With the continued increase in tourist flows, which are expected to surpass the record of the last year before the pandemic (2019, when 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded, according to UNWTO data), adopting the principles of responsible tourism is essential to avoid compromising the resources of the planet and its inhabitants.
To know how to do responsible tourism , you can follow some guidelines starting from the choice of destination.
Travelling by plane to cover long distances has a significant impact on our atmosphere, so you can opt for destinations that are close by or can be reached by means of low environmental impact. Even better if they are less crowded destinations, where your presence can have a positive impact on the local economy.
Or you can decide to travel outside the peak tourist seasons , when flows are more sustainable and prices are lower. Once at your destination, it is good practice to buy and use local products and services. Respect for communities is essential: this means accepting cultural and religious conventions, for example always asking permission armenia whatsapp data before taking photos of people or places considered sacred. Last but not least, the question of respect for the environment: avoid single-use plastics, never leave waste behind or take objects such as shells, sand or stones.
Examples of responsible tourism
There are associations and tour operators that are responsible for organizing 100% sustainable and responsible trips and vacations. And for those people who want to dedicate themselves to this sector at a professional level , the best option is to obtain a Master's Degree in Sustainable Tourism Management of Resources and Destinations .
The philosophy of responsible tourism can take different forms . These are not necessarily different approaches, on the contrary, more than one of these aspects can be integrated into a single trip:
Naturalist Tourism : focused on the exploration of nature and ecosystems.
Emotional Tourism : valorization of experiences and emotional connections.
Wine and food tourism : exploring culinary culture and local products.
Experiential Tourism : active involvement in cultural and traditional activities.
Community Tourism : participation and direct support to host communities.
Local Tourism : discovering nearby beauties, reducing travel.
Participatory Tourism : active involvement in sustainable development projects.
Ecotourism : sustainable tourism practiced in natural environments.
Slow Tourism : slower travel, promoting quality of experience.