What it is and how to do sustainable tourism

The term is becoming more and more fashionable sustainable tourism, but the truth is that most tourists and travelers are not aware of what it really entails.

That has been our experience until recently, despite the fact that it is a concern that has been promoted for more than 25 years worldwide.

And I tell you that, as you suppose, the sustainable tourism It is a concept that has to do with the environment, but there are other aspects that go far beyond not throwing away plastic when hiking in a tourist destination.

Next we will explain what is sustainable tourism and we are going to give you some practical tips and examples to keep in mind during your travels.

What is sustainable tourism

The concern for sustainable tourism It dates back to the 90s of the last century.

At that time institutions like the Council of Europe or United Nations (UN) presented recommendations to alleviate the growing impact of tourism activities on the environment.

For its part, World Tourism Organization (WTO) defines it as tourism that takes full account of current and future economic, social and environmental impacts to meet the needs of visitors, industry, the environment and host communities.

Therefore, there are three axes on which the sustainable tourism concept, specifically, the environmental, with the proper use of natural resources.

He too socio-cultural, which implies respect for the diversity of cultures; and also the or economic sector., with the promotion of good business practices and the development of the local economy.

Difference between sustainable tourism and responsible tourism

Sometimes you will see that they talk about sustainable tourism and also Responsible tourism.

Butwhat is the difference?

In reality, these are two different approaches to the environmental, social or economic problems that tourism activity can generate.

El sustainable tourism refers to the good customs and advice that must be followed to avoid said problem, while the Responsible tourism It is the commitment of institutions and companies to comply with said advice.

In the case of tourism companies, it is an implicit part of the so-called Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Responsible tourism at Accor Hotels

An example of the application of responsible tourism is that of hotel company Accor Hotels, owner of such popular chains as Mercury, Novotel o Ibis.,

This company has been applying various programs for years such as Planet 21 with protocols that seek to develop all hotel activity with sustainable criteria.

A concrete example is the plan Our towels plant treesWhose saving water by not changing towels every day So far it has resulted in the planting of up to 12.000 trees on land in Toledo and Valencia.

It is also worth highlighting the plan that tries to reduce food waste at buffets of breakfasts, achieving up to 30 percent reduction.

Another aspect of the responsible tourism strategy what is he doing Accor Hotels It is the largest offer in the cards organic, seasonal and local food products.

Good sustainable tourism practices

But in our position as tourists and travelers, how do we know what the real truths are? good manners what we should follow to practice sustainable tourism?

Environmental Protection

As we have already commented, prevent environmental deterioration It is a basic aspect when we talk about sustainable tourism.

Hiking to reach certain places, avoiding the use of motor vehicles, or not leaving waste during our excursions or visits, are good habits in this regard.

But also limit and regulate access to natural places with excessive tourist demand, such as, for example, Cies Island or the Cathedrals beach en Galicia, are practices linked to sustainable tourism.

Or it is also a good habit to give preference to less polluting public transport, such as the train, for long-distance travel, or the bicycle for visiting cities.

Respect biodiversity

A variant of respecting the environment during your trips is to respect for biodiversity.

In this way, observing and enjoying nature should not endanger or encourage the mistreatment of animals, ensuring, for example, maximum respect for them during a period of time. photo safari in Africa.

Conservation of cultural heritage

But this concept also encompasses facets such as heritage conservation, which must be taken into account in the Turistic development of the regions.

Take care and respect historical monuments and buildings It is basic when visiting tourist destinations.

La limitation and regulation of access to certain monuments such as the Alhambra of Granada It must become a rule when the excess of tourists endangers their enjoyment.

Or also the preservation of heritage places such as caves of Altamira in Cantabria or those of Lascaux in France, where you do not visit the original caves but rather an emulation of them.

And another example is stonehenge megalithic complex to the south of England, from which all tourist facilities and services have been separated, which have been moved a couple of kilometers away, promoting the preservation of the landscape.

Respect other cultures

It also implies respect other cultures, something basic when traveling, since we must adapt and respect customs of the places visited, as well as being concerned about understanding them.

respect the courtesy rules and eliminating offensive or stereotypical language are aspects to take into account.

Make responsible purchases

When making purchases during our travels, to ensure that we practice a sustainable tourism, we must take into account as far as possible that the products purchased have not been produced with labor exploitation.

Likewise, a good practice is to respect local merchants and vendors, and have empathy with them.

Pay a fair price

La responsible purchasing implies pay a fair price for the products we acquire during our trips.

For example, following the custom of bargaining In certain countries, in no case does it imply “squeezing” the seller by trying to achieve savings that in most cases are ridiculous.

Buy local products

Another way to practice sustainable tourism is to buy products on our trips that benefit the local economy.

Consume typical dishes in restaurants or buy locally made products They are good examples of this type of tourism.

Of course, buy local craft products It is a good custom that helps the development of the economy of the regions visited.