Put simply, sustainable tourism is when travellers take trips that actively do more good than they are having a negative impact. I'am not going to lie here and say that I absolutely know everything about sustainable tourism but I can honestly say that I am conscious.
Conversations surrounding sustainability began a more frequent topic in our house when my son Rocco had a Christmas play last year at his school, the play was focussed on sustainability and the environment, at this stage id say was when I began to discuss topics surrounding the planet more frequently. Yes my EIGHT YEAR OLD SON, who knew more about the world than me, which in complete honesty is pretty shocking, but its true and I am ashamed to admit it. https://www.instagram.com/dannyb.thesoulfulsociety/
Sustainable tourism can vary greatly in how it looks and there's more to it than meets the eye (or Instagram post). It's at its most compelling when it actively supports the protection of wildlife or reforestation, has a light touch on natural resources and fossil fuels and leaves money in the pockets of local communities. That's ecotourism at its very best.
As stated I can't say i'am a genius where sustainability is concerned, but its blown me away learning more in depth on what sustainable tourism is, looks like and how we can incorporate more of it into our current reality, I appreciate so many people would judge for us flying to Thailand, or anyone flying for that matter to travel but for me my plan is to educate myself to make better decisions while we do travel with the hope we can do more good than bad. So here is my list of top tips should you be considering hitting the globe with or without your children, dogs, cats and goldfish, read up.
Commit to nature positive tourism - Actively support conservation or properties that at least support the local wildlife, for example the properties we visited with on a collaboration basis in Chiang Mai supported the conservation of elephant nature parks and wildlife within Northern Thailands tribal villages.
Take community enriched adventures - Stay in eco-lodges of locals or use a tour bus of a local or visit the local market, these are just examples of adventures we are more mindful of, as this is helping the local people build on what they have tragically lost due to the pandemic (I must mention seeing the local communities and the affects of the pandemic on their businesses, health, mental wellbeing and access to support has been truly heart breaking) these small choices can make a positive impact on sustainable tourism.
Minimise your time in the sky - This is something we think about more, not going to lie here and say that this is something I have considered or even thought of in previous years but again it is now and like all of us we can be better by doing better, so that's the plan here. Our thought pattern on this one is really to minimise the time in the sky, arrive in the country by aviation if you must but then make a conscious effort to then commute by bus, boat or train where you can reduce your carbon footprint.
Ask your accommodation, your tour operator? What I mean by this is you will see on booking.com and many other sites we use regularly that the business is eco-friendly, or a green business. Ask them, the more we hold businesses accountable if stated they are eco-friendly then the more we will learn, evolve and grow as a community. The hospitality industry although is not mandated is obliged to explain the process they are applying to their business to become more environmentally friendly, so ask, learn and if you do plan to travel, think about these four steps while doing so, its the least we can do.
All my love, light and beautiful vibes to everyone who reads,
Committed to learning, growing and evolving,
Dan x
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