Sustainable Tourism: Ways to Become a Master Traveler

Traveling is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences in life. It takes us out from our daily routines, expands our horizon, and enables us to connect with other cultures by discovering places we do not know. Tourism is also a leading economic sector, it corresponded to 5% of the world GDP in 2020. However although traveling is fun and beneficial for the economy, tourism is also responsible for almost 8% of the global carbon emissions. Travels leave behind a carbon footprint, from flights to souvenirs, from air conditioners in hotels to towels and sheets that are replaced every day.

What are the Environmental Impacts of Tourism?

Most frequently observed environmental and social side effects which should be considered in tourism are as below:

1- Carbon emissions
One of the most important environmental impacts of tourism is the generation of carbon emissions. Air travel especially has a significant role in the increase of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change compared to other transportation modes. Try to choose other transportation modes with lesser carbon emissions such as train, bus, and electric vehicles as much as possible.

2- Habitat degradation
Tourism may cause degradation and fragmentation of natural habitats in ecologically sensitive areas. Construction of hotels, resorts and their infrastructure can cause loss of valuable ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and coral reefs.

3- Water consumption and pollution
Hotels and resorts need substantial amounts of water for purposes such as usage of guests, landscape, and swimming pools. Excessive water consumption creates pressure on water resources, especially in areas with water scarcity. In addition, incorrect wastewater management and pollution due to tourism activities can reduce water quality, cause pollution in water sources and harm organisms living in aquatic environments.

4- Waste production
Tourism produces a significant amount of waste, including used plastic bottles, food packages and other disposable products. Incorrect waste management and inadequate recycling infrastructure may cause pollution in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Moreover, food waste originating from hotels lead to a significant amount of waste.

5- Interruption to biodiversity and wildlife conservation
The tourism sector may disrupt natural habitats and threaten wildlife especially in vulnerable ecosystems. Activities such as wildlife observations, boat tours and land drives may lead to species coming under stress, disruption in their breeding and feeding patterns, and change in habitats. For more information on biodiversity, you can click here.

Why do We Discuss Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable development was first defined in 1987, in Our Common Future Report (Brundtland Report) prepared by the World Commission on Environment and Development as “meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The fundamental philosophy of sustainable development consists of assessing economic and social organization together with environmental interaction in a holistic manner and ensuring that current and next generations can fairly benefit from the opportunities of development. Tourism is one of the main drivers of sustainable development. Accordingly, UN Tourism defines sustainable tourism as "tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, industry, the environment and host communities."

And today, sustainable tourism has become a trend term that includes different headings such as sustainable transportation, sustainable travel, responsible tourism, etc.

However, this concept is not always understood when it comes to sustainable tourism. According to a survey conducted by National Geographics magazine, 42% of travelers are willing to prioritize sustainable travel in the future, however only 15% know what sustainable travel means.

What are Sustainable Tourism Trends?

People are increasingly becoming conscious about how climate change can affect their future travel plans. For example, 40% of European travelers indicate that they can give up using airlines in order to help with mitigating climate change. You can check our article to learn more about sustainable tourism trends.

Let us now look at the trends that shape the future of the tourism sector.

1- Slow Travel
“Slow travel” concept which has become increasingly popular in recent years is based on a traveling approach that aims to create travels with positive impacts for local communities and environment, with an educative, informative, and emotional impact for the traveler and an experience that prioritizes quality. Slow travel emphasizes staying at a place for long-term, supporting local communities by eating at local restaurants and purchasing food from local farmers as well as living in a region just as local people while traveling to a country or a city rather than acting in frame of a determined plan.

2- Transparent and Sensitive Tourism
Sustainable tourism is focused on minimizing the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, community and economy as well as maximizing the positive impacts.

Travelers today expect transparency about the sustainability initiatives of travel agencies and almost 69% of travelers demand that the sector offer more environmentally friendly travel options.

3- Sustainable Transportation Options
When the leading role of airline companies in emissions is considered, there is a trend of preferring more environment-friendly transportation modes or reducing annual flight numbers.

A UBS survey conducted in 2019 shows that one out of five passengers in average in the USA, France, Britain, and Germany reduced their air travels by at least one flight due to their concerns about climate change. 71% of European consumers prefer train trips instead of flights for travels that take less than 5 hours. You can also consider going out on exploration walks during your travels, using bicycles or electric scooters, or using public transport.

4- Responsible Tourism
Responsible tourism involves objectives such as decreasing negative economic, environmental, and social impacts, providing economic contributions for local communities, respecting local cultures, conserving cultural values as well as offering pleasurable experiences for tourists, ensuring better understanding about local cultures, social and environmental topics, and increasing access of disabled individuals to tourism.

5- Ecotourism
​Ecotourism is a low-impact travel style and a notable example of sustainable tourism. It minimizes environmental impacts and promotes conservation of natural habitats. Ecotourism generally involves nature walks, wildlife observation and activities such as nature tours. It supports local conservation efforts, educates visitors about the environment, and creates funds for conservation projects.

6- Community-based Tourism
This approach involves local people playing an active role in tourism activities. It promotes cultural exchange, offers visitors opportunities to interact with local traditions and lifestyles, and ensures that economic benefits stay within the community. Such as house hostels, tours directed by the local community and local guest houses.

7- Recycling and Waste Minimization
Reduction of waste is a part of sustainable tourism. Choosing destinations with proper waste management and supporting sensitive businesses are high in demand. And travelers prefer to use reusable bags and bottles to reduce plastic waste and digital tickets to save paper.

8- Protection of Cultural Heritage
Sustainable tourism respects and protects cultural heritage. This includes visiting historical places, museums, and cultural festivals. Activities are designed to promote understanding, respect and appreciation for local cultures, traditions, and historical iconic buildings.

What are the Impacts of Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable tourism has many positive impacts. It helps to protect the environment, protect cultural heritage, promote economic development, empower communities, improve visitor experiences, decrease climate change, and ensure long-term sustainability in tourism destinations.

Traveler education and awareness programs aim to inform tourists about sustainable practices, cultural sensitivities, protection of the environment and responsible behaviors. Tourists become more conscious with raising awareness and they are encouraged to make more conscious choices.

Why Sustainable Tourism Matters?

Sustainable tourism has become an important part of the travel industry today and it is a fundamental factor that will shape our future travel experiences. This comprehensive approach includes key factors such as environmental awareness, respect for local culture, economic development, and social engagement. Tourism sector has been taking important steps for sustainability with the purposes such as reducing carbon footprint, waste management, usage of renewable energy resources, efficient and effective usage of energy and water, contribution to local economies and protection of natural habitats. As travelers, we should make conscious choices in accommodation facilities, transportation options and destination choices in order to support sustainable tourism, interact with local communities and take on the responsibility to protect natural and cultural heritage. In this manner, we can enrich our travel experiences as well as making the future of tourism more sustainable by leaving positive impacts wherever we travel.