Why Sustainable Tourism is Your Best Bet For a Memorable Trip

In our modern world, words like sustainability are thrown around a lot without much regard to what that really means. So, what is sustainable tourism? Why would a traveler choose sustainable tourism over traditional and sometimes less expensive options?

Sustainable tourism aims to minimize the ecological, cultural, economical, and local impact that our travels have on destinations. When a location suddenly becomes TikTok famous, the impact of droves of tourists can be quite devastating to residents and wildlife. We may think that our one little visit does not hurt much. But when multiplied by hundreds of thousands or millions of tourists, the impact can cripple a destination and in turn, tarnish your own travel experience.

Perhaps the most obvious reason for sustainable tourism is that it helps to keep the environment clean. These days it is common to see hotel chains and resorts making sustainability claims but are they walking the walk or are they greenwashing? Have they banned the use of all single use plastics? Do they encourage the reuse of bed linens and towels? Do they use systems designed to conserve energy and water? Do they serve local food or is it shipped in from elsewhere? Some chains have an eco program or charity. Look into these to see if they are really making a difference or if it is just a ploy to appear sustainable. A small amount of sleuthing on the internet will get you the answers you need.

Responsible tour operators are key to ensuring our beautiful destinations stay beautiful. A good tour operator has respect wildlife and the environment. If a tour operator is posting pictures of things like tourists too close to wildlife or pictures of tourists with a starfish in their hands, then they are not operating responsibly. This is can be especially tricky with whale watching tours. Be sure your operator knows and adheres to a safe distance so as not to disrupt their migratory patterns.

While the environment is of utmost importance, the people who live in your destination are also a key consideration in sustainability. Staying in locally owned hotels and properties not only stimulates the local economy, but it provides you with a more enriching and authentic experience. Eating in local restaurants or street food stalls will provide you with a rich experience that no hotel or resort chain can even touch. Shopping in local markets for gifts and souvenirs not only supports the local economy, but provides you with goods that you cannot get anywhere else.

Get in there, do what the locals do, eat what they eat, shop where they shop, dance where they dance. Corporate chains cannot provide you with these unique experiences. By digging in and meeting locals, you will find cultural experiences and education along the way that can't be matched. In turn, your appreciation of their culture will make the local people proud of their heritage. When they are proud of their heritage, it becomes something that they are willing to preserve.

Being mindful and taking the opportunity to travel sustainably creates a deeper, more meaningful experience for you. You will experience smaller guided tours, more local culture, pristine locations, and thriving wildlife. It is worth every bit of effort and research to curate this experience for yourself. Of course, if you don't have the time but still want that experience, your friendly Travel Advisor can help you plan an unforgettable experience.