Sustainable Tourism

Live Green, Love Green, Think Green

  

Lately Sustainable tourism, also known as green tourism has become a mediaspeak

What is Sustainable Tourism?

According to the World Tourism Organization, sustainable tourism is “Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities"

Why is sustainable travel important?

Attention have been paid to the relationship between tourism and the environment and to the problems associated with the rapid expansion of tourism.

For organisations moving to profitable sustainability isn’t always a luxury that they choose. But it is the environment and the demand  which forces them to do so.

Currently the travelers  might claim to be ‘environmentally friendly’, But the truth is that they do not realize how the transportation through which they travel or the food / drink which they consume is taking up a toll on the nature. Globally, fossil fuel-based energy is responsible for about 64% of human greenhouse gas emissions, with deforestation at about 18% and animal agriculture between 13% and 18%

The travelers don’t consider about the inconvenience caused to the birds and animals due to their irrational wishes and behavior. They don’t really try to become genuine eco-tourists.  As a result, It imposes negative effects on the ecosystem and affects the ecological balance.

Travelers continue to view safety, cost, weather, accessibility and quality of facilities as paramount when planning vacations. However, their demand for ethical products, social investment  is growing.

Tour operators are increasingly aware of the demand for socially and environmentally responsible tourism and are exploring certification programs as a way to market their ecotourism products.

Although not everything depends on tourism, tourism depends on almost everything. Sustainable tourism is about re-focusing and adapting.

If not managed correctly, tourism can be a very unsustainable business.

Sustainable tourism should make optimal use of environmental resources that comprise a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.

The amazon was burning, Maldives is sinking, Coral reefs are dying, marine life is choking on plastic, Antarctica is melting, Co2 levels are rising.

The following are some of the issues that we have faced/facing this year, We are in one heck of a disastrous rut. WE MUST ACT NOW

What can you do as a sustainable traveler?

· Reduce your own carbon footprint by wasting less . 

· Packing the right items can reduce wastage

· Switch to renewable energy where possible.

· Re-fill drinking water bottles

· Take public transport 

 · Say NO to plastic

· Be mindful about food waste

· Think twice before animal encounters

· Support community-based tourism

· Conserve natural environments

 · Support local vendors

· Encouraging cultural heritage

If we all make small changes to our daily lives and to the way we travel, we can bring more good change to the world.

Sustainable tourism should also maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience to the tourists, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices among them.

Be  a responsible traveler!

Author : Gangana Ranaweera