What is Responsible Tourism?

by Bianca Caruana

Responsible tourism by definition is “tourism that minimises negative social, economic and environmental impacts and generates greater economic benefits for local people.”

You may have already heard the term being used in a different context e.g. sustainable tourism, ethical travel, responsible travel, impact travel – all these terms are used to explain travel that has a positive impact rather than a negative one.

The tourism industry is a trillion-dollar industry and accounts for 10% of global GDP. That is a pretty huge industry and one that can have both positive and negative effects on people and the environment. The effects of tourism can sway depending on the implementation of responsible tourism.

Why tourism matters infographic

In this blog, I focus on sharing ways we can travel responsibly and the resources to do so. Since the blog began back in 2015 the concept of responsible tourism has grown dramatically, with communities around the world committing to making it easier for us to be responsible travellers.

One of the main reasons I love responsible tourism is because it is an industry where there is less room for inequality. For example, the onus is on the traveller when it comes to the decision about where they want to spend their money. You can spend thousands of dollars on a hotel room or choose to spend that money in a small community homestay. This gives the opportunity for community development. If the traveller chooses the homestay then there is also a chance they will eat lunch at a nearby restaurant, or shop in a local store – again, the distribution of money becomes fairer.

Related reading: 17 Things You Can Change to Reduce Your Impact on the Environment While Overlanding [INFOGRAPHIC]

Responsible tourism also branches out into environmental impact as well. For example, travel that contributes to conservation, not destruction; travel that does not exploit or harm animals, and travel that leaves as little impact on the environment as possible. For more information about this visit my page about sustainable travel.

Thank you to Mad Monkey Hostels for providing this great infographic that provides some simple ways to be a more responsible traveller.

Responsible tourism infographic

 

Responsible tourism post-pandemic

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic almost debilitated the tourism industry. Having spent the past five years sharing stories of those whose lives had been so positively impacted by tourism it was hard to see this industry – which so many relied upon – come to a blinding halt.  Just as the topic of responsible tourism started to gain traction, the world was left wondering, where to next?

I spoke with responsible tourism expert JoAnna Haugen in a recent podcast interview about this exact topic. 

“To be sure, there are calls for the industry to return back to “normal” as quickly as possible. “Normal” being a pre-pandemic level of intensity defined by over-tourism, communities overly dependent on travellers, and environmental damage accelerated by flying. But for those calling on the industry to build back better, the question is: What does that mean? What does that look like? And what does that require?”

Listen to our interview below:

Related reading: Adopting a Tourism Model Focused on Regeneration Requires Rethinking KPIs

Related reading: The biggest travel trends for 2024, as predicted by industry insiders

Other Responsible Tourism resources

In this episode, I speak with the former Sustainability Manager of Withlocals – a platform that connects people and cultures through unique and memorable travel experiences with people, places, and the planet in mind.

In this episode, I speak with Chris Christou – a writer, educational curator, activist and founder of the End of Tourism Podcast. We discuss gentrification, exile, capitalism, tourism and radical hospitality – how they are all interrelated. Read the article here.

Travelling soon?

Before you go: Travelling offers a gateway to incredible experiences, but unexpected situations can arise. Our travel insurance and money management partners offer the protection you need while embracing local tourism:

– SafetyWing, for long-term travel insurance that starts at $42 per month.
– Revolut, for managing international payments with ease.
– Wise, for the most affordable currency conversion fees and a virtual card that you can top-up in seconds.

When considering flights, you can utilise platforms like Skyscanner or Kiwi to compare flight costs and identify flights that minimise your carbon emissions. Additionally, if you are able, you can offset your flight’s environmental impact through Offset.

Recommendations: Here are some companies offering sustainable and responsible tours and experiences:

– G-Adventures, for small group travel with locally based guides, supporting local communities.
– Tripaneer, for wellness experiences and retreats.
– Get Your Guide, for day trips and short trips.

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Want free accommodation options? Look after pets while you travel the world with Trusted Housesitters.

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