Tourism is one of the world’s fastest growing industries and an important source of foreign exchange and employment, while being closely linked to the social, economic and environmental well-being of many countries, especially developing countries. Maritime or ocean-related tourism, as well as coastal tourism, are for example vital sectors of the economy in small island developing States (SIDS) and coastal least developed countries (LDCs).
Sustainable tourism (or responsible tourism) is the tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. Tourism can involve primary transportation to the general location, local transportation, accommodations, entertainment, recreation, nourishment and shopping. It can be related to travel for leisure, business and visiting friends and relatives. There is now broad consensus that tourism development should be sustainable. In fact, all forms of tourism have the potential to be sustainable if planned, developed and managed properly.
Global tourism accounts for about eight percent of global greenhouse gas emissions (much of which is from aviation) as well as other significant environmental and social impacts that are not always beneficial to local communities and their economies.
Tourist development organizations are promoting sustainable tourism practices in order to mitigate negative effects caused by the growing impact of tourism. The United Nations World Tourism Organization emphasized these practices by promoting tourism as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), through programs like the International Year for Sustainable Tourism for Development in 2017 and programs like Tourism for SDGs focusing on how SDG 8, SDG 12 and SDG 14 implicate tourism in creating a sustainable economy.
Sustainable tourists can reduce the impact of tourism in many ways:
⦁ Informing themselves of the culture, politics, and economy of the communities visited.
⦁ Respecting local cultures, expectations, and assumptions.
⦁ Supporting the integrity of local cultures by favoring businesses which conserve cultural heritage and traditional values.
⦁ Supporting local economies by purchasing local goods and participating with small, local businesses.
⦁ Conserving resources by seeking out businesses that are environmentally conscious, and by using the least possible amount of non-renewable resources.
⦁ Take public transit where possible. This is also a great way to meet local people.
⦁ Try carsharing, which can save money and emissions.
⦁ Consider activities that combine experience with environmental benefits, such as beach clean-ups.
⦁ Choose a bamboo or biodegradable toothbrush, and bring soaps, shampoos and conditioners in refillable silicone bottles.
⦁ Choose Kindle or iPad over books. Bringing your books along in digital form can lighten your load and save paper at the same time.
⦁ Pack a cloth bag for extra souvenirs, a day out or shopping. Doing so is likely to minimize picking up plastic bags along the way.
⦁ Using cloth instead of paper napkins means less trash every time you eat. Take a few along and pop them in with the laundry when they get dirty.
⦁ Heritage sites you visit are likely visited by millions of other people a year, so care needs to be taken to allow others to enjoy them as well. Take your litter with you and for heaven’s sake, don’t graffiti!
⦁ Whether you are a resort owner, a promoter of tourism in your area or simply a tourist, there is value in learning how to promote sustainable tourism. Every little thing you can do to ensure that future generations will still be able to enjoy the beauty of the places you appreciate will go a long way.
Always remember, a pro tourist is polite, positive and eco-sensitive. If that doesn’t sound like you, then give the world a break and stay home.
