Written by: Saman Khalid
Posted on: January 26, 2024 | 
| 中文
Visit less-travelled destinations for eco-friendly tourism
"Sustainable Tourism" is a term that is bound to ring a bell if you happen to be an ardent lover of travel. The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities". In simple words, it is the practice of making an effort to minimize the potentially negative consequences of tourism for the environment, as well as being considerate to the local communities. While it may seem daunting to the average person, sustainable tourism is a fairly simple concept that can be implemented through basic actions. This article details the numerous ways of incorporating sustainability into your expeditions.
An easy breakdown of ethical travel
Accommodations can be a key contributor in the exploitation of natural resources and wasteful practices. Therefore, it is important to opt for places that align with the standards of ethical travel. Checking for reputable certifications such as EarthCheck and Green Key, could lend a helping hand when sifting through the hundreds of available options in the market. Energy efficiency is another indicator of eco-consciousness. Hotels that utilize renewable energy sources like wood for heating and energy-saving lighting, should be at the top of your priority list. Also, it should be ensured that the resort does not conflict with the protection of natural habitats. If such is the case, you should consider opting for better alternatives.
This might be the most obvious yet overlooked point on the list. When visiting public places, make sure to follow a "Leave No Trace" policy, which translates to the usage of already established disposal facilities instead of littering. Moreover, tourists should strictly carry back with them everything that they have taken, in order to leave the environment exactly as before. The 3Rs i.e. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle should also be used as guiding principles, so as to ensure low-impact excursions.
Trash on the beach
Making a conscious decision to buy from the local shops situated in a specific area can go a long way in the wake of sustainability. Ethnic businesses often reflect the distinctive cultural identity and character of a region. By choosing to support them, you not only find valuable souvenirs to take home, but also pitch into the creation of employment opportunities and economic development. It initiates a positive feedback loop that amplifies the magnitude of tourism at the spot by improving the conditions at the grassroot level.
Ways to support local businesses
This one may sound counter-intuitive, but it actually serves as an impactful method of balancing the influx of visitors. Tourism normally peaks during certain times of the year, leading to an overload on local facilities and travel organizers. It also creates a discrepancy between supply and demand, thus souring the experience for the majority of tourists. Owing to this reason, it can be a sensible choice to schedule your trips during the months when the travel load is relatively low. Apart from the large-scale benefits, it will also help you to relish a more personalized experience.
Off-peak travel helps in lessening the burden on the environment
These programs aim at reducing and sequestering the amount of carbon released into the environment as a result of travelling activities. Several techniques are employed to cut down on the carbon footprint generated during the visit. Such techniques include, but are not limited to methane capture, reforestation initiatives and renewable energy projects. Combatting climate change and global warming is indispensable to the restoration of a world free of pollution. Travel should be accompanied by projects that cater to sustainability guidelines, focused on mitigating the insidious consequences of the greenhouse effect.
Leave no trace behind
A zero-waste travel kit is essentially a collection of items whose purpose is to decrease the waste associated with travel. It helps itinerants stop counting on single-use plastics and disposable items. While the selection may vary, most kits comprise the following items: reusable utensils, cloth bags, solid toiletries, beeswax wraps, biodegradable soaps and shampoos, bamboo toothbrushes, solar chargers and many others. The above-mentioned products can aid trippers on their journey towards nature-friendly tourism.
Going off the beaten track and exploring lesser-known attractions evens out the tourism taking place in a country. With thousands of excursionists flocking to a select few locations, a number of spots with plenty to offer go unappreciated. Therefore, it is a good idea to especially look for destinations that could potentially be worth exploring. It is an incredible incentive to expand the tourism industry as a whole, while also alleviating the pressure from famous resorts.
Upper Kachura Lake, Skardu
These are only a few options amidst the various incentives that the common wanderer can practically undertake. It is pertinent to realize that the complete transformation of mainstream tourism is a marathon that can only be accomplished through minute but consistent action. Every single effort matters, as Climate Change is at an all-time high right now, and the environmental prognosis is incredibly grim. Commercial tourism definitely needs to be held accountable for the disastrous after-effects of fickle human entertainment. Being more aware of your waste footprint, trying to stay in harmony with the ecosystems and appraising others of the relevance of sustainable practices, can make a huge difference in the grand scheme of things.
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