Sustainable tourism: what you should pay attention to

The ongoing tourism boom is a challenge for the environment and people in many countries. In view of this, sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly important. This article will tell you what to consider on your next trip.

What exactly does sustainable tourism mean?

Sustainable tourism is not just about fulfilling the wishes of vacationers.

• At the same time, it is also about ensuring at the travel destination that needs are met in harmony with culture, the environment and especially nature.
• Nature should be influenced as little as possible by vacationers, despite intensive experience.
• It is also about preserving the local cultural identity. Future generations should also be able to experience the travel destination originally.

These are good reasons for sustainable tourism

At the moment there are hardly any holiday destinations that cannot be reached. Because there are almost no limits to travel thanks to the opportunities that come with mobility. A vacation on a desert island is just as feasible today as a vacation in the mountains. But that has consequences for nature and the environment.

• Tourism increases CO2 emissions significantly and thus contributes to climate change. Most of the emissions are caused by means of transport, which are mainly used for arrival and departure.
• Due to the increasing number of holidaymakers, more space is needed for hotels and leisure activities in the holiday resorts. This affects the soil structure and thus biodiversity to a considerable extent.
• Water scarcity is another problem in some regions. Due to the increase in wastewater, the water has to be treated. This is particularly problematic for the drinking water supply for the local population and for agriculture.

Sustainable tourism: you can do that

There are many options for an environmentally friendly and sustainable journey. It all starts with planning. Clarify whether you have to take a flight or whether there are alternatives that are closer and that can be reached by train. In general, the closer the travel destination is, the more environmentally friendly your trip will be.

• If you cannot find an alternative nearby, it is important to clarify what the local traffic system is like. For example, can you use the bus and train to explore the area?
• You can also take advantage of offers that are provided with environmental certificates. These state that environmentally friendly transport is ensured on site or that resources such as water are not used wastefully.
• Since water scarcity is a problem in some countries, you can counteract this by avoiding pools, ski slopes or golf courses, among other things.
• Preserving habitats is very important for sustainable tourism. You should therefore avoid places that stand for mass tourism and look for sustainable offers.
• Sustainable behavior on site is also important. For example, don't leave garbage on the beach, only use electrical devices when they are really needed, use environmentally friendly sunscreen and comply with local environmental regulations.

In another article you can read everything about gentle tourism.