Travelling is one of life’s most exciting and rewarding experiences. You can disconnect from daily routines, broaden your horizons, explore unfamiliar places, make new connections, and discover new cultures.

Tourism is also a leading economic sector, contributing 5% of the world’s GDP in 2020 and is one in 12 jobs globally and is a major export sector for many countries, both in the developing and developed world.

As much as travel can be fun and beneficial for the economy, tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. From taking flights to buying souvenirs and from hotel air conditioning to fresh daily bed linen — travel leaves a carbon footprint behind.

Luckily, you don’t have to eliminate travelling from your life. Instead, you can take steps to make travel more sustainable.

Tourism sustainability

The terms ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable’ became popular in the 1980s. And they emerged in the context of a growing awareness of an imminent ecological crisis.

Nowadays, ‘sustainable’ has become a buzzword used in various contexts, e.g., sustainable transport, sustainable development, and sustainable travel.
In terms of sustainable travel, though, it isn’t always understood. A 2019 National Geographic survey found that 42% of travellers would be willing to prioritise sustainability in the future, but only 15% knew what sustainable tourism meant.

What is sustainable tourism?

Sustainable tourism means travelling in a way that prioritises environmental, social, and economic responsibility.

It involves making mindful choices that minimise negative impacts on the environment, support local communities, and preserve natural and cultural heritage.

This approach encourages travellers to be conscious of their ecological footprint by reducing waste, conserving resources, and opting for eco-friendly accommodation and transport options.

Moreover, sustainable tourism means promoting the well-being of local communities by ensuring that tourism contributes positively to the local economy, respects local customs, and helps preserve cultural sites and traditions.

By embracing sustainable tourism practices, travellers can enjoy enriching experiences while protecting the destinations they visit for future generations.

So sustainable tourism can be defined as tourism that minimises negative impacts on the environment and local culture while generating economic benefits for the host community.

Let’s examine how traditional tourism affects the environment and why a shift toward more responsible practices is crucial.

Environmental impacts of tourism

Tourism can be a double-edged sword when it comes to its environmental impacts.

On the one hand, it often drives economic growth, promotes cultural exchange, and can even fund conservation efforts. On the other hand, it can strain natural resources, disrupt local ecosystems, and contribute to pollution.

As the tourism industry continues to grow, it’s crucial to weigh both its benefits and drawbacks to ensure a sustainable approach that respects and preserves the environment for future generations.

Negative environmental impacts of tourism

Understanding the negative environmental impacts of tourism is the first step towards developing sustainable practices and minimising our footprint on the planet.

Here are some of the most frequent negative side effects to consider.

Carbon emissions

One of the most significant environmental impacts of tourism is the generation of carbon emissions. Air travel, in particular, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Consider lower-carbon modes of transport, such as trains, buses and electric vehicles, whenever possible.

Habitat destruction

Tourism can lead to habitat destruction and fragmentation, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas. The construction of hotels, resorts, and infrastructure can result in the loss of valuable ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and coral reefs.

Water consumption and pollution

Hotels and resorts require large amounts of water for various purposes, including guest usage, landscaping, and swimming pools. Excessive water consumption can strain local water resources, particularly in water-scarce regions. Moreover, improper wastewater management and pollution from tourism-related activities can degrade water quality and harm aquatic ecosystems.

Waste generation

Tourism generates considerable waste, including plastic bottles, food packaging, and other disposable items. Improper waste management and inadequate recycling infrastructure can lead to pollution of land and marine environments.

Disrupting biodiversity and wildlife conservation

Tourism can disrupt natural habitats and disturb wildlife, especially in fragile ecosystems. Activities such as wildlife viewing, boating, and off-road driving can lead to stress, habitat displacement, and disturbance to breeding and feeding patterns.

Positive environmental impacts of tourism

Tourism often brings to mind bustling cities and crowded attractions, but it can also foster positive environmental changes when approached with care.

While the industry can present challenges, it also holds significant potential to benefit the natural world.

1. Funding for conservation efforts

Many tourism initiatives directly contribute to funding environmental conservation. Entrance fees to national parks, eco-tours, and donations often support the protection and management of natural habitats and endangered species.

2. Awareness and education

Tourism can raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices. Visitors often become more environmentally conscious after witnessing natural beauty firsthand, which can lead to a greater commitment to conservation both at home and abroad.

3. Incentives for preservation

The economic value of pristine landscapes and wildlife can incentivise local communities and governments to prioritise environmental protection. Areas that attract tourists for their natural beauty or biodiversity may be more likely to receive conservation funding and legal protection.

4. Promotion of sustainable practices

The demand for eco-friendly tourism options has led to the development and promotion of sustainable practices within the industry. This includes the adoption of green technologies, waste reduction measures, and sustainable resource management by hotels, tour operators, and other tourism-related businesses.

5. Support for local conservation programmes

Tourism often supports local conservation programmes by providing jobs and funding for community-led environmental projects. This can lead to improved management of natural resources and the preservation of local wildlife and ecosystems.

6. Encouragement of habitat restoration

Some tourism initiatives focus on habitat restoration as part of their activities. For example, eco-tourism operators may engage in reforestation projects or clean-up drives, helping to restore degraded environments and enhance biodiversity.

7. Cultural preservation

By valuing and preserving cultural heritage sites, tourism can indirectly contribute to environmental conservation. Protecting these sites often involves maintaining the surrounding natural landscapes and ecosystems, which can help prevent environmental degradation.

As the environmental costs of tourism become more evident, the industry is evolving to adopt more sustainable practices, aiming to reduce its ecological footprint and promote responsible travel.

The rise of the tourism industry

Compared to 2019, global tourism dropped 83% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite every societal crisis, natural disaster, and economic downturn, tourism has always remained resilient and bounced back.

Thanks to vaccinations and milder travel restrictions, numbers have risen again. The World Tourism Organisation predicts that by 2030, international tourist arrivals will reach 1.8 billion.

The pandemic didn’t just affect the travel industry’s statistics—it also allowed us to consider travelling from a different perspective and consider how we can approach it more responsibly.

The latest tourism trends

People are becoming more conscious of how climate change may affect their future travel plans and are ready to take action. For example, 40% of European travellers would stop flying to help mitigate climate change.

Travellers now expect more transparency about travel companies’ sustainability initiatives. Frequent travellers are also more aware of the negative impact of travelling and are keen to choose more eco-friendly options — nearly 69% of travellers expect the industry to offer more eco-friendly travel options.

Fortunately, companies are becoming alert to these trends within the sustainable tourism sector. For example, you can now opt for flights with lower carbon emissions.

Promoting sustainable tourism practices is essential as it addresses environmental protection and social equity, and enhances tourist experiences and the economic well-being of host communities.Responsible, sustainable tourism is here to stay. So let’s examine the trends that will shape this movement.

Slow travel

Slow travel came into focus in the summer of 2020. This travel approach is all about connection: to local people, culture, food, and music. It’s based on the concept that travel should educate and have an emotional impact while remaining sustainable for local communities and the environment.

Slow travel is considered sustainable due to its longer-term stays in one area, less commuting, and supporting local communities, e.g., eating at local restaurants and buying food from local farmers.

Sustainable transport choices

Given that planes lead the way in emissions, there’s a trend to choose greener forms of transport or reduce the number of flights per year.

A 2019 UBS survey found that, on average, one in five travellers in the USA, France, Britain, and Germany had cut air travel by at least one flight in the past year because of climate concerns.

For shorter trips that take less than 5 hours, 71% of European consumers prefer trains over planes.

And when you’ve arrived in a new place and want to explore, consider walking, cycling, using public transport, or riding micromobility vehicles such as electric scooters and bikes.

For example, Bolt’s safe, affordable scooters and bikes are available globally in more than 260 cities. With an e-vehicle, you can visit places away from the typical, touristy areas in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.

Bolt ride-hailing and Bolt Drive car rental also offer better ways to move. We have a growing number of economic hybrid and electric cars, and we’re committed to directing 90% of our waste to the circular economy by 2030 and becoming carbon net zero by 2040.

Responsible tourism

Responsible tourism is concentrated on creating better places for people to live and visit. It isn’t just about preserving local heritage and being mindful of the environment — it’s about respecting local inhabitants and their culture.

Even though responsible tourism is similar to sustainable tourism, the latter is the overall goal of travelling responsibly.

Sustainable tourism examples

There’s more you can do besides choosing sustainable transport to give your holiday a positive environmental impact. Summing up what we learned above, here’s a list of actions you can take to make travel more sustainable.

Try ecotourism

Ecotourism is a form of low-impact travel and a great example of sustainable tourism. It focuses on visiting natural areas while minimising environmental impact and promoting conservation.

Ecotourism often involves activities such as hiking, wildlife observation, and nature tours. It supports local conservation efforts, educates visitors about the environment, and generates funds for conservation projects.

Look into community-based tourism

This approach involves local communities taking an active role in tourism activities. It promotes cultural exchange, offers visitors opportunities to engage with local traditions and lifestyles, and ensures economic benefits stay within the community.

Examples include homestays, community-led tours, and locally operated guesthouses.

Recycle and cut down on waste

Choose destinations and support businesses that implement proper waste management. Carry reusable bags and bottles to reduce plastic waste and use digital tickets to save paper.

Reducing waste is a great sustainable tourism example that you can apply to all forms of tourism, regardless of your destination.

Track down responsible animal tourism operators

Sustainable tourism encourages responsible wildlife encounters and promotes the protection of endangered species. This includes supporting conservation projects, visiting ethical wildlife sanctuaries, and participating in activities that prioritise animal welfare and conservation education.

Choose sustainable accommodation

Many accommodation options are adopting sustainable practices such as energy and water conservation, waste reduction, using renewable energy sources, and responsible sourcing of products.

Some hotels and resorts have implemented green building designs and certifications, while others support local suppliers and contribute to community development.

Remember to say no to changing linen and towels daily, and unplug your electrical appliances when away to cut down on water and energy consumption.

Support cultural heritage preservation

Sustainable tourism respects and preserves cultural heritage. This can involve visiting historical sites, museums, and cultural festivals. Activities are designed to promote understanding, respect, and appreciation for local cultures, traditions, and historical landmarks.

Help spread awareness

Visitor education and awareness programmes inform travellers about sustainable practices, cultural sensitivities, environmental conservation, and responsible behaviour.

By raising awareness, tourists become more conscious of their impact and are encouraged to make informed choices.

Sustainable tourism destinations

Here are 7 of the most well-known sustainable tourism destinations where you can practise your newly found eco-conscious habits. These are places where eco-friendly practices and unforgettable experiences go hand in hand.

1. Costa Rica

Renowned for its commitment to environmental preservation, Costa Rica is a leader in sustainable tourism.

The country’s extensive network of national parks and protected areas offers eco-friendly travellers opportunities to explore diverse ecosystems while contributing to conservation efforts.

Activities like zip-lining through rainforests and visiting sea turtle nesting sites are designed to minimise environmental impact and support local communities.

2. Iceland

Iceland is a prime example of sustainable tourism in action, with its focus on renewable energy and conservation.

Visitors can explore geothermal landscapes, pristine glaciers, and volcanic formations with minimal environmental impact, thanks to the country’s commitment to sustainable energy and responsible tourism practices.

Icelandic tourism operators emphasise leaving no trace and preserving the delicate natural beauty of their unique landscapes.

3. Bhutan

Bhutan’s approach to tourism is deeply rooted in its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which prioritises cultural and environmental preservation.

The country limits the number of tourists to manage the impact on its pristine landscapes and ancient traditions.

Travellers can experience Bhutan’s stunning monasteries, lush valleys, and rich cultural heritage while supporting sustainable practices and respecting local customs.

4. New Zealand

With its breathtaking landscapes and commitment to conservation, New Zealand offers a range of sustainable tourism experiences.

The country’s ‘Tiaki Promise’ encourages visitors to protect and preserve the environment by following guidelines for responsible travel.

Eco-friendly lodges, guided nature walks, and conservation-focused activities allow travellers to enjoy New Zealand’s natural wonders while contributing to their preservation.

5. Kenya

Kenya is at the forefront of sustainable wildlife tourism, with a strong focus on conservation and community involvement.

Tour operators in Kenya work to protect endangered species and support local communities through eco-friendly safaris and community-based tourism projects.

Visitors can enjoy game drives and cultural experiences that help fund anti-poaching efforts and promote sustainable development.

6. Switzerland

Switzerland’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its efficient public transport system and eco-friendly practices.

The country’s beautiful alpine regions and charming villages offer eco-conscious travellers opportunities to engage in outdoor activities like hiking and skiing while minimising their carbon footprint.

Switzerland’s sustainable tourism initiatives emphasise environmental responsibility and the preservation of its stunning natural landscapes.

7. Japan

Japan blends traditional culture with modern sustainability practices in its approach to tourism.

The country’s eco-friendly accommodation, waste reduction initiatives, and emphasis on preserving cultural heritage sites make it a model for sustainable tourism.

Visitors can explore Japan’s beautiful landscapes, historic temples, and vibrant cities while supporting practices that respect both the environment and local traditions.

Sustainable tourism companies

To reach and explore the destinations mentioned above, consider using a sustainable tourism company to ensure your adventures have a positive impact on the destinations you visit.

Here are 3 influential players in sustainable tourism who are setting high standards for environmental stewardship, supporting local communities, and preserving cultural heritage.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is a trailblazer in sustainable tourism, offering a wide range of eco-friendly travel experiences.

The company prioritises small group tours, local community engagement, and low-impact travel practices.

Committed to reducing its carbon footprint, Intrepid Travel supports local conservation projects and promotes responsible travel practices across its global destinations.

G Adventures

G Adventures is renowned for its dedication to sustainable tourism through its ‘G for Good’ initiative, which supports community-driven projects and environmental conservation.

The company offers a variety of tours that emphasise cultural exchange and sustainable practices, including responsible wildlife viewing and support for local economies.

G Adventures also partners with local organisations to enhance tourism’s positive impacts.

TUI Group

As one of the largest tourism companies in the world, TUI Group has made significant strides in sustainable tourism.

Their ‘TUI Care Foundation’ focuses on environmental protection, cultural preservation, and community development.

TUI’s commitment to sustainability includes reducing carbon emissions, supporting local conservation efforts, and promoting eco-friendly travel practices across its extensive portfolio of travel services.

Check the FAQs below to learn how to identify responsible travel companies using sustainability certifications and labels.

Sustainable tourism FAQ

Why is sustainable tourism important?

Sustainable tourism has many positive impacts. It helps protect the environment, preserve cultural heritage, foster economic development, empower communities, enhance visitor experiences, mitigate climate change, and ensure the long-term sustainability of tourism destinations.

What is sustainable tourism development?

Sustainable tourism development refers to the process of planning, managing, and promoting tourism in a manner that maximises positive impacts while minimising adverse effects on the environment, communities, and economies.

It involves integrating sustainable principles and practices into all aspects of tourism, including destination planning, infrastructure development, visitor management, and stakeholder engagement.

Are there any certifications or labels for sustainable tourism?

Yes — various certificates and labels identify businesses and tourism destinations committed to sustainable practices.

Examples include the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Travelife, and Green Key certifications. You can be safe in the knowledge that certified entities are following recognised sustainability standards.

Can sustainable tourism be applied to all types of destinations and activities?

Yes, the World Tourism Organization maintains that all types of destinations and activities can apply sustainable tourism principles.

It requires adapting practices to the specific context and considering each destination’s social, environmental, and economic aspects. Sustainable practices can be applied everywhere — from urban areas to rural landscapes and cultural heritage sites to natural reserves.

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