Methods, technologies, good practices, case studies used in the implementation
In this part, you will find essential methods and practices for sustainable travel methods and moving around during your trips. The goal of this is to spotlight options and transit travelers towards more sustainable ways of traveling and build knowledge, habits to follow it and spread:
Carsharing services: In some rural areas, car ownership may be low and public transportation may be limited. In these cases, carsharing services can provide an affordable and sustainable alternative to car ownership. For example, in the UK, the Community Car Club is a non-profit organisation that operates carsharing services in rural areas.
Electric bike rentals: Electric bikes are a great way to explore rural areas while minimizing environmental impact. Many tourism businesses in rural areas are now offering electric bike rentals to their guests. For example, the Irish tourism company Green Marble Cycle Tours offers electric bike tours of the Irish countryside.
Rural transport hubs: In some rural areas, public transportation can be limited and fragmented. Creating rural transport hubs can help to connect different modes of transportation and make it easier for people to travel sustainably. For example, in the UK, the Department for Transport has created a Rural Mobility Fund to support the development of rural transport hubs.
Shuttle services: Shuttle services can help to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions in rural areas. For example, the Yellowstone National Park in the US operates a shuttle service that provides visitors with easy access to different parts of the park while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Community-led transport initiatives: In some rural areas, local communities are taking the lead in developing sustainable transport initiatives. For example, the Scottish charity HITRANS has worked with local communities to develop a range of sustainable transport initiatives, including community transport schemes and electric vehicle charging points
Mobility centers: a one-stop shop for sustainable mobility
Still ongoing economic crisis and the growing trend of ecological tourism are demanding new integral strategies in a highly competitive field. Tourist destinations require solid and sustainable mobility structures, which can effectively support regional economic growth, as well as the development of safe, livable and attractive places for all.
This is, where a Mobility Center 2.0 – tailor-made for tourist destinations—steps in, and can serve as an information hub for all issues related to sustainable mobility in a region. All over Europe, Mobility Centers serve as information platforms, shaped after a model of a one-stop shop and their core business is multi-modal mobility information and advice. Mobility centers are service facilities that offer users and potential users of public transport, information and services on the subject of mobility across all modes of transport. Ideally, they are the contact point for all questions about mobility.
The core business of the mobility centers is, in addition to multi-operational timetable information and ticket sales, to advise customers. Organizational services such as vehicle rental, car sharing, the sale of accessories, or the disposition of flexible transportation modes are also offered. Successful examples for linking tourist information and mobility services are, e.g., the mobility center “Mobilito”, Bischofshofen (AT), the “Mobicenter” Wuppertal (GER), or the “M.Punkt” in Wolfsburg (GER).
Electric bike rentals:
One of the best ways to explore the beauty of rural areas is through biking. The Irish tourism company Green Marble Cycle Tours offers electric bike rentals to tourists as an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. These electric bikes are equipped with batteries that can travel up to 80km on a single charge, allowing tourists to travel further without relying on a car or public transport. This initiative not only supports sustainable tourism practices but also helps tourists to explore the Irish countryside in a unique and eco-friendly way.
https://greenmarblecycletours.com/
Green Marble Cycle Tours: https://www.greenmarblecycletours.com/
Community Car Club: https://www.como.org.uk/community-car-sharing
Rural transport hubs:
In some rural areas, public transportation can be limited, and fragmented transport options can be inconvenient for tourists. To address this issue, the UK government created a Rural Mobility Fund to support the development of rural transport hubs. These hubs connect different modes of transportation, such as buses and trains, and provide tourists with an easier and more convenient way to travel sustainably in rural areas. By encouraging the use of public transportation, these rural transport hubs not only help reduce carbon emissions but also support the local economy by making it easier for tourists to explore different parts of the rural area.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rural-mobility-fund
Community-led transport initiatives:
Local communities in rural areas can take the lead in developing sustainable transport initiatives. The Scottish charity HITRANS has worked with local communities to develop a range of sustainable transport initiatives, including community transport schemes and electric vehicle charging points. By working with local communities, these initiatives are tailored to meet the needs of both residents and tourists. They also provide tourists with an opportunity to learn about the local culture and interact with the local community, which can enhance their overall travel experience. These community-led transport initiatives promote sustainable tourism practices while also benefiting the local community.
Lokal Travel is a sustainable travel company that focuses on providing authentic experiences while supporting local communities and minimizing the impact on the environment. The company offers tours and activities in destinations across the world, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Lokal Travel partners with local operators and communities to create unique and responsible travel experiences that promote cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and environmental conservation. The company also provides resources and tools for travelers to minimize their environmental impact and support local communities during their travels. Overall, Lokal Travel aims to provide sustainable and responsible travel experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities.
The Explorer’s Passage is a travel company that offers unique and immersive experiences for adventurers seeking to explore the natural world. One of their featured trips is a guided hike along the historic Chilkoot Trail in Alaska and British Columbia, which follows the same path used by gold prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush. The trip includes a team of expert guides, all necessary equipment, and opportunities for cultural and historical exploration along the way. The company emphasizes sustainable and responsible tourism practices, including working with local communities and minimizing environmental impact.