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An Expert’s Guide to Understanding Sustainable Tourism

 

Written by Jaclyn Yost | August 20, 2020

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What does sustainable tourism really mean and what does it look like in action?

I have spent the past 4 years traveling around Southeast Asia and dedicating my educational and professional career just to figure this out. But in truth, I believe that there will always be more to learn and advance in the sustainable tourism space – both personally and industrywide. 

Saying this, my general rule of thumb is to support small and local businesses; learn local customs and fully immerse myself in the rich culture to learn about the local livelihood and historical roots; and to protect the environment by choosing experiences that are already mindful of their footprint, while individually working to conserve and protect the Earth’s, and surrounding destination’s, natural ecosystems – i.e. aiming for zero waste, choosing conservation-based activities, natural habitat wildlife experiences.

However, there is no “one-size fits all” model for sustainability, and it is likely to look different based on the region in the world you are in. Which is why as a sustainably-minded traveler, it is important to continuously educate yourself on what sustainable tourism is and how it can be utilized as a tool for positive impact.

Sustainable Tourism Definition by Industry

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), when applying sustainability through tourism, it must “[take] full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”.

Generally, there are three core dimensions that highlight what the sector should be actively working towards:

• Preserving the environment by ensuring that environmental resources involved in tourism development are maintaining ecological processes and conserving natural biodiversity and heritage. 

• Protecting the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities and destinations through respectful cross and inter-cultural understanding, and the conservation of cultural heritage and values – both built and living. 

• Ensuring economic viability through secure, long-term operations that will uplift communities and individuals socio-economically through ways of employment and social services. 

Applying these general themes and concepts of sustainability to travel and tourism activity is aimed to mitigate mass tourism stressors; taking into account issues like threatened biodiversity, climate change, plastic pollution, overtourism, loss of cultural authenticity, economic inequality, exploitation, and so on.

To successfully implement sustainable tourism development and make certain that there is effective consensus building and participation, it is required for all stakeholders to be relevant and informed, in addition to trustworthy and active political leadership. (Sidenote: All the more reason to vote in November for leaders who care about a more sustainable and green future!!!)

How can I support sustainable tourism?

Sustainable tourism spans into the entirety of the tourism ecosystem, and can be supported by tourists by mindfully selecting where we are staying, eating, shopping, and touring. 

Below are some traits that I look for while planning and selecting places to support on my travels. ~pro tip: be sure to familiarize yourself with greenwashing first to ensure you’re not falling for false green claims!

Eco-accommodations:

• Mostly local staff as opposed to international presence to ensure money and working skills are being instilled within the local community

• Local materials and products, with transparent sourcing. 

• Promotion of the local culture 

• Educational & transparent information over environmental and social impact and matters

• Community development projects in place to support the surrounding region

• Tips for guests on how they can be more environmentally mindful during their stay

• Implement special waste, energy, and water management systems. 

  • Sorting waste appropriately (i.e. biodegradable, plastic, aluminium, general)

  • Alternative energy transport options for guests (i.e. bikes, electric vehicles), utilizing renewable energy

  • Rainwater harvesting, grey and black wastewater treatment 

• Avoid the use of disposables and single use plastics – particularly with toiletries

• All natural and organic cleaning products

Socially Responsible Eateries:

• Local staff & local opportunity for the surrounding region (i.e. live music events, artisan craft corners)

• Display cultural roots through decoration, cuisine, and events

• Locally sourced and seasonal food

• Mission driven restaurants that give back to their community (i.e. food donations, training opportunities)

• Eradicates food waste (i.e. composting, works in full ingredient or surplus food in dishes, à la carte instead of buffet style

• Vegetarian and plant-based friendly

Ethical Tours:

• Decent work opportunities for local guides

• Operators should provide guidelines for appropriate traveler behavior and guidelines (i.e. dress code, photography, business etiquette, social standards and local customs)

• ‘Leave No Trace’ policy

• Respectful of wildlife (i.e. safe distances, natural habitats, no interaction unless extensive research with credible backstories)

Social Enterprise Shopping:

• Shops that are environmentally or socially mission driven in support of a specific cause (i.e. raising awareness, social employment, paying-it-forward)

• Products with minimal waste and packaging, easily traceable backstories

• Local artisan products. Bonus points if you do the exchange yourself.

• Avoid generic and mass manufactured souvenirs and trinkets as they are likely to be internationally made, funneling profits out of the local economy and likely to have a harmful background (i.e. factory/warehouses, C02 emission due to transport mileage).

The above indicators are not exhaustive. After initially choosing a place, how I usually learn best on-site is to discuss sustainability practices with the appropriate staff members, especially if I have any questions over their green claims. The more transparent and willing to talk is usually a good indication of a responsible operator. 

Why Sustainable Tourism & Why Now?

The travel and tourism sector is one of the most powerful and influential industries in the world, spanning into 185 countries and 25 regions. To fully amplify the positive impacts that the sector can bring to the world and its people, there needs to be collaborative effort from global businesses, communities, travelers, and governments.

Working towards these greener goals and re-structuring the industry – especially moving into a post COVID-19 world – is necessary to shape a bearable and just future for generations to come.

 

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