CulturallyOurs Become a responsible traveler

How To Practice Sustainable And Responsible Tourism

11.24.18
CulturallyOurs Become a responsible traveler

Responsible and sustainable tourism should be practiced at every opportunity to maintain the longevity of the tourism industry.

During our podcast interview with Sonia Nicholson, Sonia shared how Iceland, where she lives now, is really starting to feel the effects of over-tourism and taking strong measure to promote the concept of responsible tourism.

If you missed her interview, you can check it out here.

In fact Iceland is not the only country to take such a stance against over-tourism. Many countries like Thailand, Philippines and Spain are doing the same by closing down beaches and restricting public access to certain parts of the country to let almost let nature heal itself.

There is no doubt that tourism has many benefits to community and people far beyond the monitory aspect. Unfortunately there are many disadvantages to tourism as well. In fact Sustainable Tourism has prepared a list of the impacts of tourism on a country/nation with predictions for the future based on current trends.

Here are some stats from Sustainable Tourism on the impacts of tourism

  • International tourist arrivals have increased from 25 million globally in 1950, to 278 million in 1980, 527 million in 1995, and  1.32 billion in 2017. They are expected to reach 1.8 billion by 2030
  • The average international tourist receipt is over US$700 per person and travellers spent over $1.4 trillion
  • Travel and tourism represents approximately 10% of total global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016, if it include tourism related business (e.g. catering, cleaning) (US $7 trillion)
  • The global travel and tourism industry creates approximately 11% of the world’s employment (direct & indirect) in 2016

The United Nations designated 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development—an opportunity to raise global awareness about how responsible tourism can act as a vehicle for positive change.

According to the UN, the three pillars of sustainable tourism are

  • Employing environmentally friendly practices (namely the 3Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle)
  • Protecting cultural and natural heritage (restoring historic buildings or saving endangered species)
  • Providing tangible social and economic benefits for local communities (ranging from upholding the rights of indigenous peoples to supporting fair wages for employees)

CulturallyOurs Being a responsible traveler vintage travel photos

Here are a few things globetrotters can do to ease their impact on the planet.

#Reduce your carbon footprint wherever possible

Travel isn’t about how many stamps you can collect on your passport. Instead practice ‘slow travel’ by going to fewer places but spending more time to really get to know the place. Use public transportation wherever possible, share a ride or even walk. Not only will you experience a deeper sense of place, you’ll also decrease your carbon footprint.

Memorable travel adventures don’t always have to be be in far flung places. Sometimes having a staycation in your own city or neighborhood can be just as rewarding and a boost to the local economy. If you are looking for some tips on how to have a staycation, check out this post.

#Give back in a responsible way

Many times, giving back to local communities is associated with monetary benefits, handouts of old clothes, school supplies or even food like sweets and candy. However for giving back to be sustainable, it has to be thought less as a handout and more as a measure to really help a community in need.

So instead of reaching for the wallet the next time you feel the need to donate, research and find local organization that are in need of specific help. It might very well be school supplies, computers or even vocational training for kids and women. By focusing on exactly what the community needs are, we can ensure that local people, in need of help, are getting the help they need.

Another way to give back is to support local businesses with your patronage. Try that local restaurant instead of the global chain you are used to back home, shop local boutiques or even stay in a homestay verses a big five star hotel.

Partnering with reputable local organizations that are working on social welfare that make a difference in communities is key to giving back in a sustainable and responsible way.

#Reduce single use plastic

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a swirling mass of human trash stretching across thousands of miles of the ocean, includes gazillions of throw-away plastic bottles and bags that will take hundreds of years, if ever, to break down—all the while wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems.

Be a part of the solution by opting for locally purified water in recyclable glass bottles, carrying your own tote bags in your luggage that you can use while perusing street markets and shops. Not only will this cut back on plastic waste, it will also reduce your carbon footprint–petroleum-based ingredients are a staple in manufacturing plastic bottles and bags.

And say no to single use straws. In developing countries, the straws are made of really cheap plastic which takes longer to break down, if at all. If you must use a straw, purchase metal or plastic straws that can even be washed in your hotel bathroom sink.

#Use responsible tour operators

When seeking out the services of a tour operator, explore all your options. Don’t always go for the cheapest. Do your research and ask questions about their employment practices, environmental practices and even what they are doing for the local communities. Often times this information is available on the company website.

Another option for responsible tourism is to go through government tourism boards for recommendations on tour operators. These days, any outfitter that cannot provide a clear answer is behind the times. Find another one.

#Support the local economy

Locally made crafts and souvenirs are not always cheaper, but purchasing them ensures your contribution to the economy will have a more direct and positive impact.

Avoid things that are made cheep and mass produced in countries that are geographically away from where you are shopping. The cost of manufacturing isn’t just the cost of producing the product – the carbon footprint of that cheep souvenir is far more than you think. Buying the real thing supports authentic cultural heritage and provides needed jobs for the locals who make them.

#Banned products are banned for a reason

Sea shells, conk shells, animal fur products, exotic dishes made of animal body parts are, more often than not, supported by illegal trafficking of rare and endangered wildlife. Do not support this industry by your ignorance. The price is too steep to pay for that flashy souvenir that is going to live its life in your sock drawer.

An traveler who take the time to educate themselves on the effect of their travels is taking the first step towards responsible tourism.

{This is an excerpt from the original article which can be found hereAdditional reading resources on responsible tourism can be found here.}

 

 

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