In an era when environmental awareness and cultural appreciation are at a premium, responsible tourism has emerged as a guide for ethical travel practices. Also known as sustainable tourism or ecotourism, it embodies the idea of exploring the world while minimizing negative impacts on the environment, respecting local cultures, and promoting positive contributions to the communities visited. In other words, truly “green” travel should benefit both the local ecology and economy.
As the world’s population rapidly grows, the impact of our travel choices is becoming increasingly clear. In many regions, communities are being relocated to accommodate the influx of tourists, highlighting the urgency of responsible tourism practices. If approached responsibly and with care, tourism has enormous potential to spark positive change.
Megan Eppler Wood’s pioneering definition of ecotourism – “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and enhances the well-being of local communities” – remains a guide for conscientious travelers and industry professionals.
Truly eco-friendly travel must strike a delicate balance between benefiting both local ecosystems and economies. The imbalance of achieving economic gain at the expense of environmental degradation and disempowering communities undermines the very essence of true sustainability.
Historically, activities like riding elephants and swimming with captive dolphins were accepted within the world of ecotourism. However, scientific studies have revealed that such practices have negative impacts on animal welfare. Staying informed and adapting to these insights is essential for the ethical evolution and long-term survival of the travel industry.
Today, the tourism industry is marred by the exploitation of animals for entertainment, and the cruel training of wild elephants and the provision of interactive experiences for the entertainment of tourists have come under intense scrutiny for their ethical implications.
However, responsible tourism does not mean avoiding wildlife encounters entirely: by making informed choices and supporting tour operators with strong responsible tourism policies, travellers can enjoy a fulfilling experience whilst making a positive contribution to animal welfare.
In the transport sector, trains have emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative to cars, buses and planes. Trains have a lower carbon footprint, lower energy consumption and less impact on space and noise levels, which fits in with the ethos of responsible travel. Furthermore, train travel offers an immersive experience and fosters a connection with the local community and landscape.
Beyond transportation choices, responsible tourism also includes thoughtful practices such as reducing plastic consumption, minimizing waste, and embracing slow travel. Reducing unnecessary travel can make vacations more affordable and environmentally friendly. People often say there are so many places they want to go and not enough time, but you need to not let the fear of missing out control your vacation schedule. Going slow is a win-win situation. Going slow allows you to explore new, lesser known places that haven’t been overtaken by tourists, making for a more responsible, sustainable and unique experience.
At its core, responsible tourism is not just a trend but a fundamental shift towards a more harmonious relationship between humans, nature and culture. It is a call to travelers, businesses and policymakers to prioritise sustainability, ethical practices and community wellbeing in our journey to a brighter, more resilient future.
The author is an environmental activist, animal welfare activist, founder of Kaloms Ideas Welfare Foundation and a Chartered Accountant.
