Tourism is one of the world’s biggest and booming industries, granting significant benefits to the host country’s economy. It not only generates job opportunities but is also one of the most significant sources of foreign exchange for any economy and is typically one of the sizeable contributors to the host country’s GDP growth. With examples of sustainable tourism and the growth of environmental legislation worldwide, people are becoming more environmentally tactful and opting ecologically friendly and sustainable substitutes.
However, tourism is not only about reaping the prosperity of a particular industry; a matter of chance may reveal a darker side to the same. One must acknowledge an enterprise’s ramifications and dissenting effects, sometimes subjugated by its glory. The same goes for the tourism industry. In the glare of the forex reserve, we overlook the vandalism large-scale tourism can have on our environment and society. If you work in the tourism industry or are only a tourist, you should become acquainted with the essence of sustainable tourism, which must be heeded. In this article, we will study the assorted types of sustainable tourism and examples of sustainable tourism practices across the Globe.
Various Categories of Sustainable Tourism
Over the years, environmentalists have formulated various words to highlight the importance of maintaining sustainable habits even while travelling. Several notions and nomenclature have been invented to carve out a habitat within the sizeable tourism sector. ‘Sustainable Tourism’ is thus a broad notion that smothers a diversity of other tapered concepts within its scope, some of which include:
During the 1980s, the term ‘Eco-tourism’ became popular, but it may be misinterpreted as sustainable tourism. However, one must realize that sustainable tourism is a broader term sight at long-term sustainability in the tourism industry, with an accent on economic, social, and environmental elements. Ecotourism, on the other hand, has a narrow and specific definition that centres on nature-based experiences and environmental conservation.
Ethno Tourism, is mainly operating on rural areas and lifestyles, with visitors interested in pursuing knowledge about ethnic communities, their customs, and practices, and it is quite prominent in Asian nations that is India, Japan, and China. While tourism gives a lot of revenue potential to rural people, an influx of tourists also distorts their rural lives and deteriorates their already restricted resources. Consequently, ethnotourism must also be blunged in the rationale of sustainable tourism.
Also Read: Tourism At Risk: The Impact Of Marine Pollution On Tourism
- Community Tourism
It is a form of sustainable tourism which involves living with ethnic communities and perceiving their food, culture, and customs first hand. It differs from the other two types of sustainable tourism in that it seeks to benefit and assist communities rather than focus solely on the environmental facets of tourism.
Green tourism, first used in the 1980s, is another term with reference to sustainable tourism. This also began with an endeavour to fabricate economic benefits and topple the negative impacts on the environment through implementing practices including engrossing environmental-friendly products, uplifting reusing supplies, etc.; however, the idea did not triumph in attaining its objective because the hotel industry started capitalizing on this and wallowed in what is known as “greenwashing” their business, which means they stated and advertised to be nurturing “green tourism” but in reality.
Examples of Sustainable Tourism Practices Across the Globe
1. Fiji’s Solar-powered Resort
This is based on beautiful Malolo Island. It grades sustainable luxury and cultural knowledge. The resort is fueled completely by solar energy and has its own on-site water-filtration facility to snuff out the consumption of single-use plastic bottles. The resort strives to be as waste-free as possible, bracing the notion of reuse while also recycling and composting using a “worm-based septic system” and farming as many of its herbs and vegetables as doable.
All of the hotel’s handiwork and artwork are collated by local villagers.
2. Conservation ‘Voluntouring’ in Belize
Responsible Travel, a responsible tourism operator initiated in the United Kingdom, endorse more responsible travel decisions through online material and the development of sustainable and ethical holiday packages. One such package allows individuals to volunteer with a conservation agency in Belize.
Tourists are invited to join a group of local conservationists and oracles as section of a volunteer troop working 5 days a week in the rainforests of Belize. Volunteers are thoroughly vetted and provided with a volunteer guide before going, as well as caller support to guarantee that voluntourism is conducted responsibly and respectfully to residents, animals, and the environment.
3. Controlled Tourism in Bhutan
Bhutan, nestled in the eastern Himalayas, is contemplated one of the world’s happiest countries. The country has remained mostly unaltered by colonialism, permitting the people to manage their sustainable way of life.
Bhutan’s tourism is one of the examples of sustainable tourism and is built on the philosophy of “high value, low impact”. This has been mastered by imposing strict entry criteria and a daily tourist fee. The day rate includes outlay for the stay, namely lodging, a licensed tour guide, meals, and hiking gear. A notable percentage of the tariff, however, is utilized to carry on and expand the country’s framework and fund Bhutan’s free health care and education.
4. A Community-run Backpacker in South Africa
Mdumbi, a backpacker hostel on South Africa’s Wild Coast, intends to foster “community involvement and sustainable eco-tourism.” The Backpacker hostel takes pride in its connection to the Eastern Cape’s amaXhosa culture, located deep in the heart of a traditional hamlet.
Mdumbi has a unique ownership model, with shares held by local employees, the Amaxhosa community organisation, and TransCape (Mdumbi’s affiliated non-profit organisation). TransCape exists to provide accessibility to the resources, support, and expertise necessary for communities to begin the journey of change for a better quality of life. In 2017, Backpacker received a silver award from the World Responsible Tourism Awards for being the best in poverty reduction.
Final Words
In conclusion, embracing sustainable tourism practices is not just an ethical imperative to uplift tourists to be environmentally conscious but also a sound business plan. With these examples of sustainable tourism and the growth of environmental legislation worldwide, people are becoming more environmentally tactful and opting ecologically friendly and sustainable substitutes. Therefore, by promoting and adopting sustainable tourism practices, businesses can attract more environmentally concerned tourists while improving their reputation, giving them an added competitive edge.
Also Read: Importance of Sustainable Tourism
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