Sustainable Tourism
More Than Just Eco-Travel

If we're not careful, we'll degrade the environment and the cultures we travel to see. Where ever we travel, we need to keep in mind that the local people have to profit from our visit. If you go someplace because there are wonderful native handicrafts, you need to buy some of those handicrafts from locals, so they get the money. If you're visiting a national park, you need to employ locals as guides so they will continue to value and protect the park. Those are the kinds of things that make for sustainable tourism.

Here are some more things to think about when choosing a hotel, a tour group or activity.....

Is the hotel locally owned and operated so that the profits stay in the community? If not, is it at least staffed by local employees?

How does the hotel contribute to the local community? Do they buy local produce for their restaurant? Do they sell local handicrafts in their gift shop?

If you're taking a tour, travel with a tour operator who is environmentally responsible. Do they have a strong connection with local companies, and have they helped local communities? Are the groups small? Smaller group sizes make less of an impact... and make for a more enjoyable tour for you!

Is the group lead by a local guide? Does the tour company contribute to the local community in some way? When we take tours, we often try to set the tour up with a local tour operator.... not only does this save us money, but it ensures that more of the money stays local. It's a little more work because it involves more e-mailing, and it generally means we have to wire money to them, but we think when we can do this it has benefited everyone.

The bottom line is, to have sustainable tourism, the local community needs to benefit.

When hiking, stay on marked trails. Maintain safe distances from any wildlife you encounter... for your safety AND for theirs. "Leave only footprints"... carry your trash out or use trash bins.

If you're snorkeling or diving, don't touch the coral. Be careful with your fins, it's easy to kick the coral if you're not paying attention or to stir up sediment. Either way you can damage the reef's fragile ecosystem... and most reefs are in trouble now, so they need all of our help.

Try to buy local products... You'll support the local economy... and we all need that now no matter what country you're visiting. Foods will be fresher, give you a taste of local cuisine and save fuel because they haven't traveled half way around the world... only YOU have! Fewer imported products will be needed.

Don't buy souvenirs or other products made from endangered animals or plants. You probably can't get it through customs, and if you believe in sustainable tourism, you don't want to contribute to the extinction of another species!

Treat locals with respect. You went there to learn about their culture! Learn a few words... at least hello, good-bye and thank you. Be open to our cultural differences. Read up on the area you'll be visiting so you'll know how to dress so you don't offend anyone. Find our if there are any behaviors or gestures that will offend your hosts.

Rejoice in our positive differences. Support them, and you’ll be contributing to sustainable tourism.

Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it!   Judy and Mark

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