Time for sustainable tourism?

“More than ever, we, as tourism professionals, must advocate the principle of sustainability in the planning and development as well as the management of tourism”. 

EcoTourism Australia recently published an interesting interview with Xu Jing, independent tourism adviser & former Director of Asia and the Pacific, UNWTO. The point being made very strongly which may well resonate with what many of us are sensing.

Xu Jing put it succinctly when he said “Tourism will be perceived differently when it comes to its definition, planning and development, as well as its promotion.

“National tourism administrations and destinations are currently concerned about coming up with plans for the immediate recovery. Understandably so. But the long-term perspective of tourism, in my opinion, will most likely follow a trajectory of paying more attention to the social and humanistic factors of tourism as a result of the pandemic.  Consequently, demand for products centred around achieving harmony with nature, being climate-friendly and focusing on sustainable production and consumption will be on the rise, particularly for more matured source markets such as Europe. “  For the full text,  see https://www.ecotourism.org.au/news/covid-19-and-the-future-of-sustainable-tourism/  – it’s worth the 3 or 4 minute read.

Some of the current research signposts opportunities for our regional tourism destinations. For example, Booking.com recently released the results of a July 2020 survey which covered more than 20,000 travellers across 28 countries. One of their key findings was that over half (53%) of global travellers want to travel more sustainably in the future. They expect to see what they term a more eco-conscious mindset in 2021 and beyond, “as Coronavirus has amped people’s awareness about their impact on the environment and local communities.” 69% expect the travel industry to offer more sustainable travel options; 48%  will consequently visit alternative destinations  to avoid overcrowding and 63% will stay away from crowded tourist attractions.

Two-thirds said they want their travel choices to support the recovery of the destinations they visit, and more than half (55%) want to see how their spending will go back into supporting local communities.

And last year in another booking.com study, “70% of global travellers say they would be more likely to book an accommodation knowing it was eco-friendly, whether they were looking for a sustainable stay or not.” 

In general terms, most of us probably agree that tourism businesses and destinations should be environmentally, socially and culturally as well as
economically sustainable. How do we get there though? One potential way is via EcoTourism Australia’s accreditation programme.  As Eloise Touchet from EcoTourism Australia says, “it’s a great way to get your efforts recognised, be part of a like-minded community and support each other to improve the industry.” Eloise goes on to point out:

• Anyone can claim they are green. Once a business is certified, it’s not just the operator saying that they are eco-friendly and doing the right thing, it’s been verified by an independent third-party organisation. Ecotourism Australia certifications also involve ongoing audits done by independent auditors.

• By meeting a list of strict criteria developed by specialists, businesses ensure they cover all aspects of sustainability.

• Certification is a business development tool. The application process and then the audits are excellent opportunities to learn new ways to minimise impact and integrate new sustainable initiatives into daily business. You may even identify new cost-saving opportunities.

• Once you apply for certification with Ecotourism Australia, you gain access to templates and resources to help you get certified and improve your operations. It is an opportunity to think about how you are doing things and adjust when necessary.

• The certification logo gives reassurance to travellers, helping them identify genuine sustainable operators. Certified businesses are all listed in Ecotourism Australia’s Green Travel Guide, making it easy for travellers to find sustainable options.

• Certification can also help with state licencing. For example, in WA operators with Ecotourism certification are eligible for a 7-year licence through the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

For decades now, there has been a gradually increasing awareness of the double-edged sword that is tourism. It can be a force for good – or an industry that contributes to climate change, destruction of culture, and negative social change.  Out of all the chaos and sadness brought by Covid 19, will there be another example of a quantum leap, this time in the form of a move to sustainable tourism?

What do you think? And what is your business, or destination, (or own personal travel plans) doing to become more sustainable?