positive tourism | exclusively for ForbesLonely Planet editor Nitya Chambers shares her top tips for ethical travel and breaks down the eco-friendly jargon.
“For explorers everywhere” is the motto lonely planet. The publishing house was founded by the spouses Maureen and Tony Wheeler In 1972, after crossing Europe and Asia to Australia. Over the years, Lonely Planet guides have become synonymous with the travel experience and the publishing house has sold out 120 million clues in 2011. Today, Lonely Planet remains a trusted source for authentic travel advice, not only for those looking to see the world on a budget, but also for those looking to travel sustainably.
Eco-friendly travel questions can be baffling, so simply put, what does it mean to you to travel sustainably? ?
Netea rooms “At Lonely Planet, when we talk about a responsible approach to travel, our goal has always been to encourage travelers to adopt an indulgent (go if you’re welcome) and low-impact (leave no trace) approach that maximizes the economic benefits to host communities impacted by tourism.
Slow tourism, or slow tourism, is a great way to get closer to your next trip. By staying longer in each place you visit, you offset the environmental impact of travel and have more time to connect with the local community and culture, all while truly immersing yourself in it. »
What are three simple things travelers can do to make a positive impact when they travel?
Netea rooms In no particular order of importance:
- Choose local carriers and services. About 80% of low-income countries depend on tourism to improve their economic situation, but, on average, only 10-30% of the money spent on holidays is reinvested in local economies. By prioritizing local amenities and experiences at all times, such as booking into a local hotel that represents the culture of the location rather than a hotel chain, travelers can ensure that their money is directed back into the communities they visit and enable them to access long-term local income.
- Follow destination-specific guidelines for good environmental and community practices, including with regard to the natural environment and respect for local customs.
- Prioritize low carbon options on site. Plus, cycling or walking is good for you and the planet! »
Are planes harmful to the planet? ?
Netea rooms : “In terms of air travel and tourism, the question is subtle. Assuming you have to travel for your trip, this method of transportation will be the largest source of carbon emissions. However, global mobility depends on the plane. Nothing can replace a flight for many trips, Including those where the contribution of visitors to the economy is very important.For example, without air travel, it would be very expensive to travel to East Africa and see its amazing flora and fauna.It is a place where tourism makes an economic argument for conservation.Similarly, visitors will find that it is It is forbidden to engage in community tourism more than a few hundred miles from home.
It’s important for travelers to choose airlines with newer planes and more efficient engines, and to opt for ground-based solutions when they can. In Europe, for example, there is an impressive network of high-speed trains that allow you to travel long distances without having to take a plane. Incorporating carbon-neutral travel into your journey and cycling or walking when you’re at your destination is good for you and the planet. »
What does positive tourism mean to you? ?
Netea rooms Positive tourism seeks to have a real impact on people, communities and the natural environment, while supporting the local places, culture and economies visited. In any case, it transforms the traveler so that he has a broader and more comprehensive view of the world and its inhabitants.
Worldwide, one in ten people work in the tourism sector and, on average, their job does not meet the basic requirements for fair wages and safe working conditions. Asking questions of local service providers (for example, whether guides, drivers, and hotel staff are decently paid and working in safe conditions) can help reverse this trend.
It is also necessary to adhere to the principles of no trace. Travelers are big buyers of plastic water bottles, so consider bringing your own water bottle when you travel. Every year, eight million tons of plastic end up in our oceans, endangering marine life. »
What is the most environmentally friendly place I’ve stayed ?
Netea rooms : ” in the United States of America, Under Zion’s Canvas It is an upscale luxury experience that focuses on creating a connection between guests and nature. The camping pitches are safari-style tents and throughout the site are design and hospitality elements that reflect a real commitment to sustainability, such that conservation becomes an invigorating experience. Partner brands (for cosmetics, for example, and furnishings), small-chain showers and pasture lighting show an innovative approach, as does a partnership with the Nature Conservancy.
In Costa Rica last summer for my family’s first post-covid international trip, we loved itCapitan Suizo Hotel, an eco-friendly beachfront hotel located in Tamarindo. The hotel’s design emphasizes immersing guests in the flora, fauna and wildlife of the local environment in an intuitive and peaceful way. In addition, hotel owners take a principled approach to their responsibility to the local community. Policies are defined in relation to their contribution to social development, environmental practices, waste management and economic development.
What are the dangers of overtourism? ?
Netea rooms “Overtourism actually distorts the social contract between travelers and local people/businesses in what should be a balanced relationship. When this balance is upset, it becomes difficult for tourism to have a positive impact on local economies and in the hearts and minds of local people. In extreme cases, it can Overtourism can cause physical damage to destinations and natural resources, and create unsustainable levels of development.
You can get off the tourist trail by making smart choices, like visiting Umbria instead of Tuscany. Other ways to combat overtourism are to travel in the off-season or visit major attractions outside of peak hours. »
Is there a destination you would like to go to for reasons of sustainability and wildlife protection? ?
Netea rooms The list is too long to mention: Patagonia, New Zealand, and Namibia, to name a few. »
Are you optimistic about the future ?
Netea rooms Absolutely yes. We are optimistic about the future. Travel and tourism can be a tremendous force for good in the world. At Lonely Planet, we believe this starts with the vibrant and tourism-influenced communities driving conversation and strategy at the destination level. Moreover, their voices It is their experiences and solutions that drive the required change.”
Translated article from the American magazine Forbes – Author: Angelina Villa Clark
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