At a time when the environment, sustainability, green energy, flexitarianism and zero waste are the focus of many people’s attention, tourism is not left out of this awareness. Indeed, we are seeing a real desire among travelers, as well as tourism professionals, to “travel differently”. Many new ways to travel are emerging, including sustainable tourism. However, there are many misconceptions about sustainable tourism, here are five of the best presented by Tourism Review.
Sustainable tourism is ecotourism
Ecotourism is not sustainable tourism, but it is part of it. One could even say that it is a subcategory of sustainable tourism.
Indeed, the first principle of ecotourism is an attentive attitude to nature and its resources, their discovery and protection. Thus, nature and the environment are at the heart of the journey. For example, the choice of events or even accommodation will be based on environmental criteria with the principle of environmental responsibility and biodiversity conservation. It’s just tourism focused on the environment.
Sustainable tourism also includes this environmental aspect, but not only. It is complemented by social and economic concepts associated with this sector. Therefore, we can say that ecotourism is a branch of sustainable tourism, illustrating the ecological component of this principle.
Sustainable tourism in the countryside
Some say that sustainable tourism rhymes with rural tourism… Wrong!
The ecological aspect of sustainable tourism often leads travelers to give preference to relaxing in the bosom of nature, getting to know the fauna and flora, reconnecting with nature… Therefore, of course, finding “happiness” in the countryside will be much easier. But this is more a personal choice than a reality.
Many cities are making great efforts to restore the natural look of their centers and reduce the impact on the environment by offering sustainable transportation, sustainable housing or sustainable restaurants… Real local life, culture and traditions can be just as strong in some areas of the capital , as in a completely unknown and remote part of the visited country …
Quite often, sustainable tourism takes us to remote places, far from the city, especially because we personally tend to get lost in nature. But an eco-friendly holiday in the city is quite possible!
Sustainable tourism is uncomfortable
Sustainable tourism does not necessarily mean lack of comfort. If you decide to spend the night in an environmentally responsible place, this does not mean that you have to go to the toilet outside and fight local insects that can tickle you in the middle of the night. What’s more, the efforts made by some sustainable accommodation facilities (solar panels, waste management, water management, linen origin, breakfasts…) can sometimes be completely invisible to the client, unless it is indicated in the message! In fact, it may not change anything for you, while the environmental impact will be huge.
Obviously, some may prefer a minimalist experience with moderate comfort, choosing for example a hike in the wild… But again, it’s a matter of choice!
Sustainable tourism is solidarity tourism
The social and economic aspects of sustainable tourism can be represented by solidarity tourism. So here, as in the case of ecotourism, we are only looking at some aspects of sustainable tourism. In summary, solidarity tourism is a form of sustainable tourism, but sustainable tourism is not solidarity tourism.
If we continue the comparison with ecotourism, in which the environment is at the center of travel, then in solidarity tourism, the person is at the center, and with an economic aspect. Here, the goal is to share the financial benefits of the trip fairly among all the local actors that are involved in the “realization” of the trip. There is a real concept of equality within each travel stakeholder.
Solidarity tourism means staying overnight or eating in a hostel or a family restaurant, shopping from a local manufacturer, purchasing souvenirs from a local artisan… In short, it means giving livelihood to the very people of the place you choose to visit.
Sustainable tourism is expensive
Another common misconception about sustainable tourism is that it is expensive… This is absolutely wrong!
Indeed, everything depends mainly on you, your needs or desires. For example, if you decide to stay in an ecologically clean place, then it can be either a small friendly campsite or a large palace. As a result, the budget will be significantly different!