Sustainable Tourism, Good for Tourists and the Environment
Across the world, sustainable tourism has become a buzzword in the tourism industry. Sustainable tourism is the concept of developing environmentally- and culturally-friendly programs that appeal to visitors and at same time boost the local economy and provide jobs.
A successful sustainable tourism initiative is one that will keep the tourism industry afloat, but do it in a way that does not have a negative impact on the environment or culture. Tourism is growing worldwide – around 1 billion people travel internationally each year – but it is an industry that can sometimes put strains on the environment. With sustainable tourism, industry leaders see a way to foster the industry’s growth, spurring economies and providing much-needed economic benefit, without causing damage to popular tourist destinations. In the end, tourism companies, tourists and local residents all benefit.
Sustainable tourism is often mistaken for eco tourism, another modern industry buzzword. But there are big differences between the two. Eco tourism focuses on nature, exotic cultures and wildlife. It doesn’t necessarily seek to create an industry that can sustain itself and benefit local economies.
Sustainable tourism growing popular
As the sustainable tourism concept has caught on, more than just tourism companies have taken notice. Governments and tourists themselves also know understand the large role they play in creating sustainable tourism.
Expert say sustainable tourism can be achieved without a massive undertaking, that small-scale efforts can go a long way.
For tourism businesses, these efforts might include a greater promotion of recycling of the materials they use. Or perhaps the tourism company might partner with local vendors and businesses to promote the use of native products and the hiring of local residents. Some tour companies have learned that by reducing the number of people in their tours they have less impact on the environment, while at the same time enhancing the experience for tourists who get more attention and enjoy the smaller, more mobile groups. Hotels and resorts have also become more focused on sustainability, rethinking construction methods and cleaning practices to provide less of an impact on the surrounding environment.
Governments have also gotten into the act, enacting programs and legislation aimed at rewarding businesses that promote sustainable tourism. In the United States, for example, a number of states have hosted meetings in which experts were brought in to help teach tour companies how to incorporate sustainable concepts into their businesses.
Tourists embrace sustainable tourism
Finally, experts say tourists have also embraced sustainable tourism. These tourists, often called “sustainable tourists,” promote the concept by becoming socially and culturally aware, conserving resources through such small measures as reusing towels more than once, supporting local economies by buying local products and services and patronizing tourism companies with proven records of promoting sustainability.
With the tourism industry continuing to grow, the focus on sustainable tourism will grow sharper in the coming years, as tourists and tourism businesses each look for ways to enhance travel while at the same time take care of the environment.