Sustainable tourism: promoting cultural heritage, wildlife preservation and landscape restoration

December 3, 2022

Overview

Sustainable tourism, as its name suggests, is a hybrid between sustainability and tourism. It refers to the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspect of tourism development, and the balance between these three dimensions to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the host environment, communities, and economy. It aims to minimize the negative impacts of tourism (i.e., overcrowding, pollution) and maximize the positive ones (i.e., cultural heritage preservation, wildlife preservation, landscape restoration). 

This can be done in various ways, such as using renewable energy sources and reducing waste, promoting local businesses and hiring locals, providing cultural education to visitors, supporting the conservation of biodiversity, protecting sensitive habitats and ecosystems, and managing visitor numbers responsibly.  Ultimately, sustainable tourism strives for a more equitable balance between economic growth and environmental protection. 

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, “Tourism comprises the activities of persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for less than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes.” Sustainable tourism goes beyond this definition, taking into account the impacts of tourism activities on local communities, economies, and environment.  As such, it is a concept that incorporates the principles of sustainable development, seeking to balance social equity, economic growth, and environmental preservation in order to ensure long-term sustainability. 

Rationale for sustainable tourism programs

As one of the world's largest and fastest-growing industries, tourism places excessive stress on biologically diverse habitats and indigenous cultures. The tourism sector is highly vulnerable to climate change and, at the same time, contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), which cause global warming. Additionally, tourism pressure endangered species and natural resources through over-consumption and overcrowding, often in places where resources are already scarce. It increases pollution, and natural habitat loss. 

A number of major cities and natural reserves have manifested against what they view as unhealthy tourism practices. This can include price hikes in essential items that negatively impact residents whose income does not increase proportionately, dramatic increases in building costs and land values and perceived lack of awareness of cultural practices that can lead to the destruction of heritage and erode relationships between hosts and guests.

For example, Barcelona has implemented a sustainable tourism policy to reduce the impact of overcrowding and other impacts of mass tourism. This includes restrictions on new developments, regulating tourist apartment rentals, introducing a tourist tax and reducing the number of tour buses that can enter the city.  In other European cities, such as Paris and Amsterdam, strategies include restrictions on Airbnb and other vacation rentals, as well as caps on the number of visitors to popular sites.

Equally, in nature-based tourist destinations, sustainable tourism policies can help protect fragile ecosystems and the surrounding community.  For example, Costa Rica recently implemented a nationwide movement to reduce plastic use in its protected areas, with an emphasis on environmental education for tourists. Additionally, the Galapagos have started charging visitors a fee to fund conservation initiatives such as controlling invasive species and preventing illegal fishing.

International standards in sustainable tourism

Any tourist destination (i.e., federal, regional, and local governments) can apply sustainable guidelines and management practices to all forms of tourism. It requires the informed participation of all relevant stakeholders (locals, businesses, suppliers, consumers) and strong political leadership to ensure broad participation and consensus building. It should also maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience for them, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices. The following initiatives have been undertaken to promote sustainable tourism practices at both a global and local level.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) was launched in 2007 in order to develop global standards and guidelines for responsible travel and tourism. It has since become a leading advocate of sustainable tourism, with its mission to “promote the adoption of sustainable tourism practices by governments, businesses, and travelers around the world.” It has published a number of standards, including a code of ethics, a series of criteria and indicators, and an environmental management system. The GSTC also works to encourage best practices in areas such as energy and climate change, water conservation and waste management, biodiversity protection, and community engagement.

The European Commission has also developed guidelines for sustainable tourism, which include measures to reduce the impact of tourism on local communities and the environment. This includes strategies such as reducing water consumption, using energy efficient lighting, promoting public transport usage and engaging with local stakeholders in decision making. As part of its strategy for sustainable tourism, the EU has also adopted Voluntary Initiative for Sustainability in Tourism, which is aimed at promoting sustainable practices among tourism businesses.

A number of environmental commitments have also been taken at an industry-wide level. The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative signatories have committed to the elimination of unnecessary single-use plastics, transition to reuse models and use of reusable, recyclable, or compostable plastic packaging and items, whereas the Hotel Energy Solutions initiative of the UNWTO delivers the information, technical support & training to help SMEs in the tourism and accommodation sector across the EU 27 to increase their energy efficiency and renewable energy usage. Last, the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Program aims to accelerate sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in tourism policies and practices to address the challenges of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

Implementation of sustainable tourism policies

In addition to policy initiatives, sustainable tourism practices have been adopted in a number of different countries around the world. Some of the most notable examples include:

• In Colombia, the country’s Ministry of Tourism launched its Sustainable Tourism Program in 2011 to promote environmentally responsible travel and combat climate change. The program has led to initiatives such as reducing air pollution from transportation, protecting local wildlife, and encouraging community-based tourism.

• In Mexico, the government initiated an Eco-Tourism Development Program in 2015 to promote the conservation of natural and cultural resources. The program has led to initiatives such as eco-lodges, sustainable fisheries, and environmental awareness campaigns.

• In Canada, the country-s Department of Environment and Climate Change launched its Responsible Travel Program in 2016 to reduce the environmental impact of tourism. The program focuses on education, outreach, and research to promote best practices such as reducing water consumption, using renewable energy sources, and conserving wildlife habitats.

• In Japan, the Ministry of the Environment has launched its Sustainable Tourism Promotion Program to help promote sustainable tourism practices. The program focuses on initiatives such as improving public transportation networks, promoting environmentally-friendly accommodation, and increasing awareness about climate change and sustainability.

• In Indonesia, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has created the Sustainable Tourism Policy to promote sustainability in the tourism industry. The policy includes initiatives such as creating sustainable tourism zones, introducing eco-tourism certification schemes, and promoting energy efficiency.

• In South Africa, the government has implemented its National Sustainable Tourism Strategy to reduce the environmental impact of tourism and increase economic benefits for local communities. The strategy focuses on initiatives such as increasing water-use efficiency, promoting renewable energy sources, and protecting biodiversity.

• In Peru, the government has established the Peruvian Sustainable Tourism Program to promote responsible tourism and preserve the country’s cultural heritage. The program has led to initiatives such as eco-friendly infrastructure, public transportation systems, and sustainable agriculture projects.

• In Oslo, the city has established an Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Tourism Certification program that seeks to promote sustainable practices in hotels and attractions. The program includes criteria such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, public transport usage, and community engagement.

Best practices in sustainable tourism

Travelers can ensure their impact on a destination is as light as possible by implementing simple and thoughtful gestures before, during and after the trip.

• Consider alternative forms of travel such as public transport and cycling – these can often be more environmentally friendly than taking a plane or car. In Europe, rail travel is a great way to explore multiple destinations while having minimal environmental impact.

• Support local communities – consider staying in small, family-run hotels or guesthouses that are locally owned and operated. In Italy, for example, farm stays in Italy provide a unique experience and help support local farmers.

• Stay mindful of water usage – conserve as much water as possible when taking showers, brushing teeth and washing dishes. For example, in India, many hotels have adopted water-saving systems such as low flow showerheads and greywater reuse.

• Respect wildlife – look for organizations that are dedicated to conservation efforts or join tours and activities that follow sustainable tourism guidelines. In Costa Rica, for instance, whale watching tours observe marine life in a respectful manner while helping to generate income for local communities.

• Give back – look for volunteer opportunities or make small donations to support local communities. Volunteering programs in Thailand, for example, help to preserve the environment and provide educational opportunities to local children.

Conclusion

The ultimate goal of sustainable tourism is to create a balance between protecting the environment and supporting local communities while still providing travelers with an enjoyable and enriching experience. With a combination of government initiatives and individual action, we can help ensure that tourism continues to be a force for good. By following sustainable tourism principles, individuals, businesses, and governments are working together to protect the environment and promote cultural understanding while still fostering economic growth. This is an important step in the right direction and will help ensure that our planet can continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

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Special thanks to Fabio Casilli and M’ballou Yacine Sanogho for contributions to this article!