Today I am thrilled to introduce this extremely useful article by Amanda Williams, owner of the travel blog A Dangerous Business. I asked Amanda to write this piece because of her expertise in the area and to add some clarity to an issue that is so often misunderstood. I know you will enjoy this thoughtful explanation of the true definition of sustainable tourism.
Especially in recent years, the term “sustainable” has been increasingly paired up with words like “travel” and “tourism” to denote a desired way of operating. Hotels want to be “sustainable.” Tour companies want to be “sustainable.” And travelers are increasingly concerned with only spending their money on “sustainable” ventures.
But what exactly does “sustainable tourism” even mean?
To most people, “sustainable” is synonymous with “eco-friendly.” They think of geothermal-powered hotels, conservation efforts, and companies concerned with their carbon footprints.
And it’s true that being environmentally-conscious is a big part of being sustainable. But it’s not the only thing to consider. An attraction or destination can be as “green” as green can be, and still not be sustainable.
When it comes to sustainability, there are actually three “pillars” to consider: environmental, economic, and socio-cultural. Tourism has to be sustainable in all three areas to truly be considered “sustainable tourism.”
Environmental Sustainability
The environment is obviously important to tourism. Both the natural environment (such as beaches, forests, waterways) and the built environment (such as historic buildings and ruins) must be preserved for an area to be environmentally sustainable. Environmental sustainability means making sure resources in an area (whatever they may be) can be preserved for use by future generations. It’s much more than just being “green.”
Socio-cultural Sustainability
When an area starts being visited by tourists, there are bound to be some social and cultural impacts of those tourists on the host community. Locals may see increased congestion and overcrowding in towns and cities, perhaps an increase in crime, the introduction of new languages and values, and perhaps even an influx of migrant workers to be employed in the tourist industry. Socio-cultural sustainability, then, means minimizing these negative impacts and focusing on more positive ones, such as promoting cultural exchange and preserving local traditions. This can usually be achieved by getting the locals involved in the tourism industry. Having the community involved will not only offer visitors a more genuine experience, but the locals will be more likely to see tourism in a positive light because they will be proud of it.
Economic Sustainability
The last pillar of sustainability revolves around perhaps the most important part – the money. Many people don’t take into account economics when thinking about sustainability, but it’s really the key to making a tourism venture sustainable. Economic sustainability means building linkages and reducing leakages – essentially, keeping the money local. A hotel or company owned and operated by a foreigner is not likely to contribute much to the local economy – the money will likely leak overseas instead. This is not sustainable. Not only should the community be involved in tourism, but they should also all share in the financial benefits gleaned from it.
Why Does it Matter?
So why should we care about sustainability?
Well, the fact is, sustainable tourism actually benefits everyone involved, and not just one half of the equation. Unsustainable tourism might be fine from the point of view of the tourist, but it’s unlikely to benefit or gain support from the host community.
And, at the end of the day, tourism should not be a one-way street. Everyone involved should be benefiting from it in one way or another.
So, the next time you’re torn between two attractions or destinations or hotels or tour companies, consider these points: Which one is locally-owned? Which one is more eco-friendly? Which one employs local people? Which one contributes the most to the local economy? Which one is more sensitive to its impacts on the host community?
Basically, which one is more sustainable?
Considering these points just might change the way you travel.
A very excellent and simplistic breakdown that more people should pay attention to (including me, if I’m being honest!) Well done Amanda.
Thanks, Dalene! I’m glad I made it simple to understand. It’s quite a complicated thing to try and explain!
I really grateful for the explanation it was not simple when others did it but this is awesome omg lol emoji browny face
I know
Helpful
Great info here. I typically have only looked at the environmental side, but now I see why there are other aspects to consider.
I really like your point about economic sustainability. Finding those destinations where the locals share in the economic advantages of tourism will make it a wonderful place to visit.
Thanks for sharing
The financial side is really important – and is a major argument against all-inclusive resorts; these places discourage any tourist spending outside the fence. I always try to make people think twice when they say “How convenient – we don’t have to worry about spending money”. If you are visiting someone else’s country they should be the ones reaping any economic benefit, not a foreign corporation raking in hard currency…
Amanda you make some great points . The most quoted definition of sustainability is: ”
To meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs”(WECD, 1987) : ”
The three pillars you mention are most often found in Corporate Social Responsibility Policies. The economic and socio-cultural responsibility is often overlooked. I have researched numerous horror stories from the carbon offsetting business, where vast tracks of land have been bought up to plant not forests, but plantations of fast growing trees and the local population have been evicted. Even Nature Reserves in Africa have evicted the locals and denied them access to the land of their ancestors. If I was to visit a Nature Reserve I would do some research beforehand to ensure that the rights of the local population have always been respected before even contemplating visiting.
Sure keeping money in the local community is important, but remember when you travel, you are taking money you earned in your home town out of your local local community. If you fly there you use up fossil fuel that will not be freely available to future generations. So companies promoting “sustainable destinations” in places such as the Maldives are not taking into account that you need to use up limited resources to get there. Excluding of course getting there by sailing ship.
My preference is to spend money with small local businesses, Farmer’s Markets, eating locally grown, in season food and buying Fair Trade products. But I am passionate about learning more about sustainable travel. This is a very deep subject so thank you for expanding knowledge in this field.
Great, concise and simple article. So pleased you’ve emphasized the three pillar approach and the importance of economics. You’re so right, too often sustainability is perceived as heavily weighted towards the environment, and that unfortunately deters a lot of people. What dissapoints me is some destinations have sustainable tourism strategies and tourism strategies, which implies that the latter is not sustainable! Tourism is sustainable full stop, one day it will ‘go without saying’!
Great comments, thank you for sharing!
Very interesting reflections, Amanda, thank you Matt for sharing this with us. The economic aspect is particularly interesting to me and to us at the Fondazione Florens and we are interested in reading more theories about the economics of sustainable travel.
Just FYI we are currently holding a call for bloggers who write on these topics – know anyone interested? There is a trip to Florence up for grabs.
A really neat breakdown, Amanda, thank you. I tend to think flying is the elephant in the room when it comes to discussions on sustainability and green, but it’s good to have a reminder that there’s more to sustainability than crude carbon footprint.
Great аrticle, just what I was looking for.
Yes some towns are realizing the value of extra tourists by allowing dogs at their parksMurchison RiverThe mouth of the Murchison spectacular and offers its
visitors an exhilarating choice of water sport experiences.
So, pack colorful gift bags for a quick and easy wrapping job
at your destination. In contrast, the Mauretania broke steamship speed
records by chugging along at an astounding 31 miles per hour in 1910.
I have not read the whole thing but when to consider spending in travel it always pays back because of the uploaded knowledge and experiences.Ones travel stories last generations people will quote you.
Born in Africa.Born in Kenya lets maintain sustainability
liked it very much ….especially the socio-cultural part , we surely have to minimize the negatives on our culture
Respected Amanda Williams,
I have gone through your article just now and in my opinion this article will be a boosting one for anybody who wants to know about sustainable tourism and for further study of it as well.
With Best regards,
Sukamal Gupta
Kolkata, India
Crispy
Great article, it’s an incredibly important thing to remember and be conscious of whilst traveling.
Thanks for sharing both Amanda & Matt
Brilliant reading. Thanks for sharing Amanda.
Thanks for the good work and for shairing with us. Grate job
may God bless you
Amanda
Informative indeed. Very Lucid explanation Amanda.
Thank you very much for you article! I am sure the more we talk about sustainable tourism the more tourists care about what they leave after visiting any territory. It is really important with the raising number of tourist all over the world. Morever, we contribute to bidiversity and cultural heritage in such a way. Isn’t it breath-taking?
Very interesting and nice article. Its simple, precise and concise.
I like the examples given. I love the entire piece.
THANKS AMANDA!!!
Thank you for the article Amanda. Thank you for sharing.
helpful.
Well said Amanda, a very informative insight into Sustainable Tourism and something I believe strongly in. I feel we all owe it to local communities to support them where ever possible, its like becoming part of a larger family and makes one feel good.
Thanks Amanda you have really broaden the scope and made the pillars of sustainable tourism very simple thumbs up !