Sustainable Tourism
What is Sustainable Tourism?
Sustainable tourism simply means tourism which benefits people and the environment in different destinations. It can offer a better income to families living in the area, by sourcing products and services locally.
A brand-new role for consumers in the tourism market has emerged from three trends: first, there is a thirst for different and more 'exciting' holidays; second, there is a growing realization of the negative impacts of tourism - its clod-hopping footprints in other people's homes in the deserts, forests, seashores and mountains of the world; and, third, of course is climate change.
All tourism has the potential to be more sustainable and could have the following characteristics:
Economic prosperity
Long term competitive and tourism businesses, who offer fair pay and conditions for all employees. There is maximum economic benefits to local communities, when products and services for tourism are sourced locally. Sustainable tourism should be relevant to every holiday sold and should offer an opportunity to customers concerned about their travel making a difference.
Social equality
Sustainability offers great benefits to customers keeping destinations special, offering safe, and satisfying new experiences whilst having the opportunity to interact with happy locals, who are truly benefiting from their visit. More of you are concerned about sustainable travel and want to make a positive difference on holiday.
Environmental and cultural protection
It gives resources and incentive for destinations to conserve ancient culture and traditions, as well as wildlife and the natural environment. It helps reduce carbon emissions, by encouraging accommodation providers and holiday makers to conserve energy. Most importantly it helps ensure there will be great destinations for us all to visit for generations to come.
Keeping destinations special is important to everyone.
Terms related to Sustainable Tourism
Responsible Tourism
Refers to the consumers' choice of destination and mode of transport based on their ethical, political and racial sensitivities as well as being concerned for the environment and local culture.
Green Tourism
Historically the definition of this term has been travel which is environmentally friendly or benign that in general does not concern itself with cultural or economic elements of the destination. Current uses of the term are becoming broader to incorporate full sustainable tourism principles.
Ethical Tourism
Ethical tourism has evolved as a term when one considers travelling to, or developing tourism in a destination where ethical issues are the key driver, e.g. social injustice, human rights, animal welfare or the environment. Ethical tourism is geared towards encouraging both the consumer and industry to avoid participation in activities that contribute or support negative ethical issues.
Ecotourism
Ecotourism, also known as ecological tourism, is a subset of sustainable tourism which focuses on ecology. Ecotourism tends to be encountered in destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. The industry actively works towards conserving or improving the natural and cultural heritage through managing its own operations to help conserve the environment, organising conservation projects, offering volunteering and educating visitors.