Eco-sustainable tourism is not only possible, but it is also simple and gives great satisfaction. Here are the rules for being eco-friendly travellers.
Today more than ever, we are looking for a completely new type of tourism, a sustainable tourism (or eco-sustainable) that is respectful of the environment, animals and local communities that live in the places we wish to visit. When we talk about sustainable tourism, we are not just referring to holidays immersed in nature.
You can also travel in a green way by visiting cities of art, immersing yourself in the local culture and letting yourself be won over by the typical and traditional dishes. All this, without losing sight of the sustainability. But exactly what is meant by sustainable tourism?
By definition, sustainable tourism is that form of travel aimed at minimizing the impact on the local environment, people and animals. A sustainable lifestyle is essential if we want our children to receive the gift of a Planet on which they can live.
What is sustainable tourism and why is it important?
The structures and companies they offer are increasingly widespread travel experiences environmentally friendly. The trips we take every year often represent an important source of pollution and can negatively influence the area.
Just think of the mountains of waste that we often find on the streets of some of the most famous cities in Italy, or to the food waste we make when we are on holiday.
Or again, just think of the animals exploited for the entertainment of travellers. Exemplary is the case of carriages senselessly pulled by horses in many Italian cities, in the hottest hours of the most sultry summer days.
The examples of tourism harmful to the environment are sadly known, but the good news is that travelers are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions. By doing so, in addition to enjoying the pleasure of a holiday, they have the opportunity to discover the local traditions without defacing the environment and without taking resources away from the community, but rather, supporting it with conscious choices.
But exactly what choices are we talking about? What can the structures do, what can we do, to travel in the name of sustainable and responsible tourism?
What do the structures do?
There are many sustainable behaviors that structures can implement. For example, the facility where you are staying may choose to install low consumption light bulbs and could advise customers to use water consciously.
Or invite them not to request new towels and bathrobes every day, but to request them only when it is actually necessary.
The facilities can also make available to eco-sustainable transport solutionssuch as a bicycle or scooter.
Inside the rooms, special recycling bins, photovoltaic panels on the roof and other accessories and tools could be installed to make the stay as pleasant as possible. eco-friendly possible.
How to do sustainable tourism? 9 things you can do on holiday
If we talk about sustainable tourism, in addition to the structures (hotels, B&Bs, hostels and holiday homes) we also need to show a bit of commitment.
A sustainable holiday it will not affect our experience in any way, but rather, it will allow us to experience a 360-degree holiday, immersing ourselves in the local culture in a respectful and attentive way.
To take an eco-sustainable trip, you simply need to adopt a polite and respectful attitude towards the local people, places and animals.
To better understand how to behave, we can take a look at some concrete examples of sustainable tourism in Italy and in the world. Here is a list of useful tips to always keep on hand.
Evita l’overtourism
Have you ever heard of overtourism? This word can be translated into Italian as “tourist overcrowding”.
In short, this is what we see in some of the most famous cities in Italy and around the world. Venice, Taormina, Milan, Paris, Thailand and Barcelona are just a few examples of cities that experience overcrowding during the summer months.
While on the one hand such an influx of tourists may appear to be an economic advantage for the city, on the other hand the inhabitants, the territory and the local animals experience very complicated months due to the incredible quantity of visitors.
Does this mean we shouldn’t visit Barcelona or Venice? At all. It would simply be enough book the trip in periods of the year when there is a lower influx of people. By doing so we could see the wonders of the place, without having to spend endless hours in line and without overcrowding the streets.
If there is no possibility of traveling during the “low season”, we can choose some less touristy destinations but equally beautiful. Even in this case, we will be able to experience a satisfying and eco-friendly holiday.
Which structure to choose?
With sites like Booking, Ecobnb and Airbnb today it is easier than ever to find structures that respect our needs, even when it comes to sustainable tourism.
Opt for holiday homes or hotels that show the same sensitivity as you in respecting the environment, do your research and choose calmly. However, avoid being fooled by the so-called greenwashingfrom the increasingly widespread practice in the travel sector of defining themselves as environmentally friendly while not respecting the principles of sustainability in any way.
Economical and eco-sustainable alternatives
When choosing the right structure, you could opt for a doubly eco solution (economical and eco-sustainable). For example, if you have friends who live in Denmark and who are going on holiday to Italy, you could exchange houses for a few weeks and enjoy accommodation at no cost.
Another alternative is to present yourself as pet sitting for those who have to travel. In exchange for accommodation, you could look after the cat of a friend or relative who lives in another country, so you can enjoy a holiday at the same time.
Where are we going to eat?
With all due respect to fast food fans, for a sustainable holiday it is wiser (and tasty) to choose a typical restaurant of the place. In this way, in addition to enjoying the local cuisineyou will support the local community.
Food from large chains, on the other hand, only enriches a giant, without bringing positive benefits to local producers.
Sustainable tourism: shall we go on foot?
Traveling by car, including taxis, is convenient. But they are not as eco-friendly.
When traveling, try to adopt a new good habit, choose to move to bicycleon foot or using public transport. This way you will be able to see the landscape and experience the city by paying more attention to details.
Don’t throw rubbish on the ground
You would be surprised to see how many people throw objects of various kinds out of car windows and onto roadsides. Traveling responsibly also means this: avoiding throwing rubbish on the ground. Look for the designated bins or bring the waste to throw away with you and then recycle it at the hotel.
Cruise ships? No thank you
Some people really enjoy going on cruise ship vacations. Others cannot understand its charm. Whatever your position on this matter, you need to know that the cruise ships they represent one of the most polluting forms of travel.
Then, often this type of holiday does not support in any way the local communities where the ships make their usual stops.
Let’s talk about souvenirs
You’re on holiday in Spain and you’ve just bought mugs and t-shirts that say “I love Barcelona” for friends and relatives? We’ve all made this mistake. You should know that in most cases, those who receive such a souvenir do not exactly jump for joy at the gift received.
A product of local cuisine is much better. Plus, keep in mind that the classics objects for tourists they are often mass-produced in Chinese factories, they have nothing to do with local tradition and craftsmanship.
If you want some advice, instead of buying artifacts that will end up in the waste within a few months, opt for a more sustainable souvenir, such as a locally crafted object. You could instead bring friends and relatives a dessert or a typical local wine.
Sustainable tourism also for animals
A few lines ago we mentioned horse-drawn carriages in the middle of August, explaining that this too represents an example of unsustainable tourisma type of anachronistic and cruel activity towards animals.
Water parks, zoos, carriage rides and animal shows are all types of entertainment that make living beings suffer who, certainly, were not born to entertain us.
When we talk about sustainable tourism, therefore, we must remember that animals also deserve respect. If you are a “sustainable traveler”, avoid financing these types of activities, to ensure that your fun does not cause suffering to other creatures.
Source: www.greenstyle.it
