Responsible tourism refers to how travellers can have a positive impact on local communities by supporting sustainable economic operations, distributing socio-economic benefits equitably and contributing to poverty alleviation efforts. Simply by travelling during off-peak seasons, you can help reduce overtourism while supporting locals and their businesses – it’s a win-win!
1. Travel in small groups
Recently, travelers have increasingly become demanding of tour operators operators’s sustainability practices and ethical tours that support local communities. More travelers than ever before are opting to travel in small groups and book tours which support these causes.
Traveling in smaller groups helps reduce carbon emissions produced. Furthermore, it ensures you won’t become one of the many jostling for space at scenic spots or temples, protecting sacred sites from becoming over commercialized or commercialized.
Many destinations have limited supplies of clean water, which makes conserving it as much as possible essential. For instance, don’t fill your bathtub for long soaks or use the washing machine when only few clothes need to be laundered. In addition, support local businesses by purchasing only their bottled water products as well as purchasing biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen products.
2. Support local businesses
Tourism conjures images of picturesque sandy beaches, blue waters and breathtaking mountains; but it also comes with its share of problems: overtourism occurs when visitor numbers exceed local capacity and cause irreparable harm to a destination.
An effective way to support local economies while traveling is by spending money at local businesses and hiring local guides. Furthermore, booking boutique or homestay accommodation may also help.
Visit local businesses and show your support by purchasing their merchandise, such as T-shirts, hats and mugs featuring their logo – an easy way to show that you care and promote the company! Also consider switching over from regular sunscreen to biodegradable options as this may help alleviate recycling concerns in countries without comprehensive recycling infrastructures.
3. Leave no trace
Overtourism is one of the main issues impacting travel destinations today, so to combat it it is crucial that tourists spend their money locally by opting for smaller hotels or hostels run by family-owned management, or engaging in sustainable tours led by local guides.
Before traveling abroad, it is wise to research the culture of your destination country as there may be various cultural norms which must be observed – for instance, some nations do not permit patting children on the head or making eye contact with women.
Leave no trace means packing out your waste, so if you come across an attractive rock or plant, don’t take it home with you – leave it as is and help protect wildlife habitats by not littering. This is particularly important in natural spaces where litter can pollute the environment and harm wildlife.
4. Don’t litter
Travelers can help support sustainable tourism by not littering. Plastic, cigarette packs and other waste can harm wildlife while polluting the environment – not to mention making areas look unsightly – all which have an adverse impact on tourism.
Clean water is becoming scarcer across the world, and so a responsible tourist will aim to conserve water whenever possible by taking shorter showers, using reusable bottles and not leaving lights illuminated overnight.
Ask hotel, camp grounds and tour companies about their environmental policies; those with certifications tend to be more environmentally-friendly than those without. You can also research sustainability practices online; for instance, some camps in Africa allow guests to book accommodation while planting a tree in the community!
5. Don’t buy souvenirs
Souvenirs made of shells, coral, sea turtle products or ivory can harm wildlife while supporting inhumane practices. Ethical travelers strive to avoid buying these souvenirs and only purchase handicrafts which are legal to bring back home with them.
Becoming a responsible tourist requires taking an interest in local culture and traditions – whether that means tasting traditional cuisine or learning how to speak the native tongue.
When booking tours and activities, look for tours that focus on helping local communities rather than simply entertaining guests. Though less glamorous, this will ultimately be more beneficial.
6. Don’t support animal exploitation
Removing animals from the sea causes immense suffering and has an adverse impact on other marine creatures like whales, dolphins, and turtles. Therefore, responsible tourists should avoid encounters that involve physical contact with these species.
Opt instead for ethical safaris where wildlife can be observed from a distance – this approach is much more environmentally sustainable and allows the animals to behave naturally in their environment.
Overtourism is a serious threat to travel experiences around the globe and should not be tolerated. Crowded scenes at popular travel spots such as Oia in Santorini or Norway’s Trolltunga may occur due to overtourism; or sacred and natural sites can become blocked off with ugly barriers that prevent locals from accessing them freely. To combat overtourism effectively and enhance travel experiences for both visitors and locals, travel in off peak season, stay at smaller accommodations without an extensive online presence, and eat locally where possible.
7. Don’t post on social media
Many travelers plan their trips based on images they see on social media, hoping to recreate breathtaking images and enjoy “life-altering experiences.” Unfortunately, however, such tourism can also be harmful.
Prioritize carefully what you post on social media when traveling. Sharing insensitive memes or jokes on sensitive subjects could aggravate an already stressful situation; sharing an innocent photo from the beach might come across as insensitive compared to sharing something more meaningful like photos from inside their own room or their tour group’s itinerary.
Traveling can help us appreciate and celebrate diversity. By engaging with travel culture through challenging dominant narratives and seeking tours or cultural activities that are owned, operated or advised by marginalized communities we can work toward decolonizing it further.
8. Don’t exploit locals
Respect local culture and customs as this will allow you to integrate more with locals, making you feel less like an outsider and more like part of their community. However, too many tourists can damage a destination leading to “overtourism”. Venice has seen such overcrowding that much of its charm has been lost.
To avoid being exploited, it’s best to book tours and cultural activities run or owned by locals, advised by them, or operated independently of them. Beggars should also be avoided since asking them for money can be frustrating; also take caution not taking selfies near cliff edges or boiling geysers or illegally scaling structures which may lead to serious injuries or even death.
9. Don’t waste money
Social media photos may tempt us into visiting destinations which aren’t responsible or sustainable, which is why it’s crucial that you do your research prior to planning your trip and ensure you support responsible businesses.
Reducing tourism impact by choosing accommodations owned and managed locally will support local economies! For instance, opting for large all-inclusive hotels over smaller accommodation may not always be responsible tourism practice – instead consider supporting smaller accommodations locally run to support local economies!
When taking pictures of locals, be sure to gain their consent first – this is the responsible way of taking their picture! Becoming familiar with their language can also come in handy when haggling at markets or restaurants! Eating locally is another excellent way of supporting responsible travel – enjoy delicious foods like pad Thai or Bandeja paisa at reduced costs!
10. Don’t buy bottled water
There are plenty of ways to reduce water usage when traveling – small steps can add up quickly! For instance, taking shorter showers, not leaving running while brushing teeth and only using hotel’s washing machines when necessary will all help save on costs of bottled water purchases.
Carry your own reusable water bottle such as the Nomader collapsible water bottle (or Steripen or Lifestraw), to reduce plastic use and energy costs associated with producing and disposing of bottled water products.
Avoid unnecessary plastic straw charges at restaurants! And when out and about, be mindful to pick up litter if you come across any. Every item picked up saves another item from going into our oceans or landfills.
