Now that the pandemic is no longer a crisis, tourism is making a comeback—big time. That’s great news for the travel industry’s many workers and businesses, but it could be bad for the planet. Here are some ways that tourists can mitigate the harmful effects of travel.
Around two billion people travel each year for tourism purposes and there are many positive aspects to tourism. It can connect people and bring the world closer through shared experiences, cultural awareness and community building. It provides jobs, spurs regional development, and is a key driver for socio-economic progress.
However, there is often a downside; many popular destinations are threatened by increasing pollution, environmental hazards, damage to heritage sites and overuse of resources. And that’s without factoring the pollution caused by travel to and from these destinations.
So, with that in mind here are some tips that will help you to enjoy your trip, and leave with the confidence that your favorite tourist destination will not be damaged by your presence, once you return home.
Ditch single-use plastics
Often used for less than 15 minutes, single-use plastic items can take more than 1,000 years to degrade. By choosing reusable bottles and bags wherever you go, you can help ensure there is less plastic waste in the ocean and other habitats.
Be frugal with water consumption
On the whole, tourists use far more water than local residents. With a growing number of places experiencing water scarcity, the choices you make can help ensure people have adequate access to water in the future. By foregoing a daily change of sheets and towels during hotel stays, we can save millions of liters of water each year.
Buy local
When you buy local, you help boost the local economy, benefit local communities, and help to reduce the destination’s carbon footprint from transporting the goods. This is also true at mealtimes, so enjoy fresh, locally grown produce every chance you get.
Please don’t feed the animals
Sharing food with wildlife or getting close enough to do so increases the chances of spreading diseases like cold, flu and pneumonia from humans to animals.
Share a ride
Transportation is a major contributor to the carbon footprint from tourism. Instead of private taxis, explore using public transportation like trains, buses and shared cabs. You can also ride a bicycle, which offers a convenient and cheaper way to explore and learn about a place.
Consider a homestay
Staying with a local resident or family is a nature-friendly option that allows you to get up close and personal with local culture and customs. Staying at local homestays can uplift communities by providing income while giving you a peek into different ways of life.
Do your homework
Before your travel, educate yourself about your destination. With the right information, you can explore a destination in a more sensitive manner and surprise yourself with new adventures and discoveries.
Visit national parks and sanctuaries
Exploring nature and wildlife through national parks is an intimate way to learn about the animals and their ecosystems first hand. In some cases, your entrance fee supports conservation efforts that protect species and landscapes and preserve these natural spaces for future visitors to enjoy.
Don’t leave a trace and don’t take anything away
Leave no trace of your visit. Put garbage in its place to avoid litter, and don’t remove or alter anything without permission. Leave only soft footprints, and not the environmental kind.
Spread the word
Now that you’re ready to travel in eco-friendly style, it’s time spread the word! Inform fellow travelers, friends and family and encourage sustainable tourism. Educate them about how it benefits local people by enhancing their livelihoods and well-being, and helps all of us by protecting our beautiful environment.
