Trend: sustainable tourism

The Covid-19 crisis has profoundly changed the tourism sector. After the era of mass tourism, sustainable tourism is now the travellers’ favourite. But what do we mean by sustainable tourism? How should the tourism sector adapt to these changes? Let’s break it down.

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM?

Sometimes also called “slow tourism”, sustainable tourism refers to an alternative form of tourism that tries to minimize the impact of travel on the environment.
A new way of thinking about travel that also takes into account ecology, the local economy and even a social dimension.

More than a way to escape everyday life, travel then becomes a real opportunity to discover a region and its people. People no longer travel to the other side of the world, because the preferred means of transportation must have as little impact on the environment as possible. So forget the plane and the car, and choose the train or the bike instead.

Covid-19 allowed local tourism to develop. The French set off to discover their own region or regions close to where they live. It was also an opportunity to rediscover the richness of our country and our traditions.

Sustainable tourism comes in several types of travel: ecotourism, fair tourism and solidarity tourism.

ECOTOURISM

Ecotourism refers to nature-focused travel. Ecotourism can be practised almost anywhere in the world. The goal is to discover and observe wildlife and plant life while respecting the environment.

Among the flagship ecotourism destinations are the United States and its great national parks. Closer to home, the Pyrenees, the Ardèche and the Alps are places where it can be practised.

When practising ecotourism, people generally stay in eco-gîtes, campgrounds certified with an ecological label or eco-villages. They can also stay on farms that take part in this type of program.

FAIR TOURISM

When you want to practise fair tourism, you travel to a destination where you can offer your services to the local population. This form of tourism allows travellers to live at the heart of a community, knowing that most of the money spent on their trip will go toward paying local people.

SOLIDARITY TOURISM

Solidarity tourism is very much in the same vein as fair tourism. This type of tourism highlights local development and encourages the protection of a region’s natural resources. It is a type of tourism often practised in countries of the Global South.

Through this type of travel, you truly live with the locals. It is an opportunity to learn about both the traditions and the everyday problems the population faces.

Travellers take part in a social and solidarity economy. This form of tourism helps improve living conditions and also contributes to creating jobs for the population. This leads to fairer pay and wages that are often above the country’s national average.

HOW CAN TOURISM PROFESSIONALS EMBRACE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM?

Do you work in the tourism sector and would like to move toward a more sustainable offer? It is very much in tune with the times!

Read: HOTELS, RESTAURANTS: HOW TO MAKE YOUR PROPERTY MORE ECO-RESPONSIBLE?

As a tourism professional, work more with local artisans and businesses. Source the products you need every day close to home. Create partnerships with local players to offer your guests activities outside your property: tours, sports or cultural activities…

Put in place an approach to limit the waste generated by your property. Also consider renewable energy to power your hotel or restaurant. At Reservit, for example, we chose to invest in solar panels installed on all the roofs of our premises. This will save the equivalent of more than 3 tonnes of CO² and help us aim for eco-responsible booking for all our clients.

If you own a gîte or an unusual accommodation, create a truly virtuous lodging by installing dry toilets, collecting rainwater and choosing recycled or recyclable materials.

Restaurant owners, offer a locavore and, if possible, plant-based menu. Organic or responsible menus, with products from local producers. It is also an opportunity to showcase the products of your region and introduce guests to local recipes!

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM, THE NEW STAR OF SOCIAL MEDIA

More and more tourism offices and travel professionals are highlighting the local dimension on their social media. Whether through photos or videos, it is essential to promote your region and its know-how there.

National park, big city or small village: every locality can embrace this sustainable tourism approach. Through encounters with local artisans or producers, show the richness of your region. Don’t hesitate to team up with local influencers to showcase your destination and reach a younger audience.

As part of sustainable tourism, also don’t hesitate to communicate about the “clean” means of transportation available for discovering your destination. Bike, bus, train… These means of transportation are on the rise and increasingly preferred by travellers!

Don’t hesitate to follow our blog, where we regularly publish articles about sustainable tourism.

Julie
Communication Manager
In partnership with Amélie Manceau