Sustainable tourism is based on respect, solidarity, responsibility and social justice.
Sustainable tourism is the type of travel that proposes adopting a responsible and balanced lifestyle that takes into account the environmental, social and economic impact caused within the framework of a journey.
Respect for biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources are characteristics of tourists who long to know and explore the world while causing the least possible damage to the planet.
By attending to and satisfying the needs of travelers, local residents maintain their sources of employment and obtain income: that is why there are cities and provinces that deploy their attractions to the maximum and launch initiatives to try to ensure that the tourist movement is not seasonal but rather spread throughout the year.
It should be noted that this type of visitor demonstrates their ecological awareness when traveling by staying in sustainable accommodation , supporting local and sustainable gastronomy , trying not to generate too much waste and opting for some means of ecological transportation , for example.
Bases of sustainable tourism
Sustainable tourism is based on the care of nature , the contribution to local development and support, both individual and collective, for the conservation of the cultural heritage of each town .
Regardless of individual goodwill and commitment, it is essential that authorities in each jurisdiction invest in education for sustainable tourism , frequently carry out optimal maintenance of protected areas , and implement responsible tourism policies . It is also necessary and valuable to guarantee respect for indigenous communities established in sites of tourist interest.
Given that tourism activity impacts society, the economy and the natural environment of each destination, public awareness and a present State are simultaneously required so that the experience benefits both visitors and the host region.
In pursuit of ensuring that tourism and sustainable development advance in the direction of sustainable progress, so-called low ecological impact trips have begun to multiply and become popular. Companies that offer this type of services aim to achieve a significant reduction in emissions in tourism and avoid, as far as possible, environmental deterioration. To do this, specifically, they design programs and strategies that take into account, among other issues, the responsible use of water resources , the preservation of the natural landscape , the reduction of waste in tourism and how to carry out ethical activities that do not put them at risk. the natural and cultural treasures of each area.
Sustainable tourism prioritizes the use of ecological transportation and accommodation in sustainable lodgings.
Benefits of ecotourism
The benefits of ecotourism are multiple. First of all, it offers the possibility of learning and enriching yourself by traveling, taking advantage of the itinerary to cultivate values such as respect , equality and responsibility .
It is also an ideal alternative to connect deeply with nature and contemplate it without damaging it. At the same time, the local culture is strengthened and favored by the interest that many visitors show in relation to traditions, beliefs and typical dishes.
As, in this framework, energy efficiency is sought in accommodation and means of transportation that are as least polluting as possible, the carbon footprint in tourism is considerably reduced.
Responsible bird watching and all those efforts that demonstrate a predisposition and adaptation to take advantage of resources , strengthen intercultural ties and delight in the flora and fauna without invading, devastating or disturbing bring various advantages. Thus, the promotion of local crafts is stimulated, it does not become impossible to meet the challenge of "zero plastic" within the tourism industry and both animals and human beings manage to coexist and interact in harmony.
Sustainable tourism on a global scale
For some time now, more and more examples of the commitment to sustainable tourism have been appearing on a global scale .
In Argentina , to point out a specific case, Boomerang Viajes has been founded, a "B company" that prioritizes environmental conservation , aims to encourage fair trade , value native culture and ensure an equitable distribution of income. Its strengths are conservation tourism and solidarity tourism . The firm proposes plans together with local entrepreneurs and inhabitants of rural areas in order to generate interaction spaces that give the hosts work and the visitors, unforgettable experiences that allow them to add knowledge, just as happens when participating in the preparation of a dish. typical or in intervening in artisanal processes. In the Argentine province of Salta , on the other hand, there are training and policies that are aimed at sustainable tourism .
Through sustainable tourism, it is possible to travel responsibly, trying to cause as little damage as possible to the natural environment and the communities of each tourist destination.
Nor can it be overlooked that the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) promotes accessible and sustainable tourism as a way to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that were established years ago at a United Nations General Assembly . In order to position itself as a pioneer in sustainable tourism within the European territory, the Spanish nation has developed a program to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability within the tourism industry .