How to develop sustainable and responsible tourism?

Tourists are increasingly drawn to responsible travel: they are aware of the importance of the environment and choose sustainable travel practices. 1 in 2 people say they care about sustainable tourism, yet the notion remains unclear for many. This trend is complex, but in this article we explain why it matters and the different actions to put in place.

Why sustainable tourism matters

We know that travel holds an important place in people’s lives. This is all the more true since the pandemic, which showed its importance economically, but also for mental health. However, it has become essential to rethink the way we travel in order to protect our environment and preserve the destinations we love so much.

In recent years, people have started talking about sustainable tourism, but the concept has not been explained clearly. According to one study, 76% of French people don’t really know what the notion means. Fortunately, it is familiar to young people (31% of under-35s). Simply put, it is an approach that reconciles the pleasure of travel with respect for nature.

The main reasons to choose sustainable tourism are:

• Protecting the environment: mass tourism has led to the overexploitation of natural resources and the degradation of the local environment. By choosing sustainable tourism, picking eco-friendly accommodation and supporting local shops, we can help preserve the natural riches of each destination.
• Preserving local culture: sustainable tourism also means showcasing local culture and respecting host communities. By putting people first, with encounters with locals, genuine exchanges and shared authentic experiences, it helps preserve the cultural identity of the places we visit.
• Economic impact: sustainable tourism creates jobs, helps develop local infrastructure and strengthens the local economy.

By adopting responsible behaviour when we travel, we can reduce our environmental footprint.

The different actions to put in place

It is important to raise travellers’ awareness of environmental and social issues by letting them see first-hand the realities and challenges that destinations face. Tourism businesses, for their part, must embrace green tourism and step up their communication about the actions they have taken.

For tourism businesses

Tourism businesses play a crucial role in the adoption of sustainable tourism. And yet, they don’t communicate enough about it. According to a survey, 64% of French people want more information from professionals, because their actions are hard to identify and not highlighted enough.

Here are some actions they can put in place:

1. reduce water consumption in hotels and encourage eco-friendly laundry practices;
2. use renewable energy sources (for example: LED);
3. provide biodegradable products;
4. raise guests’ awareness of waste sorting and the importance of reducing their waste during their stay;
5. avoid building infrastructure in environmentally sensitive areas;
6. organize ecotourism activities that promote awareness of biodiversity and species protection;
7. favour buying local products to support artisans and small shops;
8. hire staff from surrounding communities;
9. organize authentic experiences to encourage intercultural exchange;
10. obtain recognized sustainable tourism certifications or labels to build trust with your guests;
11. take part in sustainable projects with your staff (for example: beach cleaning).

Many actions can be put in place, and they can play an important role in promoting sustainable tourism. Tourism businesses can offer responsible travel through a richer, more engaging and more memorable experience.

For travellers

For travellers, the main levers for sustainable tourism are

• transport (63%);
• accommodation (54%);
• choice of destination and activities (39%).

Sustainable tourism is mainly favoured on site: to get to their destinations, holidaymakers don’t give up flying, because it is the fastest way to get there. According to one study, 60% consider camping to be the most environmentally friendly type of accommodation.

Here are the actions tourists can adopt for more responsible tourism:

1. favour lesser-known, less crowded places to reduce the impact on the most popular tourist sites and encourage fairer tourism;
2. choose destinations that promote sustainable tourism;
3. stay in properties that are certified or committed to sustainable practices;
4. encourage authentic exchanges with local residents;
5. become familiar with the customs and traditions of the destinations visited;
6. support local artisans and shopkeepers;
7. share their responsible travel experiences;
8. take part in ecotourism activities or volunteer programs that support environmental protection and local development.

By adopting these actions, travellers can have a significant impact in favour of more responsible tourism, helping to protect the environment, respect local cultures and support the economic development of the destinations they visit.

Sustainable tourism is an essential concept and solution for preserving our environment and the wonders we love to visit. Every small action, however simple, helps us move towards better practices. Travelling responsibly means contributing to a better world for future generations.

Julie
Communication Manager
In partnership with Jennifer Therond