What is sustainable tourism and how to practice it

What is sustainable tourism and why is it so important to travel sustainably and responsibly?

Sustainable tourism concerns everyone: for us, the way we travel and the choices we make; for organizations, the way to understand tourism and the solutions to propose to travelers.

This type of tourism opposes mass tourism, which sees thousands of people crowded in large European cities, as it recognizes the centrality of the local community, with its traditions and characteristics. Its goal is indeed to promote and enhance local cultures while respecting the environment.

What is sustainable tourism? A definition

According to the World Tourism Organization:

“Sustainable tourism is capable of meeting the needs of tourists and host regions while anticipating and enhancing opportunities for the future. All resources should be managed in such a way that economic, social, and aesthetic needs can be met while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity, and the living systems of the area in question.”

Practicing sustainable tourism is important because it maintains local cultural integrity, preserving it for future generations. Without the principles of sustainability and solidarity, the impact of tourism on our planet will be devastating in a few years.

That’s why sustainable tourism opposes mass tourism: overcrowding, pollution, rising prices, environmental degradation, and loss of traditions do not defend or protect the Earth for the future, negatively impacting the lives of millions of people.

Responsible tourism

Often sustainable tourism is also linked to the definition of responsible tourism, an approach to tourism that emerged in the late 1980s and is characterized by concern for the environment and for the populations living in the visited place.

According to the Italian Responsible Tourism Association:

“Responsible tourism is tourism carried out according to the principles of social and economic justice in full respect of the environment.”

The difference between the two is therefore minimal and imperceptible: responsible tourism evaluates the ethical impact on the local population and on economic and social development, while sustainable tourism focuses on natural resources.

The two definitions can now merge without any difference because the concepts of sustainability and responsibility integrate, according to the Italian Responsible Tourism Association.

Why choose to practice sustainable tourism?

The impact of mass tourism on the environment, society, and economy is significant. Tourism is a sector that is growing exponentially, and the only path to pursue is that of sustainability so that cultural and environmental heritage remains intact for future generations.

How to practice sustainable tourism

The three aspects to consider for a sustainable and responsible trip are: economy, ethics, and environment. Choosing to travel sustainably means making choices that respect the host territory, its culture, and the environment.

Here are our suggestions for undertaking a sustainable and responsible journey.

• If the distances are short, choose to use public transport, electric or hybrid vehicles, bicycles, or trains.
• Avoid “all-in” packages as often the local population does not benefit from these types of offers.
• Choose to buy local products and eat local food.
• Be curious to learn about local cultures and traditions. Inform yourself before leaving about local traditions and habits to better appreciate the journey.
• Stay in accommodations managed by local people, not in hotel chains, so that the money goes to the local population.
• Refuse plastic bags when buying souvenirs.