The pandemic has finally lifted the shadow cast on tourism around the globe. UN Tourism estimates that international travel will reach 97 percent of its pre-pandemic levels (2019) in the first quarter 2024. While the tourism sector has recovered from the crippling effect of Covid-19 there are still some discordant notes. Extreme weather conditions, like the worst typhoon Vietnam has seen in decades, as well as agitations against tourists in local communities in Barcelona are dampening prospects for tourism’s revival.
In recent years, the environmental and social impacts of tourism have been a hot topic. Traditional tourism is known to be a strain to the environment and natural resource. In popular tourist areas, natural ecosystems become increasingly vulnerable. Coral reefs have been affected by activities such as snorkelling or boating. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that tourism accounts for over 8 per cent of global carbon emissions.
The tourism industry also affects the local infrastructure, which in turn affects quality of life. This leads to a gradual loss of the unique cultures and ecosystems that attracted tourists in the first instance. Recent protests are a good example. Locals in Barcelona are protesting mass tourism, which they believe is driving up living costs and reducing quality of life. Similar protests have also erupted on the Canary Islands, and Mallorca.
As we approach the World Tourism Day in 2024, with its theme Tourism and Peace, we must balance the negatives of tourism with the positives. Here’s where sustainable tourism comes into play. Sustainable tourism can promote eco-friendly, climate resilient practices and foster peace through minimizing conflicts and promoting understanding between travellers and local communities.
Costa Rica is one of the countries that has harnessed the power of sustainable tourism. With its vast network protected areas and national parks, the country has taken various initiatives to promote biodiversity and ecotourism. Eco-lodges and community-based initiatives encourage travellers to experience sustainable practices. Norway has also focused on sustainable travel by promoting eco-friendly accommodations, responsible wildlife tourism and environmentally friendly transportation options, such as electric cars or bicycles.
Many other destinations have adopted sustainable practices, such as limiting the number of visitors, banning single use plastics and promoting waste-management practices. Bhutan limits visitors and requires tourists pay a daily fee for sustainable tourism. Kerala, India has also made the transition to sustainable tourism by transforming Valanchuzhy into an eco-friendly tourist hub.
The growth of eco-tourism and green certifications as well as technology-driven solutions like carbon offset programs and sustainable apps have helped travellers and businesses adopt sustainable practices. The EU has introduced new mandatory regulations, but other countries such as the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Canada, India and Singapore have also done so. The US SEC, the Securities and Exchange Commission, is expected adopt similar Climate Disclosure Requirements which will make previously voluntary emission disclosures mandatory for US publically registered companies. The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), a subsidiary of International Accounting Standards Board has also released a framework for sustainability reporting bringing Greenhouse Protocol emission disclosure for corporate accounting.
The industry, which, according to the World Economic Forum generates nearly 10 percent of global GDP and employment, can also leverage initiatives for sustainable tourism. This is done by bringing together the public and the private sectors to promote sustainable local enterprises through MSMEs, social sector startups, and provide climate-resilient livelihoods to local community members. Many countries around the world are exploring this avenue as part of their commitment towards tourism and peace.
Sustainable tourism isn’t only about protecting the environment or improving the conditions of local cultures and communities. Sustainable tourism is a way to balance travellers with local communities. It offers travellers authentic and meaningful experiences, allowing them to learn about local cultures and traditions and connect with nature. Businesses that are based on tourism can also attract responsible travelers and help preserve destinations over the long term by focusing their efforts on sustainable practices. Tourism promotes peace and equality by minimizing conflicts and fostering greater understanding between cultures and people.
The time now is ripe for all stakeholders—visitors, industry leaders, governments, and host communities—to bring about a shift in our collective mindsets. The global travel and tourism industry must collaborate, co-create, and learn from best practice worldwide to make travel a force for peace, resilience, and sustainability. The first step is to design tourism destinations that are inclusive and sustainable.
