Sustainable tourism can be defined as ‘tourism which meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future’ or ‘protecting the natural and cultural environment of your destination’. Sustainable tourism means in no way that we should not travel and explore the world, but it advocates that in doing so we take into consideration the impact that travel has. This can relate to the journey itself, but also, critically, to the area being visited.
Many poor areas of the world rely on tourism to sustain the local economy but sustainable tourism ensures that this is not to the detriment of the local culture, environment and heritage. It is important to respect the traditions and culture of anywhere you visit and to leave them unspoiled for future generations, both in terms of the local population and future tourists.
If you are interested in sustainable tourism there are a number of small things you can do on your very next trip, which will help your visit to have a more positive impact. Consider, for example, offsetting the carbon emissions of your flight Offset Carbon Emissions, try not to waste local resources such as energy and water, buy local products and respect your hosts and their culture. Even just learning a few words of the language helps integration with the local people.
A number of organisations promote sustainable tourism including National Geographic and Sustainable Travel. If you would like to source an ‘eco-trip’, visit The International Ecotourism Society for more information.
