Image by Jeremy Bishop, Unsplash
Do you want to learn, how to travel responsibly? Then the first thing you should do is learn the difference between the terms: sustainable tourism and responsible tourism. Why? Because both of these appear alike to the common eyes and are even mistakenly used interchangeably when it comes down to the discussion of saving the environment and tourism industry from exploitation. However, they do specifically refer to something different.
Not only that, since many travellers do not fully comprehend what these terms mean, many rumours are spread out there that make responsible travel appear to be a severe or an impractical activity.
In this article, we will look at both these terms and certain queries related to the tourism industry in detail including the importance of sustainable tourism and also some tips for responsible tourism.
What is Sustainable Tourism?
Let's start with the term "Sustainable Tourism". It basically refers to the approach of tourism that:
Encompasses all aspects of tourist satisfaction, including consideration of social, economic, and environmental concerns.
Meets the demands and expectations of today's tourism sector and host communities.
Prioritizes protection of the environment, social equity, cultural diversity, and quality of life.
Focuses on increasing a vibrant, effective economy that provides jobs and income for all.
Doesn't jeopardize the capacity of future generations to cope using their own resources.
Importance of Sustainable Tourism
Conceptually, Tourism appreciates the most valuable areas of life and surroundings, be it the breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, forestry, cultural legacy, heritage, and of course the people.
Tourism could certainly be a great turning point for higher economic growth by offering improved business and job opportunities, as well as economical funding for preservation.
However, if tourism is not well handled, it could have a detrimental effect on people and nature, causing prolonged periods of pressure on local people and eventually leading to a decrease in tourism in the desired location.
It is here where sustainable tourism comes into play. It helps maximize the value of tourism while reducing the negative effects on tourist attractions or destinations.
The main ways to do so are:
Safeguarding or preserving the vital ecological mechanisms of natural biodiversity, habitats, and native or wild animals.
Establishing and supplying genuine visitor satisfaction that honours and preserves culture, tradition, and heritage.
Providing long-term socioeconomic operations and services to citizens through income growth and job opportunities.
Making the best use of natural assets, which are critical to tourism growth.
What is Responsible Tourism?
In a simple one-liner, responsible tourism is defined as travelling in a manner that enhances, supports, or favours the geography you are touring or trying to visit.
It is all about:
Being culturally as well as socially conscious when travelling, i.e., using basic logic.
Acknowledge your influence on the places you visit.
Attempting to make that impact beneficial.
Importance of Responsible Tourism
Responsible travel is about the journey, not the destination. Tourism is important. Each trip you take makes a difference in instances you wouldn't have realised.
The Cape Town Declaration recognizes that Responsible Tourism as an important that:
Reduces negative financial, environmental, and social consequences;
Increases local employment opportunities, which strengthens the well-being of the local community;
Improves employment opportunities and sector availability
Necessitate the participation of residents in decision-making and lifestyle choices.
Offers a more pleasurable experience for visitors through closer friendships with local residents and a larger awareness of cultural, social, and environmental concerns;
Gives access to patients with disabilities and is culturally responsive,
Inciting sympathy among tourists and residents and developing dignity and pride.
Image by Luca Bravo, Unsplash
In what way is "responsible travel" different from "responsible tourism"?
To address this particular question, you must first recognise the distinction between a traveller and a tourist.
Individuals referred to as "travellers" are those who move to another area. On the other hand, "tourists" are referred to as those who travel to some other location for the sake of joy or entertainment.
A traveller is someone who gets totally involved in the locations to which they take a trip.
A tourist is someone who only looks at the exterior or layers of the spots they visit.
So, the difference between responsible travel and responsible tourism is that:
When a traveller goes above and beyond the typical travel information in a travel guide, they are participating in responsible travel. For instance, studying some of the native dialects or languages to communicate with the residents of a different nation is one option.
Responsible tourism occurs when a tourist, despite not being totally involved in the lifestyle or culture, takes actions that have a positive effect on the spots they visit. For instance, selecting a hotel with a sustainability policy over one that doesn't.
How is Responsible Travel different from Sustainable Tourism?
Sustainable tourism doesn't really refer to a particular type of tourism.
It is rather about the desire for the effects of all aspects of tourism to be viable, maintainable, or preservable (sustainable) for the upcoming years.
The attitude, actions, style, and behaviour of travellers are referred to as "responsible travel."
The behaviours are consistent with having a significant influence on the desired location instead of an adverse effect.
How to be a Responsible Traveler? (Tourist Responsibility Tips)
Here are a few simple tourist responsibility tips to enable you to make your travel extra responsible and sustainable:
Stay for a Few Nights
Most of the time cities with a high level of day-tourism have people visit during the day and then consider leaving.
Choosing to stay the night benefits hotels, motels, and other accommodation types.
Save Water
Shorten your showers to save water, particularly in locations where water is scarce.
Also, you can bring a refillable water bottle and a travel filter with you.
Water-conscious tourists could indeed assist in saving this asset by packing a refillable water bottle and stuffing it from the faucet.
Help the Local Economy
Try to dine in nearby eateries or cafes; buy locally-produced antiques and gifts; check out the local markets; hire a local tourist guide.
In this manner, you can be certain that your money is spent directly back into the economy and on the people who will host you, rather than on some unknown business association.
Explore Unpopular Locations
People wanting to see the same spots repeatedly is indeed a possible explanation for 'over-tourism.'
Especially when travelling in urban areas, there are notable landmarks or venues which you'll want to see.
However, you must consider exploring other wonderful spots as well that can be discovered off of the main tracks.
Reduce Transportation
According to reports, tourism-related transportation emissions are expected to account for over 5% of total man-made carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
So, if you can, try to walk around. You can also start using cheap public train or community bus services. Paddle cycles is also a great option to explore the location.
Avoid Buying Products Made out of Endangered Animals
Alligator skin products, bushmeat, and tortoiseshell are just a few examples.
The popularity contributes to illicit trafficking or trading, wildlife crime, and the decline of numerous lifeforms around the world.
Avoid Bringing "Natural Souvenirs"
The concept of having items such as the slow-growing queen conchs found throughout the Caribbean or colourful hawksbill sea turtle shells just about anywhere reefs exist may be appealing to some, but it is neither morally correct nor sustainable.
Avoid collecting rare native wood like Guatemala, Mexico, and Belizean rosewood, or buying coral jewellery from shops as these will only cause a threat to the natural habitat.
If you want to have souvenirs, buy something which is eco friendly and free from natural destruction.
Reduce Waste!
Do not throw around stuff like cans, bottles, napkins, etc.
Put your purchases in a school bag or a cloth bag. Instead of just using plastic shopping bags from stores,
Rather than ordering takeout, you can eat and drink at the cafe.
Finally, Be Respectful
Prepare for your trip by learning about the culture of the place.
Take lessons on a few words, terms, or phrases in their language to wow the residents.
Take note of local dress standards and follow them.
Respect native social norms, especially in religious settings.
You must get permission before photographing anyone.
Let's Sum It Up!
Thus, in conclusion, taking responsibility for travel and contributing to sustainable tourism is not an impossible thing to do, provided people are genuinely conscious about the places they visit.
By following our guide, you will be able to educate yourself on the aspect of responsible tourism in today's society and will undoubtedly begin your journey to preserve our lovely planet.
Nature provides us with so much, so why not gift it with care?
By Priyanka Biswas
She is a content writer and an avid traveller. She loves to write about various topics. She cares for Nature and sustainability.
