips would you add to our list of traveling sustainably?