The environmental, social & economic benefits of sustainable travel

In an era where global consciousness about sustainability is growing, sustainable travel emerges not just as a trend but as a conscientious choice with far-reaching benefits. Here at TravelLocal, we’re built on the foundations of responsible travel; truly believing sustainability and travel can go hand in hand and be a force for good in the world. By making the right choices, travel and tourism have the power to make transformative benefits globally.

By examining how mindful travel practices can preserve natural ecosystems, empower local communities, and foster economic resilience, we delve into the environmental, social, and economic benefits of choosing a sustainable, responsible trip.

What is sustainable tourism?

Sustainable tourism (also known as eco-tourism or responsible tourism), refers to travelling with the purpose of creating a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. It entails making the conscious choice to reduce the adverse effects of tourism and actively supports the development and preservation of the destinations you travel to. This includes safeguarding the environment and promoting the well-being of local communities who rely on these locations.

Benefits of sustainable tourism

It empowers local communities and preserves cultural heritage

By engaging with and supporting local communities, you get a unique chance to immerse yourself in local culture whilst contributing to the economic prosperity of the destination. This kind of community-centred approach is central to making travel more responsible. Think, staying in locally-owned hotels, guesthouses, and homestays, using local tour operators, purchasing your souvenirs from local artisans, markets, and independent shops rather than international chains, or even dining at locally-owned restaurants and eateries that serve traditional cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients.

By doing this, you’re ensuring that every penny you spend in that destination is going into the pockets of the residents that call where you’re travelling to home – enabling them to continue building a sustainable living. Whether you visit a Berber family in Morocco to immerse yourself in their way of life (and help with the cooking), or stop at a family-owned restaurant for a traditional dinner on the Dalmatian Coast – these experiences will not only give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country’s culture, but let you contribute to the preservation of local traditions, and help to create a more sustainable form of tourism.

It allows wildlife to stay wild

Respecting wildlife is a crucial aspect of sustainable travel, ensuring that animals remain undisturbed in their natural habitats – this means purposely supporting experiences of seeing animals in the wild; observing animals from a safe distance, avoiding feeding or touching them, and not disrupting their natural behaviours. Think riding elephants in Thailand, or swimming with pink dolphins in the Amazon – while participating in these activities seems innocent, they’re not good for the animals.

By adhering to guidelines that prioritise animal welfare and habitat preservation, sustainable travel helps keep wildlife ‘wild’, allowing animals to thrive in their natural environments without human interference. When done correctly, responsible wildlife tourism can also help conserve endangered species. For example, the survival of the mountain gorilla is one of wildlife tourism’s greatest success stories. Living only in the forests where Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo meet, mountain gorillas have never successfully been kept in captivity, and the preservation of their natural habitat is essential to ensure their survival.

By establishing national parks for their protection, imposing strict regulations, and reinvesting funds generated from gorilla trekking permits and eco-tourism activities back into conservation efforts; this refreshing approach to tourism has resulted in the number of mountain gorillas rising – over 1,000 now live on the slopes of the extinct volcanoes.

It reduces overtourism

Overtourism occurs when there are too many visitors to a particular destination. ‘Too many’ will look different for everyone but when the number of tourists goes beyond what a spot can handle, it’s a recipe for trouble. This can mean anything from trampling delicate nature spots to overwhelming local communities and even turning what should be an amazing travel experience into a frustrating one. So with tourism playing an important role in economies all around the world, it’s about getting the balance just right.

Sustainable tourism can be the ultimate antidote to overtourism, turning travel into a force for good! Imagine spreading out visitor traffic throughout the year like a well-planned picnic, with folks exploring hidden gems instead of crowding the same old spots. The key things to consider are the time and place. Think about travelling in the shoulder season and getting off the well-beaten track to discover less-visited destinations – many places around the globe need, and want, more tourists.

For example, instead of visiting Machu Picchu in Peru which attracts thousands of visitors daily, consider exploring Choquequirao. Located in the same area, these Incan ruins are often referred to as Machu Picchu’s ‘sister city’. Due to fewer visitors, the site’s tranquillity and pristine condition have been preserved, giving travellers a similar sense of awe and history without the crowds, making for a more intimate and rewarding adventure.

Responsible tourism keeps the environment clean

Implementing any pillar of sustainable tourism (no matter how big or small) can help preserve those sandy shores and lush jungles for generations to come – from avoiding popular destinations during peak times to making an effort to support conservation efforts. But, caring about the environment when travelling starts before you’ve even arrived at your destination! Look into eco-friendly accommodations and try to debunk any eco claims they make and when packing for your trip. Also consider bringing eco-conscious items to help reduce waste while you travel; a reusable water bottle, reusable shopping bag, a travel towel, etc.

Ultimately, your mindful decisions regarding waste contribute to the primary advantages of sustainable tourism: ensuring cleaner communities and safeguarding the beauty of your destinations.

A more meaningful experience

Sustainable travel offers more than just a journey; it provides an enriching and meaningful experience for travellers. By swapping tourist traps for hidden gems, where you can learn to cook traditional dishes with local chefs, hike lesser-known trails with Indigenous guides who share stories passed down through generations, or discover female-led initiatives, your experience goes beyond traditional tourism – enabling you to truly experience a destination.

If you’re looking for your next meaningful adventure, we’ve handpicked a few of our favourite trips: 

• Hunting for giant tortoises: Galapagos wildlife tour
• True Mongolia: the Gobi Desert & Naadam Festival
• The ultimate expedition across Argentina
• Off the beaten path in Costa Rica

Ways to travel more responsibly

Adopting a responsible tourism mindset and developing sustainable travel habits doesn’t have to be challenging. Many sustainable travel practices are easy to implement yet yield significant positive outcomes.

• Choose your path wisely: seek out spots where your presence is a positive force, contributing to conservation efforts or community projects. It’s about picking paths that promise mutual enrichment – for you and the place you’re visiting.
• Travel slower: instead of rushing to tick off all the top-recommended tourist attractions, travel through a country for a longer time, if you can. Allow yourself to immerse in your surroundings and connect with the locals. This will provide you with a better understanding of your destination’s culture, history, and traditions.
• Go green: where possible, consider eco-friendly accommodations and transport options that prioritise sustainability.
• Support local communities: by engaging with and supporting local communities and businesses, you contribute to the economic prosperity of the destination while fostering meaningful connections with the residents.
• Avoid exploitative animal experiences: choose ethical wildlife experiences that prioritise animal welfare and conservation efforts.
• Be a mindful guest: respect the customs, traditions, and natural landscapes of the places you visit. Simple acts, like disposing of waste responsibly, conserving water, and minimising noise, can make a significant difference in preserving the harmony of your destination.
• Avoid geo-tagging locations: when visiting pristine and untouched landscapes, be careful of geo-tagging them when you post on social media – this helps avoid mass tourism.

Make it happen

Travel can be a force for good. As we continue to explore the world, let’s remember that our choices can shape a more sustainable future, where both travellers and destinations flourish together. At TravelLocal, we’re committed to reimagining travel so that it benefits all: our environment, ecosystems, local partners, their communities, and travellers. If you’re looking for your next responsible adventure, get in touch with our local experts today!