Sustainability in simple terms
If something is sustainable, then it basically has a longer lasting effect. It is durable, environmentally compatible, long-lasting and also reasonable. Conversely, if a certain behaviour is not sustainable, it means that it will not work that way in the long run.
By definition, acting sustainably means taking a sustainable approach to the personal consumption of natural raw materials and other resources of the earth. Consideration for the needs of future generations to take action. Sustainability therefore means not endangering the living conditions of future generations with one’s own actions – and not living at the expense of other people or creatures on earth.
Sustainable travel, sustainable stay
Travelers have an impact on the places they visit. Sometimes, they have a positive effect. This could be on the economy by creating new jobs or on the environment by putting pressure on local authorities to protect unique natural areas. At other times, visitors negatively affect the places they visit.
According to Sustainable Travel International, sustainable travel is when visitors positively impact their vacation spots and the world in general. There are four main concepts to consider when planning sustainable travel. These include protecting the natural world, combating climate change, supporting community growth and eliminating waste and pollution. The best way to achieve sustainable travel, though, is thoughtfully planning vacations. People might consider how choices of destination, transport, cuisine, accommodation and tours affect the world.
This module is about sustainable stay and travel. At first sight, the primary target group for this topic may not be tourism professionals and tourism service providers. Obviously, it could be of interest or awareness-raising for tourists in particular. Nevertheless, we think that its usefulness in the present curriculum is unquestionable, because tourism professionals and service providers need to be aware of what this increasingly popular concept means. This will enable them to develop their own offer and to reach a more conscious clientele, who are willing to pay higher prices for sustainability and who are not usually so much of a burden on the tourism service provider during their stay.
Importance of the topic
Business
Sustainability is one of the most used and repeated words of our time. It cannot be avoided when it comes to tourism, if only because, in addition to the experiences, the fascination and the positive thoughts, it is one of the world’s leading business sectors. We can say this with confidence in the knowledge that tourism is responsible for generating 10% of GDP worldwide. In a sector with so much business potential, profit often overrides responsible thinking, sustainability and rationality.
Impact
When travelers visit a destination they have an impact on it. Climbers at Mount Everest are famous for leaving trash behind. National Geographic reported that in 2019 the Nepali government cleared 11 tons of trash off the world’s highest peak. In Peru, Rainbow Mountain is an increasingly popular site. Locals have found a new source of employment and economic growth, but many are losing touch with their traditional pastoral way of life. Every year during tourist season, Spain’s Mallorca Island experiences shortages of freshwater. In the meantime, guests there are busy taking long showers, hotels launder linens daily and resorts water impeccably landscaped green lawns. Thinking about travel in terms of leaving an eco-friendly footprint could help humanity preserve natural and cultural gems, keeping them intact for generations to come.
Issues, opportunities
Traveling conscientiously is tremendously important. Fundamentally, it ensures that people can continue visiting new places and communities. If sustainable travel does not become the norm, authorities may choose to make attractions off-limits. Thailand temporarily closed Maya Beach on Phi Phi Island after tourists damaged the coral reef. In other cases, intervention comes too late, after visitors have already destroyed their destination. A selfie-seeking tourist climbed a statue of King Dom Sebastian in Lisbon’s Rossio Railway Station. The 16th-century statue tumbled to the ground and shattered.
Governments can ensure sustainable travel through policy. Bruges, Belgium has asked its boat companies to convert to electric motors. That way, when they provide tours of the city’s legendary canals they’ll cause less noise and air pollution. More controversially, African wildlife parks use the money raised through trophy hunting towards conservation efforts.
Responsibility
In many destinations, lawmakers have yet to protect their natural treasures and cultural heritage. That leaves the responsibility to travelers and service providers to act sustainably. Simply considering the consequences of their travel choices is the best way for tourists to preserve and protect the sites they love.
Benefits and values
As our project aims to support tourism service providers and professionals in offbeat destinations, the greatest benefit and value of sustainable stay and travel is to highlight that this approach is most beneficial to local service providers and the local community. The most important target group for the project. Many of the shops, hotels and restaurants in popular destinations are foreign-owned, so locals struggle with the negative aspects of tourism but do not reap the financial benefits. With sustainable stay and travel, tourists’ money is more likely to stay in the community.
From a tourist’s point of view, it is difficult to list all the reasons why this is the best way to travel. Here are just a few of them without being exhaustive:
- No longer following in the footsteps of millions of tourists before, this is truly a personal experience.
- Traveling to places that don’t get much tourism means the locals are actually curious about the tourist! More cross-cultural connection helps us all become more tolerant and understanding of other cultures and perspectives.
- Eating super local is one of the best benefits of sustainable travel.
- Really experience the way of life and culture of the locals. The tourist does not get a pre-set, consciously constructed fake experience.
- It feels good knowing you’ve offset the carbon footprint of your trip.
- and so much more
The key to sustainable travel is to not get overwhelmed. Don’t need to be perfect, just need to be better.