What is Sustainable Tourism?

Courtesy of www.ecotoursportugal.com

When it comes to defining Sustainable Tourism, there are literally oceans of definitions to choose from. And that’s exactly what I discovered when I was recently asked what I thought was the definition of sustainable tourism was and what it was all about. I found the basic definition is “attempting to make as low an impact on the environment and local culture as possible, while helping to generate future employment for local people.”

Sustainable Tourism seems to be the latest and greatest term when it comes to balancing an environmentally sound way of functioning in travel and tourism. All in the name of sustainability; tourists, trippers, trekkers and travelers alike have all become more interested in sustainability and caring about being environmentally viable. The way I understand it; sustainable tourism is all about making the least possible effect and influence on the ecosystem and earth. While at the same time aiming to be mindful and demonstrate sustainability understanding, growth and support.

Sustainable Tourism and the Basics

Sustainable tourism is responsible for the safeguarding of the goods, the destination. It is the process of being accountable and answerable for the development, preservation and practices when it comes to conserving and protecting sites, habitats and our globe. It involves being conscious and cognizant with sources and reducing water and energy use, controlling waste and pollution and managing chemical consumption. And it is about a destination evaluating its achievements and accomplishments when quantifying a visitor’s experience via dollars spent, duration of stay and ultimately the value of the visitor’s experience.

What can Visitors do to Help Sustainable Tourism?

Tourism in general is one of the fastest moving industries and comes with its own set of positives and negatives. So how can those in the tourism industry work together to help reduce the negatives and increase the positives? If we all put in the effort and work as one we can effect change. We can stimulate the economy while respecting the practice of sustainable tourism. By protecting the ecological health of the environment, as well as the social identity of the destination and respecting business practices and travelers impact, together we can make a difference.

Is Sustainable Tourism Possible?

Let’s face it the tourism industry will won’t ever be 100% sustainable. No matter what the industry, there are specific influences that effect the way business is done. So let’s all do our part, focus and encourage change. Find a balance that ensures the impact of our actions on our surroundings helps to elevate sustainable tourism.

There is no time like now, to access our actions, to look to the future and transform the way we do business. All in the name of an environmentally sound earth.