Sun, fun, adventure, retreat… sustainability may not be the first thing that springs to mind when dreaming of that next holiday destination, but it’s certainly rising on the agenda as the tourism industry continues to boom.
The implications of ‘overtourism’ to some of the world’s most popular destinations have been hitting headlines throughout 2018; just recently we saw the temporary closure of Maya Beach, Thailand, which shot to must-see destination status following Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach in 2000.
To give some perspective, international tourist arrivals grew by 7% in 2017 alone, up to 1.3 billion! Many countries in recent years have started to address the effects of this growing phenomenon as a result, but there are small steps that each and every one of us can also take, which, together, will make a huge difference so that generations to come have the same opportunities to explore as we have.
Consider alternative destinations
There are countless places to see in this world — too many for most of us to even dream of visiting in one lifetime — but some of them seem to be trending right now more than others. Venice, Dubrovnik, Machu Picchu, Iceland, Barcelona, Thailand; they’re all under the extreme strain of more tourism than is sustainable.
Instead we could be turning our attention to those places of equal beauty that could actually benefit from a tourist boost or that have the best sustainable practices. Think the Scottish Highlands, Slovenia, Norway, New Zealand, even the Maldives.
Travel from A to B responsibly
It’s also best to avoid air travel whenever you can. This is easier said than done when you want to get from one side of the globe to the other, but if you’re planning a trip around Europe or that includes multiple stops within a country, trains and buses are a far more sustainable option — and you get a much better view from the window!
Once at your destination, could you walk or take public transport instead of hire cars or taxis? Not only does it put you much more in touch with the city and its rhythm, it’s also more eco-friendly.
Reduce rubbish
It’s been said a million times, but recycle wherever possible. Purchase a reusable bottle before your trip and refill it with drinking water as often as you can. You don’t want to know how many plastic water bottles the world unnecessarily produces every day… combat the problem instead and save money in the process.
The same can be said about carrier bags and, of course, refusing a straw in your drink. Not dropping litter is a given, but what about picking up any you find along the way too.
Support the local economy
Sustainable travel isn’t only about considering your impact on the environment, but also on the local community. To truly be of benefit, ensure you’re purchasing locally made crafts and souvenirs, eating at local restaurants and speaking to local tour operators about whether they themselves consider practices for encouraging sustainable travel. Learning some local phrases will also help you no end in immersing yourself in a country — and the effort won’t go unnoticed.
Respect the wildlife
Be wary of attractions or activities that involve local wildlife and do your research on whether they are ethical. Avoid feeding any animals you come across in the wild too, as this can meddle with any mutual understanding established in that area and encourage begging or even attacks, which would be bad news for both the community and the animal.
Likewise, don’t buy wildlife products — furs, ivory and shells should all be steered well clear of so not to mistakenly contribute to the trafficking of rare or endangered wildlife-based souvenirs.
Of course, businesses working within the tourism industry also have a big role to play in promoting more responsible, sustainable travel, a principle we’re incorporating into the development of our new Vado app. It’s something we’re looking forward to telling you more about as the story unfolds — in the meantime, you can follow our progress on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
