It is current affairs hearing about sustainability or sustainable tourism. But, do you know what are the features that define sustainable tourism?
As we talked about on the post Eco-destinations, eco-tourism, everything begins at the destinations. Those places or regions allow us to enjoy our travels in a more respectful way for the environment. It could be a city or a rural area, but always keeping as a priority the respect for the environment, the community, the natural resources, and the waste and energy treatment.
A sustainable destination involves all the levels of society: governments, businesses, accommodation and hospitality companies and means of transport, among others.
All of them work as a community to minimize the negative impacts on the environment, society, and the local economy. They promote living unique and real experiences, tasting seasonal and local gastronomy, keeping the economy active by encouraging purchases on small businesses, or enjoying tours, either around nature or in a city without crowds.
The parties affecting responsible tourism are:
- In destination administrations.
- In destination communities.
- Tourists.
And the benefits? Infinite:
- Preserving the environment: being aware of climate change and trying to contribute the best we can.
- Keeping local economies active: to help maintain this destination in the long run, consuming and purchasing on local stores and businesses.
- Enjoying unique experiences without sacrificing the comfort and pleasure of the holidays: visiting the main points of interest without dealing with crowds and touristic clichés.
How can I contribute as a traveler?
Transport: the actual travel is the most complicated part, but switching the plane for a train, or the car for a bike helps reduce a lot your ecological footprint.
Gastronomy: here comes the good stuff! Taste local food, ask the natives where to enjoy the best traditional dishes or drinks. Take their advice!
Energy: do not abuse AC, be conscious of turning off the lights and AC when leaving your hotel room. It is a wonder to me why sometimes on vacation we act differently than we would in our own homes. Would you leave the lights on or the tap running at your own house? The same applies to changing the linen in your room daily.
Consuming local: walk around and get to know the small businesses. With it, you will contribute to their economy and to keep the destination alive and more balanced. Keep this in mind when buying a magnet or t-shirt as a souvenir, as well as when getting those handcraft earrings or the cheese or wine specialty of the region.
Culture and customs: when in Rome, do as the Romans do, right? Integrate into the community, showing respect for the customs and culture of the place you are visiting.
Choosing less crowded destinations: due to the Covid-19 situation, this becomes a necessity for both environmental and health reasons.
Enjoying it without living a mark: leave nothing but your footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time. You can have a wonderful time without taking with you sand or pretty shells from the beach, without leaving waste behind you, without carving your initials on that tree, and without bothering the animals.
Educating new generations: we have the power and responsibility to change the way new generations travel from the start, and at the same time help preserve those amazing places that you would like your children to visit in a few years.
How can I contribute as a touristic or hospitality company?
Supporting local economy: make your neighbors your vendors, consume seasonal and proximity products, help keep your area’s economy active and healthy. It is not only about food and beverage supplies, but as well about services, artists, artisans, etc.
Reducing food waste: studies have shown that the main reason for clients to leave food on their plates is that portions are too big. An option to avoid this might be doing some testing, analyzing how much and what is left: is it always the salad or the fries? Maybe your side dishes are too generous, or the salad just needs a different dressing for people to eat it. Do they leave a bit of everything? Probably your rations are simply too big. Think about offering half rations, or even indicating the grams on each. Waiters must be able as well to recommend an amount of food that will be enough.
Reusing: we are more and more used to seeing reusable products like metal or bamboo straws, reducing or ideally eliminating single-use plastic.
Recycling: separate waste and ensure your staff knows how to do it too. At least, plastics, paper/carton, organic, and other polluting waste. Make it easy on your personnel and your guests with easy steps, for instance having visible recycle bins or collecting products such as batteries or electronics will make a difference.
Waste treatment: be conscious of the policies on your city for chemicals, oil, or water treatments, and try to go the extra mile.
Give back to your community: help maintain the resources, businesses and environment of your destination.
Do you manage a business and want to be a part of this change? Check out how we can help you through this journey!
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