Five myths of Sustainable tourism
Tourism is not immune to the concerns related to the environment, sustainable development, green energy, flexible consumption, and zero waste. Travellers and tourism professionals are genuinely motivated to “travel differently”. Therefore, new ways of travelling have emerged, including sustainable tourism. The following are some of the most common misconceptions about sustainable tourism. Mist common five myths of sustainable tourism;
Ecotourism is sustainable tourism
However, ecotourism is one component of sustainable tourism. Therefore, it can be considered a subcategory of sustainable tourism.
Essentially, ecotourism aims to introduce tourists to nature and its resources and protect them. It, therefore, places nature and the environment at its core. The selection of activities or accommodations will be based on environmental criteria that promote eco-responsibility and biodiversity. It is simply tourism that pays attention to the environment.
Sustainable tourism also incorporates this aspect, but not exclusively. It emphasizes social and economic notions associated with this sector. Hence, ecotourism can be considered a branch of sustainable tourism, illustrating the environmental leg of the concept.
The countryside is at the core of sustainable tourism
Many people think sustainable tourism means rural tourism. But that’s incorrect!
As a result of sustainable tourism’s environmental aspect, travellers often prefer activities in nature, discovering fauna and flora, and reconnecting with nature. So, in the countryside, you will have much more chances to find “happiness.” Nevertheless, happiness may be a matter of choice rather than reality.
By offering green transportation, eco-friendly housing, or eco-responsible restaurants, many cities are taking steps to re-naturalize their downtown areas and reduce their ecological impact. As a result, it is possible to find the true essence of local life, culture, and traditions in a capital city and an unknown and remote part of the country you are visiting.
In many cases, sustainable tourism takes us to remote locations, far from the city, partly because we like to be in the middle of nature. Yet sustainable city breaks are possible too!
Sustainable tourism is uncomfortable
Sustainable tourism does not necessarily imply no convenience. For example, the fact that you choose to live in an eco-friendly place doesn’t mean that you will have to use the restroom outside and fight with local insects that might wake you at night. Furthermore, if not presented clearly, a client may not realize the efforts made by some eco-responsible accommodations (solar panels, waste management, water management, the origin of bedding, breakfast choices)! Although you might not notice any change, the environmental impact will be significant.
A sustainable tourism policy highlights solidarity
The social and economic aspects of sustainable tourism demonstrate solidarity tourism. Here, we are only talking about some aspects of sustainable tourism, just like ecotourism. Therefore, sustainable tourism is not the same as solidaristic tourism.
Comparing solidarity tourism with ecotourism, in which the environment plays an essential role on the trip, in solidarity tourism, the human is at the heart of the journey, and there is an economic component as well. Here, the goal is to share the financial benefits of a trip equitably among all the local actors who participate in the “implementation” of this trip. Within each stakeholder, there is a real sense of equality.
Tourism that promotes solidarity involves staying in hostels or family restaurants, shopping at local produce stands, buying souvenirs from artisans, etc. To put it simply, it means paying a living wage to the very residents of the place you have chosen to tour.
There Are Many Costs associated with Sustainable Tourism
The misconception is that sustainable tourism costs a lot.
This is entirely untrue!
The cost depends on you, your needs, or your desires. Eco-friendly lodging can be anything from a small friendly campsite to a five-star hotel during your sustainable trip. Your budget will therefore vary greatly!
Another example: you decide to eat only local products and dishes from short excursions during your trip. Restaurants with starred ratings sometimes only serve local products. On the other hand, the little kiosk on the corner will serve dishes made from products grown by local farmers. But the bill won’t be the same!
The cost of exploring the city by bicycle or by an electric car with a driver will not be the same. Sustainable tourism is neither more expensive nor less expensive, adaptable to any budget and hope!
It’s up to us to choose the right sustainable and environmentally friendly trip. Avoid leaving anything behind us apart from our footprint.
After reading about the Five myths of Sustainable tourism, go and visit our Sustainable section.
