Every journey we take has the power to transform both the traveller and the destination we visit. However, not all transformations are positive. From overcrowded beaches to local communities displaced by large hotel chains, the impact of traditional tourism on the environment and society has led us to question the way we travel. But what is sustainable tourism and how can you travel while leaving a positive footprint on the world? We answer this question in this article.
Tourism, one of the most dynamic and globalised economic activities, has a significant impact on the environment and local communities. According to recent data, the tourism sector contributes between 8% and 12% of global carbon emissions. This underlines the urgency of adopting sustainable tourism practices, not only to protect the natural environment, but also to preserve the cultural and economic wealth of the regions we visit.
The impact of global tourism in figures
Every year, billions of people travel around the world, making tourism a global economic driver. In regions such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, and developing countries in Africa, tourism is a vital source of income. For example, in the Maldives about 28% of its GDP depends on tourism. Thailand’s tourism sector accounts for approximately 20% of its economy. In the case of Spain, one of the most visited destinations in the world, more than 12% of its GDP comes from tourism.
However, this enormous activity has an environmental cost. From excessive consumption of natural resources to pollution caused by transport, tourism can have devastating effects if it is not carried out in a sustainable manner.
What is sustainable tourism?
It is much more than a trend: it is a way of travelling that respects the natural environment, promotes resource conservation and benefits local communities. Unlike mass tourism, which tends to prioritise short-term economic gain, sustainable tourism focuses on ensuring that future generations can also enjoy the same destinations and cultures that we admire today. In this sense, it seeks to minimise the negative impact of tourism activities on the environment and local communities, while promoting economic and cultural benefits.
Sustainable tourism is tourism that takes into account current and future economic, social and environmental impacts to meet the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Keys to practising sustainable tourism
Planning is the first step towards sustainable travel. Choosing destinations committed to environmental and cultural preservation, such as Costa Rica, recognised for its leadership in ecotourism, or Bhutan, which carefully limits the number of visitors to protect its biodiversity, is essential. In addition, choosing to travel during low seasons reduces pressure on local resources, avoids overcrowding and allows for a more enriching experience.
Transport is one of the main sources of carbon emissions related to tourism. Reducing this impact involves prioritising more sustainable means of transport, such as train or bus, rather than flights. Where aviation is indispensable, some airlines offer carbon offsetting programmes to mitigate the emissions generated. At the destination, means such as cycling, public transport or even walking help not only to reduce the environmental impact, but also to foster a more authentic connection with the environment.
The hotel sector also plays a central role in sustainable tourism. There are accommodations that incorporate responsible practices, such as the use of renewable energy, efficient water management and support for local economies. International certifications such as EarthCheck, Rainforest Alliance or Biosphere Tourism are useful tools to identify options that meet these standards. These types of establishments not only care for the environment, but also promote balanced tourism development.
Other keys to practising sustainable tourism
Supporting local economies is a pillar of responsible tourism. Consuming locally sourced products and services contributes directly to the well-being of the communities visited. This is reflected in the purchase of traditional handicrafts, the choice of family-run restaurants that offer local gastronomy and the hiring of certified guides from the region. Such practices promote cultural preservation and ensure a direct economic benefit for the communities.
Another fundamental basis of sustainable tourism is respect. This approach includes understanding and adapting to local customs, which contributes to a more balanced cultural exchange. On the environmental side, respect for nature means avoiding waste generation, not disturbing the ecosystem and reducing the use of single-use plastics. Simple measures such as carrying a reusable bottle, cloth bags or sustainable packaging make a big difference in the conservation of the natural environment.
Sustainable tourism not only benefits the environment and local communities, but also enriches the traveller’s experience. Adopting these practices is an essential step towards a tourism model that respects the planet’s resources and allows them to be enjoyed responsibly.
Why sustainable tourism is more than a trend
Sustainable tourism not only benefits the environment, but also has a positive impact on local communities, preserves cultures and traditions, and ensures that future generations can enjoy unique destinations.
In a world where natural resources are increasingly limited and the effects of climate change are becoming more evident, conscious travel becomes a necessity rather than a choice. Practising sustainable tourism is a way to enjoy the world without compromising its future.
