What is a Destination in Tourism? What is a Green Destination?
If we ask what a destination in tourism is, we may come across various answers, as there are several different types of tourism destinations in the tourism industry. This article herein will be about the definition of a tourism destination, common types of touristic destinations and the definition of a green destination.
What is a Destination in Tourism?
In tourism, a destination can refer to various places. A destination can be a tourist city, a small seaside resort, a historic village, a magnificent landscape or a significant building.
There is no universal definition of a tourism destination. Simply put, a tourism destination is an 'arrival point'. Tourism destinations can also be subjective. A must see destination for you may not impress another visitor at all.
In brief, a tourism destination is the name given to any area, large or small, that attracts and appeals to tourists. Tourism destinations are touristic income generators for the regions they are located. Tourism destinations can be natural areas, historical sites or settlements with cultural significance.
Areas known for cultural heritage that attract tourists can be referred to as 'tourism destinations'. In addition, ‘must-see’ places while traveling or on a touristic tour are examples for tourism destinations. Geographical areas or regions that are visited for touristic purposes can also be referred to as destinations. Moreover, tourism destinations are highly dependent on tourism activities.
So, what are different types of tourism destinations?
There are different types of tourism destinations around the world. Of course, no two destinations are the same. This is what makes tourism so exciting! However, in general, we can group destinations together into categories. The most common different categories of tourist destinations are as follows:
• Beach areas
• Natural areas
• Towns and cities
• Winter sports areas
• Areas known for culture and heritage
For example, historical sites are often considered tourist destination. In general, something of some sort of historical significance happened in these areas. You may think of monuments and battlegrounds. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where the US President Abraham Lincoln made his famous Gettysburg speech is a good example of a historical tourist destination. Similarly, Anıtkabir (the Mausoleum of Atatürk) is a destination of historical and national significance.
Areas with unusual natural creations can also be considered tourism destinations. Visitors to these areas are usually able to see amazing natural wonders, such as waterfalls. For example, each year millions of tourists from all over the world visit Niagara Falls, a tourist destination located on the border of the United States and Canada. Cappadocia or Pamukkale travertines are also good examples of natural tourist destinations.
Tourism destinations may not only be areas of natural and historical significance. Some buildings may also attract tourists. The Empire State Building in New York City is a good example. Built in 1931, this 102-story building was once the tallest building in the world. Today, visitors purchase tickets to see New York City from the top of the Empire State Building. Visiting the Galata Tower and enjoying the unique view of Istanbul can be another fine example.
The concept of a sustainable green destination is a tourist destination that serves to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Green destinations try to integrate the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability into travel, accommodation and catering processes. Green destinations covers activities of green tourism or sustainable tourism.
These destinations are areas where tourism activities damage the environment at a minimum level, the wellbeing of local people is considered, and cultural heritage is protected. In short, green destinations adopt sustainable tourism practices.
As part of tackling the climate crisis, green destinations and green tourism businesses are getting more and more popular today. These destinations help us reduce the carbon footprint of the tourism industry, expand sustainable tourism practices, and protect natural and cultural heritage.
Green destinations tend to minimize carbon emissions. Green destinations are of great significance in tackling the climate crisis and constructing a sustainable future for the tourism industry.
Rapid expansion of industrialization following the industrial revolution brought along so many environmental problems. Industrialization and urbanization accelerated following the World War II. By the 1990s, it became an indisputable scientific fact that human activities caused the climate change due to the global warming.
As awareness was raised on the severity of global warming, environmental activities and initiatives began to increase. The 'Our Common Future' report issued by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) was published in 1987 and became a milestone in the history. The report, also known as the 'Brundtland Report ', defined 'sustainable development' as "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." With this report, the concept of sustainability has become an inevitable part of our lives.
International organizations, states, local administrations and NGOs continue to develop roadmaps for constructing a sustainable future. The private sector is also a significant part of this necessary transformation. Sustainable tourism practices constitute the future of the tourism industry. Therefore, it is obvious that we will hear the concept of green tourism and green destination frequently in the following years.
It is a fact that the tourism industry is a major source of income for countries. However, the tourism industry also accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to sustainable practices in the tourism industry is very important for constructing a sustainable future. The expansion of sustainable tourism practices constitutes a significant step in tackling the climate crisis. However, sustainable tourism is not just about protecting the environment and efficient use of exhaustible energy resources. Sustainability also has social and economic aspects.
Sustainable tourism, or green tourism, also adopts practices that promote the employment of local people and the preservation of cultural heritage. Processes that do not involve local people and sustain local culture have no place in a 'sustainable' future. That is why the increasing numbers of green destinations and the increasing adoption of green tourism practices are of great significance.
So, is there a green destination you can visit in Turkey? Yes, there is! Let me talk about Küçükköy, Ayvalık and the SENTRUM project!
Küçükköy, a natural and cultural attraction in Ayvalık, Balikesir, is now a green tourism destination with its small town structure, energy efficient traditional stone architecture and unique nature. Enerjisa Enerji, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Sabancı University joined forces for the successful launch of the SENTRUM Green Destination Model Project. Küçükköy SENTRUM aims to expand sustainable tourism practices by developing the green destination model.
The SENTRUM project directly contributes to 10 of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Project not only expands tourism practices that protect the environment, but also supports local employment, encourage women's empowerment and contributes to the education of children in the region. Check this report for further details on Küçükköy. By visiting Küçükköy, you can support sustainable tourism in Turkey and contribute to a sustainable future during your next vacation!