responsible tourist meaning

What is responsible tourism and why does it matter?

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Responsible tourism is a term we hear thrown about a lot these days, but what does it actually mean to be a responsible tourist? Who needs to be ‘responsible’ and why does responsible tourism matter?

There is no denying the increased recognition amongst tourism industry stakeholders and tourists when it comes to social and corporate responsibility, but the reality is that whilst most of us are familiar with the term ‘responsible tourism’, many of us do not know exactly what this entails…. so in this article I will explain all.

What is responsible tourism?

Responsible tourism definition

What is the difference between responsible tourism and sustainable tourism, the growth of responsible tourism.

Why is responsible tourism important?

How can we be responsible tourists?

How can the tourism industry be more responsible, footsteps ecolodge, the gambia, eden project, cornwall, reality tours and travel, india, dolphin discovery centre, western australia, rancho margot, costa rica, responsible tourism: key takeaways, responsible tourism faqs, responsible tourism: to conclude.

In recent years there has been a clear shift away from the desire to embark on a traditional package holiday , which focusses on the concept of sun, sea and sand towards more experiential travel . Nowadays, many consumers are in search of holidays that provide them with more than two weeks on the beach , and instead are seeking deeper immersive experiences, where there is a greater focus on sustainability. This is coupled with a general trend towards more sustainable living and a greater awareness of the impacts of our actions on society and the natural environment.

In essence, responsible tourism is tourism that exhibits responsible behaviour, both in terms of the tourist and their individual actions, but also in terms of the industry and how the tourism provision is managed. Responsible tourism has become an established area of tourism research and practice and a household term, however the term is somewhat subjective and poorly understood in some contexts.

The definition of responsible tourism, both in theory and practice, has been the subject of debate for many years. The problem lies with the inherent subjectivity surrounding the term responsible- what one person may think is ‘responsible behaviour’, another may not.

Whilst many academics and industry practitioners have attempted to define the term responsible tourism, the most referenced source when it comes to defining the term remains to be the Cape Town Declaration. The 2002 Cape Town Declaration characterises responsible tourism in terms of the following:

• minimising impacts
• generating economic benefits for host communities
• involving local people in decision making
• conserving natural and cultural heritage
• providing meaningful connections between tourists and local people
• being accessible and culturally sensitive

In other words, tourism should encompass aspects of the above in order to be considered ‘responsible’.

Harold Goodwin is one of the key authors who has written about responsible tourism. If you are studying responsible tourism I highly recommend that you cite him in your work! You can find his most recent book here .

Although the term responsible tourism does share much in common with sustainable tourism , ecotourism , ethical tourism and other related forms of socially-conscious tourism, it is NOT the same. This can be quite confusing because oftentimes the terms sustainable tourism and responsible tourism are used interchangeably, but they shouldn’t be.

As I explain in detail in my article on sustainable tourism , there are three pillars to sustainable tourism- the environment, society and the economy. The World Tourism Organisation prescribes that sustainable tourism should:

• Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.
• Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance.
• Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed, including stable employment and income-earning opportunities and social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation. 

Whilst there are clear aims of sustainable tourism, when it comes to responsible tourism the definition is a bit more loose, without such transparent prerequisites and instead relying on the premise of simply ‘being responsible’. In other words, responsible tourism will often encompass the elements noted above, but these are not essential.

The concept of responsible tourism may be in the public mind more now than ever before, but it isn’t new. The vision of a more responsible form of tourism was discussed at length back in the 1980s and became an important element within the fast emerging concept of sustainable tourism. More than twenty five years ago it was noted that the industry would have to adopt more environmentally orientated and socially responsible practices, yet this has only really become prominent in the past decade.

According to a study undertaken by Booking.com in 2020, over half (53%) of tourists around the world want to travel more sustainably in the future. The company, along with many other industry professionals-myself included- expects to see a more eco-conscious mindset in future years. Whilst there was a general shift towards a more sustainable mindset anyway, this was amplified by the COVID pandemic, as coronavirus amped people’s awareness of their impact on the environment and local communities.

Nowadays, the label of ‘responsible tourism’ is by far the most well-used sustainability-focussed term throughout the travel and tourism industry. In fact, a study undertaken in 2009 by SNV suggests that tour operators are almost five times as likely to use the term ‘responsible tourism’ than any other similar label (e.g. ecotourism, sustainable tourism, ethical tourism). Sadly, the subjectivity of the term does allow room for the term itself to be used exploited and for greenwashing to occur, but that’s a discussion for another day.

The UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated , quite rightly, that:

‘ Sustainability must no longer be a niche part of tourism but the new norm for every part of our sector. That means an opportunity to build back better and create and industry that is more resilient and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals . ‘

The tourism industry is arguably the biggest industry in the world and it has been growing at a rapid rate over the past few decades. Unfortunately, as the industry has grown around the world, so have the negative impacts that it causes. Whilst the pandemic has been a disaster for the tourism industry and those whose livelihoods depend on it, it has also presented us with a unique opportunity to fix what was/is broken.

From the depths of the Amazon jungle to the Australian outback, there are few places in the world that have escaped the burgeoning growth of the travel and tourism industry. Unfortunately, in many cases, this has come at the expense of natural resources, local economies and indigenous populations. Responsible tourism is all about minimising these negative impacts (think erosion, littering, rises in crime, deterioration of authenticity , economic leakage and so on) and capitalising on the good stuff- the economic benefits, the preservation of natural areas and the promotion of culture and heritage, amongst other positive impacts of tourism.

Ultimately, if we want to preserve the very things that it is we are going to see (the beach, the mountain, the wildlife etc) for future generations, then we need to behave responsibly and sustainably- that’s why responsible tourism isn’t just important- it’s imperative.

We all need to think about the impacts that our actions have on the world around us. Yes, it is extremely difficult (if possible at all) to be 100% responsible for 100% of the time. BUT, there are many things that we CAN do to help to protect and preserve the environment, society and the economy. You can read a detailed account of how to be an ethical tourist here , but for now I will list a few subtle changes that you can make to help be a more responsible tourist when you travel:

• Don’t buy animal souvenirs
• Avoid unethical wildlife tourism
• Don’t drop litter
• Don’t touch coral
• Try slow tourism 
• Opt for eco-friendly transportation options 
• Turn off the lights
• Try ecotourism
• Avoid plastic
• Recycle 
• Don’t waste water
• Stick to main paths
• Limit economic leakage where you can
• Haggle fairly
• Learn the local language 
• Be respectful of local customs and traditions 
• Don’t give to beggars
• Treat people fairly 
• Avoid sex tourism 
• Don’t take photos of people without their permission 

A key aspect to ensuring sustainable tourism is achieved is through careful planning and management. Tourism industry stakeholders at all levels, ranging from the taxi driver and hotel staff at grass roots level, through to international organisations and national Government, have an obligation to facilitate responsible tourism. There are many examples of what responsible behaviour from the tourism industry might look like in practice, but here are a few to give you an idea:

• Hire local staff
• Use local products and services to minimise economic leakage
• Use ethical marketing and promotion
• Involve the local community in decision making
• Have a strong sense of corporate social responsibility
• Use environmentally friendly products and services
• Limited economic leakage
• Educate workers
• Offer training and development opportunities for staff
• Work together with other industry stakeholders

Examples of responsible tourism

There are examples of responsible tourism from all over the world! However, to give you an idea of what responsible tourism looks like in practice, I have given a few examples for you below. (Note- these can also be classified as examples of sustainable tourism .)

My first example of sustainable tourism is Footsteps Ecolodge , which I visited back in 2010.

David, the Founder of Footsteps Ecolodge expresses how when he took a relatively cheap trip to The Gambia, he discovered that the staff at his booked hotel were only earning on average £1 per day. David felt guilty for enjoying a holiday knowing that the locals were receiving little or no economic benefits at all from hosting him.

David went on to develop Footsteps Ecolodge, with a mission to improve The Gambia’s trade through responsible tourism and therefore encourages sustainable development. In fact, one of his goals has led footsteps to employ only from the local village and buy only local produce.

I loved visiting this ecolodge. It has many environmentally friendly initiatives, ranging from solar powered electricity to composting toilets. It is based far away from the main tourist areas, providing a unique and authentic holiday experience. After spending a few days in the main tourist resort of Kotu, I was happy to exchange the evening chatter in the restaurants for the humming of grasshoppers and the beach bar music for the gentle sounds of waves.

You can book a stay at Footsteps Ecolodge here .

The Eden Project is another great example of sustainable tourism.

It was built to demonstrate the importance of plants to people and to promote the understanding of vital relationships between plants and people. It is a huge complex that welcomes a wide range of tourists from the UK and overseas. In 2017, the project attracted more than o ne million visitors.

The project in fact has annual sustainability reports, monitoring its sustainable impact year on year.

You can find out more about the Eden Project in this video.

Reality Tours and Travel’s mission is to provide authentic and thought-provoking local experiences through their tours and to use the profits to create change in Indian communities.

Reality Tours and Travel is a social catalyst and works towards profit sharing programs. 80% of their profits go directly to Reality Gives which runs high quality education programs in areas where their tours work.

Reality Tours and Travel  now welcomes over 15,000 guests each year and employs over 50 members of staff. Here is a bit more information about the work that they do.

The Dolphin Discovery Centre begun when Mrs Evelyn Smith begun to feed a group of dolphins near her home. Following her discovery of the dolphin grouping, specialists were brought in to monitor and study the local dolphins.

A few years later, the Dolphin Discovery Centre allowed tourists and community members to interact with the dolphins in hope they would understand and enjoy the marine mammals.

In brief, the Dolphin Discovery Centre Adopt a Dolphin Program supports the conservation of dolphins and the broader marine environment.

To date, the Dolphin Discovery Centre not only conserves dolphins, the centre also conserves turtles too. Learn more on adopting a dolphin or turtle with the Dolphin Discovery Centre  here.

Ranch Margot is exactly what it sounds, a ranch located in Costa Rica. It all begun in 2004 when the founder of Rancho Margot, Juan Sostheim, purchased 400 acres of pasture. Despite the land being cleared of all vegetation, Juan Sostheim had a vision to grow sustainable food and raising animals.

Today, Rancho Margot focuses specifically on sustainable production and living, from the food they delivery to their energy production and the transportation used. Read more on Rancho Margot  here.

Rancho Margot’s sustainable mission is in keeping with the Brundtland Report.

“To achieve and maintain sustainable operations, we work to find better ways to satisfy our needs without compromising future generations​”

Whilst I didn’t get a chance got visit Rancho Margot during  our travels through Costa Rica , it does look like a fantastic place to go and a great example of sustainable tourism.

Now that we know a bit more about what responsible tourism is and how it works, lets summarise the key takeaways:

• Responsible tourism involves making ethical and sustainable choices when traveling.
• It is important to respect local cultures, traditions, and customs when visiting a new place.
• Supporting local communities by buying locally-made products and using locally-owned businesses can have a positive impact on the local economy.
• Minimising your carbon footprint by using eco-friendly transportation options and reducing waste can help reduce the impact of tourism on the environment.
• Being mindful of the impact of your visit on the local environment and taking steps to minimise damage, such as not littering or damaging natural habitats, is important.
• Learning about the history and culture of the destination you are visiting can help you appreciate and respect it more.
• Engaging in ethical wildlife tourism , such as visiting sanctuaries and conservation centres, can help support animal welfare and conservation efforts.
• Respecting the privacy and dignity of local people is important when taking photographs or engaging in other tourist activities.
• Supporting responsible tourism organisations and initiatives can help promote sustainable and ethical tourism practices.
• Ultimately, responsible tourism involves making conscious and informed decisions that benefit the destination and its people, while minimising negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

Lastly, lets finish off this article by answering some of the most common questions on this topic.

Responsible tourism is a type of tourism that aims to promote ethical and sustainable practices that benefit local communities and minimise negative impacts on the environment.

Responsible tourism is important because it helps promote sustainable and ethical practices in the tourism industry, which can benefit both the environment and local communities.

How can I engage in responsible tourism?

You can engage in responsible tourism by being mindful of your impact on the environment and local communities, supporting local businesses, and engaging in ethical and sustainable tourism practices.

What are some examples of responsible tourism practices?

Examples of responsible tourism practices include buying locally-made products, using eco-friendly transportation options, supporting wildlife conservation efforts, and respecting local cultures and traditions.

How can tourism negatively impact local communities?

Tourism can negatively impact local communities through overdevelopment, cultural commodification , and economic exploitation.

Can responsible tourism benefit local communities?

Yes, responsible tourism can benefit local communities by supporting local businesses and creating job opportunities.

What is eco-tourism?

Eco-tourism is a type of responsible tourism that focuses on visiting natural areas in a way that is environmentally friendly and supports conservation efforts.

Can responsible tourism help reduce the negative impact of tourism on the environment ?

Yes, responsible tourism can help reduce the negative impact of tourism on the environment by promoting sustainable practices such as reducing waste and using eco-friendly transportation options.

Is responsible tourism more expensive than traditional tourism?

Responsible tourism may not necessarily be more expensive than traditional tourism, as it depends on the specific activities and accommodations chosen.

What is the role of governments and tourism organisations in promoting responsible tourism?

Governments and tourism organisations have a role in promoting responsible tourism by creating policies and guidelines that encourage sustainable and ethical practices , and by educating tourists on responsible tourism practices.

As you can see, responsible tourism is very important to ensure that the tourism industry is sustainable. To learn more about this, visit the articles listed below:

• Ethical tourism: Everything you need to know
• Agritourism: What, where and why
• The rise of revenge tourism
• Educational tourism: Everything you need to know

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Responsible Tourism was defined in Cape Town in 2002 alongside the World Summit on Sustainable Development. This definition, the  Cape Town Declaration  is now widely accepted and was been adopted by the World Travel Market in 2007 for  World Responsible Tourism Day .

Responsible Tourism is about "making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit." Responsible Tourism requires that operators, hoteliers, governments, local people and tourists take responsibility, take action to make tourism more sustainable.

The World Travel Market has adopted the Cape Town Declaration definition of Responsible Tourism for its World Responsible Tourism Day which encourages the industry to take responsibility for making tourism more sustainable and demonstrate their responsibility.

The Cape Town Declaration recognises that Responsible Tourism takes a variety of forms, it is characterised by travel and tourism which:

• minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts;
• generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry;
• involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life changes;
• makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world's diversity;
• provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues;
• provide access for people with disabilities and the disadvantaged;
• is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

Behaviour can be more or less responsible and what is responsible in a particular place depends upon environment and culture.

Garry Wilson, Mainstream Product & Purchasing Director, for the TUI Group argues in an interview specially recorded, for Cape Town and Africa, that Responsible Tourism is now core, mainstream business for TUI.  Video

If you're interested in learning more, check out this video where Dr Harold Goodwin breaks down his definition of Responsible Tourism:

There are some useful forums on Responsible Tourism

Responsible Tourism Practitioners IrresponsibleTourism Responsible Tourism News

Key Responsible Tourism Documents

2001  UNWTO Global Code of Ethics

2002 The Cape Town Declaration  is the founding document of the Responsible Tourism Movement

Latest News Items

Harold on the Web

Get a sample of Harold Goodwin's  Book "Responsible Tourism"

How To Be A Responsible Tourist (22 Responsible Tourism Tips)

By: Author Leoni

Posted on Last updated: April 7, 2021

What does it mean to be a Responsible Tourist and why is it so important?

The tourism sector is one of the biggest industries worldwide. In 2019, travel and tourism directly contributed approximately 2.9 trillion U.S. dollars to the global GDP.

If we keep traveling irresponsibly however, more animal species will go extinct , more people will lose their homes and some of the most beautiful destinations around the world will (simply put) eventually disappear .

Enter Responsible Travel. If done ethically, tourism has the potential to support local communities, our environment and the planet’s wildlife.

( Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our  disclosure policy  for more detail. )

Table of Contents

What Is Responsible Tourism?

According to the declaration of the Cape Town Conference on Responsible Tourism , which took place in 2002 as a side event preceding the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg,

Responsible Tourism:

• minimizes negative economic, environmental, and social impacts;
• generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry;
• involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances;
• makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage , to the maintenance of the world’s diversity;
• provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues ;
• provides access for physically challenged people;
• and is culturally sensitive , engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

Basically, as a responsible tourist you leave the place better than you found it .

Responsible Tourism Tips + Examples of Responsible Tourism

I bet you already travel responsibly in some ways, maybe even without knowing it.

Do you learn a few basic words in the local language before you embark on your journey? Do you make an effort to understand the culture? Yep, there we go, these are habits of the responsible tourist.

Unfortunately, that also works the other way around – you possibly sometimes make mistakes without being aware of the consequences. Ever paid for a tourist attraction that included animals? Chances are high that you didn’t help by doing that.

But hey, we live and we learn, right? Now we want to make sure we don’t repeat old mistakes, but use the tourism industry to make a difference in our planet’s and its people’s favor.

There are a couple of really easy things you can do to become a more responsible tourist .

1. Come Prepared

Before you go, research political, social, economic and environmental issues .

What is moving the country you are visiting at the moment?

Are there sensitive topics that you should read up about before you put yourself and others in an awkward position?

Also, inform yourself about the culture. Is is considered rude to touch the head of another person in Thailand, a no-go to use red ink in South Korea or totally okay to hang out with your friends on cemeteries in Denmark?

Whatever the case, you ideally know the most important things.

2. Learn Basic Words In The Local Language

Knowing a few basic words of the language not only potentially saves your day, it also shows respect and interest .

The happiest faces I’ve seen when traveling were reactions to my attempts to form a sentence in a random language I don’t speak.

If you are visiting a place where your languages are not commonly spoken, consider learning a few sentences with an app (e.g. Duo Lingo) or bring a good old for dummies book.

3. Respect The Culture

In general, it doesn’t really matter if you agree or disagree with the culture of a country or region.

If you for example travel a more conservative country where it is expected of women to cover up, do it.

If public affection is seen as inappropriate, don’t do it. You are the guest here, so you need to respect your hosts .

Being a responsible tourist means to treat others like you would like to be treated in your country.

4. Don’t Support Animal Tourism

One of the easiest traps to fall into when traveling is animal tourism. Animals are abused for entertainment worldwide and unfortunately, it is often the people who consider themselves animal lovers who unknowingly support the cruel practices of animal tourism operators.

According to an Oxford study commissioned by the World Animal Protection , the ten cruelest types of animal tourism are elephant riding, taking selfies with tigers, bear parks, walking with lions, holding sea turtles, dolphin shows, civet cat coffee plantation tours, dancing monkeys, performing cobras and crocodile farms. Don’t do it.

So, what should you look out for when it comes to animal encounters on your travels?

Truly ethical operators do not get too close to animals . If you can touch, ride or take selfies with ‘wild’ animals, stay away from the tour.

Safaris and scuba diving on the other hand allow you to watch wild animals in their natural habitat from a distance.

Before you book anything, always do in-depth research about the operator.

5. Support Local Businesses

Being a responsible tourist means spending money in the right places.

My favorite way of doing that is visiting local markets. Buying your food here is not only the freshest and most delicious option, it also allows you to know exactly where you’re money is going .

At the same time, this is a great way to learn more about the culture and a country’s traditional dishes. Plus, you might even make some new friends.. A classic win-win situation.

Make sure you also purchase all kinds of souvenirs in local businesses.

6. Be A Responsible Photographer

Travel photography is the best way to help you remember all the beautiful places you’ve seen and people you’ve met.

But keep in mind that it is highly disrespectful to just walk around and take pictures of other people without their consent. You are not in a zoo – they a humans just like you (Rhyme not intended but hey, maybe it helps you remember this one).

7. Avoid Plastic

Depending on where you are, it is possible that locals will have a different understanding of plastic usage and its disposal than you. Don’t get annoyed or angry when you are given a plastic bag for the thousandth time – just stay polite and say NO .

To avoid unnecessary plastic wrappings around fruits and veggies in supermarkets, try to purchase fresh food on local markets.

Bring your own coffee mug and reusable containers for meals instead of getting take-away in disposable boxes.

8. Book Tours With Responsible Companies

‘Eco’ is on the rise. The term is becoming more and more popular and these days you can find it on websites of hotels, restaurants and tour operators throughout the world. But what seems to be the perfect opportunity to support sustainability while making memories unfortunately often doesn’t keep the promise.

Companies do what you call greenwashing – they use the power word ‘eco’ in front of whatever they offer in order to attract more customers.

To make sure that you are really ‘doing your bit’ to help the planet instead of falling for a fraud, ask questions. Don’t be shy and take your time. If the tour operator is truly responsible, they will enjoy telling you whatever you would like to know.

You can ask the following questions:

• How do they minimize their ecological footprint ? (Do they boycott single-use plastic? Do they use renewable energy? Do they recycle?)
• Who benefits from your travels/ you participating in this tour? (Do they for example cooperate with a small local business ? Do they employ locals? Do they pay fair wages?)
• How do they give back to the places that you will be exploring during the trip?
• Who owns the company and where will your money go ?

9. Avoid Planes

Sometimes, flights are necessary in order to get from A to B. But before you decide to hop on a plane to get to your destination, think about alternatives. Is there maybe an overnight train that you could take? Is car-sharing an option? If you have time and a thirst for adventure, why don’t you hitchhike there?

And to bring up an even more uncomfortable question: Do you really need to visit that country on the other side of the world? If you only have one week of vacation, wouldn’t it also be an option to explore your own backyard, and by backyard I mean your own country and its neighbors?

If the international long distance flight couldn’t be avoided, try to minimize your ecological footprint when you’re traveling around in the area. Instead of planes, take buses or trains or tuktuks or whatever else your country of choice has to offer. It’s also a great way to get to know the culture better.

10. Leave No Trace

The concept is easy: ‘Take only pictures and leave only footprints’.

Leave No Trace is an international organisation that has set the global standard for outdoor ethics . Simply stick to the following 7 principles:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Your Hosts and Other Visitors

11. Communicate With The Locals

Getting to know a few locals will make your experience so much better . So. Much.

Take the local transport, shop in local businesses, and also visit less touristic areas if your schedule allows it. Even in the world’s tourist hot spots this will allow you to get to know a few locals (after all, what’s the point of traveling so far away if you don’t even get an impression of the real life there?).

If you visit a country rather off the beaten trek staying under the radar would be nearly impossible anyways.

12. Bring A Reusable Water Bottle

How many single-use plastic water bottles would you have gathered after only a week of traveling without your own reusable bottle? Let me tell you, too many.

Bringing your own water bottle not only saves you money and stress, it also reduces your plastic consumption by a lot.

If you find yourself in a country where drinking tap water is not advised, water purification tablets will do the job.

13. Stay In Eco-Friendly Accommodation

From small guesthouses to luxurious lodges, since ‘eco-friendly’ has become some kind of a trend, more and more accommodation owners claim to be ‘green’ . But what exactly does that mean?

Before you make a booking, check their website or ask the employees the following questions:

• Are they certified? (For more info, check this guide to sustainable hotel certification schemes )
• Do they recycle?
• Do they use renewable energy?
• Do they minimize their water consumption?
• How much of the food they serve is sourced locally?
• Do they promote low carbon travel?

Our tip: Check out Ecobnb !

14. Don’t Feed Wild Animals

A fed bear is a dead bear. And same goes for all other wild animals.

When they start to associate humans with food, they become less careful and put themselves in dangerous situations . They are for example more likely to get hit by cars when crossing the road or have to be put down by rangers because they got too close to children or pets.

Animals might also develop disease as the food they are fed by tourists often doesn’t meet their nutritional needs.

Moreover, feeding of wild animals in particular areas can cause competition and thus injuries and death.

15. Don’t Waste Water

Never waste water . Especially if you travel countries where water is scarce , like South Africa , being a responsible tourist is very important.

Here’s what you can do to save water:

• Cut your showers down to 2 minutes.
• Don’t leave your taps running when brushing your teeth or washing hands.
• Use your towel more than once in hotels (let the room service know).
• Rewear clothing and only do a washing once you have a full load of dirty laundry.
• If you are cooking your own food, wash fruits and veggies in a bowl and reuse cooking water to water plants or wash the dishes.
• Close taps properly – every drop counts !

16. Don’t Buy Animal Products As Souvenirs

When buying souvenirs, stay away from animal products. Your purchase could support animal suffering and threaten local wildlife .

The most common animal souvenirs are:

• Ivory and other mammal or reptile bones and teeth
• Reptile skins
• Quills, feathers or bird beaks
• Turtle and tortoise shells
• Traditional medicines with wildlife products (e.g. used as aphrodisiacs)
• Seashells and corals

17. Be An Ethical Volunteer

‘Volontourism’ is as popular as ever. According to Save The Children , each year, 1.6 million people volunteer overseas. Being one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry, volontourism is worth  an estimated $2.6 billion per year .

The intentions of the mostly young individuals are honorable – they see communities struggling and want to help. But the result can be the opposite.

Unfortunately, volunteers often don’t have the appropriate qualification and experience . If you are not qualified to do the job in your own country – why would it be okay to do it somewhere else?

Especially orphanage volunteering is problematic . The children get used to one person who abandons them after a few weeks. It’s needless to say that these ‘hug an orphan holidays’ are not exactly helpful for trust development of the already vulnerable children. Moreover, money has become a risk for the well-being of the kids – often orphanages   are deliberately kept in awful conditions in order to obtain more money from volunteers and visitors.

So, how can you be a responsible volunteer?

Ask yourself a few questions before you decide to volunteer.

• What are you expecting from your volunteering experience?
• What is your motivation? Are you doing it for the right reasons?
• What are your skills?

The organizations with the best marketing and highest fees are not necessarily the most responsible ones. Before you chose an organization, ask them as many questions about their programs and work ethics as you want. Again – if they do it for the cause and not the profit, they will be happy to provide all the information you need and ideally also put you in touch with former volunteers.

Sometimes, you can help more by simply donating money (or for example toys and clothes that you bring with you from home, if you have the capacities).

18. Use Environmentally Friendly Travel Items

Be mindful when you create your packing list . Replacing a few items with eco-friendly versions will make a positive difference for your environment.

Bring a soap and shampoo bar instead of travel size toiletries in plastic packages. They basically last forever and don’t produce unnecessary waste .

Another essential for every responsible tourist is reef-safe sunscreen , as regular sunscreen contains a chemical that contributes to the destruction of coral reefs.

19. Bargain Respectfully

In many countries bargaining is okay and even expected. However, always keep in mind that the sellers need to make a living of their products.

When you make a deal, be fair and don’t force someone to sell below value . Remember, your money is supposed to have a positive impact.

20. Consider Traveling In Shoulder Season

Tourism operators don’t like to admit it, but overtourism is a problem . Too many travelers in peak season are pushing the capacities of the world’s tourist destinations. Among other issues, pollution levels rise and stress on natural environments increases.

Responsible tourism in off- or shoulder season has the potential to spread the impact a little. Plus, it benefits the local economy year-round.

Moreover, prices are lower and you don’t have to share the most beautiful spots with tons of tourists.

21. Don’t Be An Idiot

Have you heard of the guy who tried to smuggle a penguin from Boulders Beach in Cape Town back home to keep it as a pet? Or the family father who headbutted a local in Venice who politely asked him to step off his private boat where he was taking selfies? Or the couple who bathed naked in holy water of a Hindu temple in Bali?

Whatever you do, don’t be that person.

If locals have a negative impression of tourists and their behavior, we are not acting responsibly. Traveling is enjoyable only if locals and travelers work together to protect our planet, its wildlife and communities.

22. Spread the word

Communication is key. Now that you know how to be a responsible tourist, discuss it with your friends and family.

Use your Social Media and other platforms to raise awareness of the tourism industry’s issues and potentials.

The Bottom Line

We can’t deny that, to some degree, each tourist has a negative effect on the environment. That means that we will never be completely green or entirely socially responsible.

However, as the travel industry is expected to grow immensely in the upcoming decades, we have the power to create a change towards a more sustainable planet .

The world deserves responsible tourism.

Responsible Tourism Documentaries

Get inspired to become a more responsible tourist with the following documentaries..

The Ivory Game

This Netflix documentary shows how illegal poaching for ivory (which is sold to tourists mainly in Asia) severely threatens African elephants. Watch the trailer here .

Crowded Out – The Story Of Overtourism

The name says it all: Crowded Out tells the story of overtourism by outlining the main factors that impact tourism destinations worldwide. Watch it on Youtube .

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, the idyllic Cinque Terre is trying to balance between sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, economic development and preservation of old traditions. Watch it on Prime Video or on vendemmiamovie.vhx.tv .

2.5% – The OSA Peninsula

Costa Rica’s  rainforest-covered Osa Peninsula contains 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. This documentary outlines how an international airport threatens the region and how rural community tourism could be the answer to Osa Peninsula’s problems. Watch 2.5% – The OSA Peninsula on Lokal Travel .

Gringo Trails

Gringo Trails examines the long-term effect of tourism on communities and the environment, even in some of the most remote areas of the world. Watch it on Prime Video .

Bye Bye Barcelona

This documentary addresses the problems caused by the ever-growing number of international tourists visiting Barcelona each year. You can watch it on  YouTube .

Are you ready to become a more responsible tourist? What are your experiences with responsible tourism?

Let us know in the comment section below!

Further reading:

21 Benefits Of Being Vegan

Best National Parks in South Africa

Climate Change – The Lethal Effect on Animals

Wednesday 16th of September 2020

A really, really great and insightful article, not to mention hugely informative. Well done :-)

Thank you, James! :-)

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Tips

What Is Responsible Tourism?

Published: December 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Willow Carpenter

• Plan Your Trip
• Sustainability

Introduction

In recent years, the concept of responsible tourism has gained significant traction in the travel industry. As travelers become more aware of the impact their choices have on the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage, there is a growing demand for a more sustainable and ethical approach to travel. Responsible tourism, also known as sustainable tourism or eco-tourism, seeks to minimize the negative impacts of tourism while maximizing the positive benefits.

Responsible tourism goes beyond simply minimizing one’s carbon footprint or supporting local economies. It encompasses a commitment to preserving and respecting the natural and cultural heritage of destinations, promoting social inclusivity, and fostering economic development in local communities. It aims to create a balance between the needs of travelers, the environment, and local residents, creating a more harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship.

This article will delve into the definition of responsible tourism, explore its principles, highlight its benefits, discuss the challenges in implementing responsible tourism, and provide examples of responsible tourism practices.

By understanding and practicing responsible tourism, travelers can contribute to the preservation of our planet’s ecosystems, support local businesses and communities, and engage in meaningful cultural exchanges. Whether you are an avid adventurer, a cultural enthusiast, or a leisure traveler, incorporating responsible tourism principles into your travel habits can make a significant difference in preserving our world for future generations.

Definition of Responsible Tourism

Responsible tourism can be broadly defined as a way of traveling that takes into consideration the environmental, social, and economic impacts of tourism activities. It is a concept that encourages travelers to make conscious choices that minimize harm to the environment and benefit local communities and cultures.

At its core, responsible tourism is about creating a positive impact on the destinations visited. This involves being aware of and respecting the natural environment, supporting local businesses, and engaging in cultural exchanges that are respectful and authentic.

Responsible tourism also encompasses the idea of sustainable development, ensuring that the needs of present travelers are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It recognizes the interconnectedness of the environment, economy, and society and seeks to find a harmonious balance among them.

One of the key aspects of responsible tourism is the concept of “leave no trace.” This means minimizing the environmental footprint by taking steps such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and practicing responsible wildlife viewing and conservation. It also involves respecting the cultural and historical heritage of a destination and making an effort to engage with local communities in a sensitive and respectful manner.

Responsible tourism also encourages travelers to support local economies by staying in locally-owned accommodations, eating at local restaurants, and purchasing locally-made products. By doing so, travelers can contribute directly to the economic development of the communities they visit and help create sustainable livelihoods for local residents.

In essence, responsible tourism goes beyond being a passive observer or consumer and instead encourages active participation and engagement with local communities, cultures, and environments. It is about traveling with a sense of responsibility, awareness, and empathy, and leaving a positive and lasting impact on the places we visit.

Principles of Responsible Tourism

Responsible tourism is guided by a set of principles that help shape the actions and behaviors of travelers and the tourism industry. These principles provide a framework for creating a more sustainable and responsible approach to travel. While the specific principles may vary, depending on the source and context, there are a few common principles that are widely recognized in responsible tourism practices:

• Sustainability: The principle of sustainability is at the heart of responsible tourism. It emphasizes the need to minimize negative impacts on the environment, conserve natural resources, and protect biodiversity, while promoting social and economic well-being for local communities.
• Community Engagement: Responsible tourism encourages travelers to engage with local communities and cultures in a respectful and meaningful way. This involves learning about and respecting local customs and traditions, supporting local businesses and initiatives, and fostering cultural exchanges that promote mutual understanding and appreciation.
• Environmental Conservation: Responsible tourism aims to minimize harm to the environment by practicing sustainable and eco-friendly behaviors. This includes reducing waste and pollution, conserving water and energy, and supporting initiatives that promote environmental conservation and protection.
• Respect for Local Laws and Customs: Travelers engaged in responsible tourism understand and respect the laws and customs of the destinations they visit. This includes following local regulations, respecting sacred sites, and being mindful of cultural sensitivities.
• Support for Local Economies: Responsible tourism seeks to benefit local communities by supporting local businesses, such as accommodations, restaurants, and craft industries. By purchasing locally-made products and using local services, travelers can contribute to the economic development of the destination and create sustainable livelihoods for local residents.
• Education and Awareness: Responsible tourism promotes education and awareness among travelers, tour operators, and local communities. This includes providing information and resources to help travelers make responsible choices, raising awareness about the importance of sustainable practices, and promoting cultural and environmental education initiatives.

By adhering to these principles, travelers can play a significant role in preserving and protecting the destinations they visit, while also creating a positive impact on the local communities and the environment.

Benefits of Responsible Tourism

Responsible tourism offers numerous benefits for both travelers and the destinations they visit. By choosing to travel responsibly, individuals can have a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage. Here are some key benefits of responsible tourism:

• Preservation of the environment: Responsible tourism practices help minimize the negative impact of travel on the environment. By practicing sustainable behaviors such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives, travelers contribute to the preservation of natural habitats, biodiversity, and ecosystems.
• Social and economic empowerment: Responsible tourism can greatly benefit local communities by supporting local businesses and creating sustainable livelihoods. By staying in locally-owned accommodations, eating at local restaurants, and purchasing locally-made products, travelers directly contribute to the economic development of the destination. This helps create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and empower local residents.
• Cultural exchange and understanding: Responsible tourism encourages travelers to engage with local communities and cultures in a respectful and meaningful way. This fosters cultural exchange, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and helps preserve traditional customs and practices. It provides travelers with a deeper and more authentic travel experience, allowing them to learn from and appreciate different cultural perspectives.
• Environmental education: Responsible tourism encourages travelers to learn about and appreciate the natural environment of the destinations they visit. By participating in eco-friendly activities, such as nature walks, wildlife conservation projects, or responsible diving practices, travelers gain a better understanding of the importance of environmental conservation and become advocates for sustainable practices in their own lives.
• Avoiding overtourism: Responsible tourism promotes a more sustainable approach to travel by encouraging travelers to visit lesser-known destinations or off-peak times. This helps distribute the economic benefits of tourism more evenly, reduces the strain on popular tourist destinations, and mitigates overtourism, which can lead to environmental degradation and cultural erosion.

Overall, responsible tourism allows travelers to not only explore the world but also make a positive difference. By engaging in responsible practices, individuals can contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, support local communities, and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.

Challenges in Implementing Responsible Tourism

While responsible tourism offers numerous benefits, there are several challenges that need to be addressed in order to effectively implement it. These challenges stem from various factors, including lack of awareness, economic considerations, and infrastructure limitations. Here are some of the main challenges faced in implementing responsible tourism:

• Lack of awareness and education: One of the key challenges is the lack of awareness and understanding among travelers, tour operators, and local communities about the principles and practices of responsible tourism. Many people may not be aware of the negative impacts of tourism or the potential benefits of responsible practices. Education and awareness campaigns are needed to promote responsible tourism and encourage widespread adoption.
• Economic considerations: Implementing responsible tourism practices may require additional investment and resources, which can be a challenge for small businesses or developing destinations. It may involve making changes to infrastructure, adopting sustainable practices, and training staff, all of which require financial resources. Finding a balance between economic viability and sustainability can be a challenge, but it is crucial to ensure the long-term success of responsible tourism.
• Lack of government support and regulation: The absence of government support and regulation can hinder the implementation of responsible tourism practices. Governments play a crucial role in setting policies, enforcing regulations, and promoting sustainable tourism initiatives. Without clear guidelines and support from authorities, it can be difficult for businesses and communities to prioritize responsible practices.
• Infrastructure limitations: In some destinations, the lack of appropriate infrastructure, such as waste management systems, sustainable transportation options, and recycling facilities, can pose challenges for implementing responsible tourism. Improving infrastructure to support sustainable practices may require significant investment and coordination between various stakeholders.
• Cultural and social considerations: Balancing the preservation of cultural heritage and the needs of local communities with the demands of tourism can be complex. Responsible tourism requires respecting local traditions and customs, supporting community-led initiatives, and ensuring that tourism does not negatively impact the cultural identity and social fabric of a destination. Achieving this balance can be a challenge, especially in highly popular tourist destinations.

Addressing these challenges requires collaboration and commitment from various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, local communities, and travelers themselves. By recognizing and working towards overcoming these obstacles, responsible tourism can become more mainstream and have a broader positive impact on the environment, communities, and cultural heritage.

Examples of Responsible Tourism Practices

Responsible tourism can take many forms, and there are numerous examples of practices that individuals, businesses, and destinations can adopt to promote sustainability and ethical travel. Here are some examples of responsible tourism practices:

• Supporting local communities: Travelers can support local communities by staying in locally-owned accommodations, dining at local restaurants, and purchasing locally-made products. This ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are shared with the local population, promoting sustainable livelihoods and empowering communities.
• Respecting cultural heritage: Responsible travelers engage with local cultures and heritage in a respectful and meaningful way. This can involve participating in cultural activities, respecting sacred sites, and learning about local customs and traditions. By doing so, travelers not only enrich their own travel experiences but also contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
• Protecting the environment: Travelers can minimize their impact on the environment by practicing sustainable behaviors. This includes reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting initiatives that promote environmental conservation. Examples include using reusable water bottles, avoiding single-use plastics, and participating in beach clean-ups.
• Supporting wildlife conservation: Responsible travelers seek out wildlife experiences that prioritize the well-being and protection of animals. This can involve choosing ethical wildlife sanctuaries and conservation projects that promote animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Responsible travelers also follow guidelines for responsible wildlife viewing, such as maintaining a safe distance and not disturbing the animals’ natural behavior.
• Responsible trekking and hiking: For outdoor enthusiasts, responsible trekking and hiking practices are crucial to minimize environmental impact. This includes sticking to designated trails, avoiding littering, and respecting wildlife and plant life. Additionally, it is important to book with responsible tour operators that prioritize environmental sustainability and support local communities.
• Reducing carbon footprint: Travelers can reduce their carbon footprint by choosing eco-friendly transportation options, such as taking public transportation or cycling, and opting for accommodations that have implemented energy-saving practices. Additionally, carbon offset programs can be utilized to compensate for the emissions generated during travel.
• Engaging in voluntourism: Voluntourism allows travelers to contribute to local communities through meaningful volunteer work. This can involve activities such as teaching English, building sustainable infrastructure, or participating in environmental restoration projects. It is essential to engage in voluntourism through reputable organizations that ensure positive and sustainable impacts on the local communities.
• Supporting sustainable tourism certifications: Look for accommodations, tour operators, and destinations that have obtained recognized sustainability certifications, such as Green Globe or Travelife certification. These certifications ensure that the businesses and destinations adhere to specific sustainability criteria and have implemented responsible practices.

By incorporating these examples of responsible tourism practices into our travel routines, we can make a positive impact on the environment, support local communities, and create a more sustainable and ethical approach to travel.

Responsible tourism is more than just a trend; it is a necessary and conscientious approach to travel that considers the well-being of the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage. As travelers, we have the power to shape the future of tourism by making responsible choices and supporting sustainable practices.

Throughout this article, we have explored the definition of responsible tourism, the principles it encompasses, the benefits it offers, the challenges in its implementation, and examples of responsible tourism practices. From supporting local communities and protecting the environment to respecting cultural heritage and reducing our carbon footprint, responsible tourism encompasses a wide range of actions that can have a positive impact on destinations around the world.

Implementing responsible tourism practices may come with its challenges, such as lack of awareness, economic considerations, and infrastructure limitations. However, by working together – travelers, businesses, governments, and local communities – we can overcome these challenges and create a sustainable tourism industry that benefits everyone involved.

By choosing responsible tourism, we can create a more harmonious relationship between tourism and the environment, preserving the natural wonders that make our planet unique. We can support local economies, empowering communities and ensuring that tourism brings long-term benefits. And, importantly, we can foster cultural exchange and understanding, celebrating the diversity of human heritage.

As responsible travelers, it is our duty to educate ourselves, make informed choices, and encourage others to do the same. By adopting responsible tourism practices, we can travel the world with a sense of purpose, leaving a positive impact on the places we visit.

So, let us embark on our future travels with a commitment to responsible tourism, forging a path towards a more sustainable and responsible travel industry, one journey at a time.

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What Is Responsible Tourism And Why is It Important?

Posted on Last updated: 31/01/2024

Categories OTHER

What is responsible tourism? This vital and ever-evolving subject can be confusing for those trying to become better travellers. So here is a look at what responsible tourism actually means, including a few examples from travellers as well as travel companies and tourism boards.

We’ve all heard about sustainable, green, ethical and ecotourism. More and more destinations, tour operators, hotels and other tourism enterprises are branding themselves as eco friendly and sustainable.

In addition, sometimes we hear the term responsible tourism too, which can add a bit of confusion and make you wonder what it all means and whether there is a difference. So what is responsible tourism exactly?

Table of Contents

• 1 What is responsible tourism?
• 2 Responsible tourism vs. sustainable tourism vs. ecotourism – is there a difference? 
• 3 Why is responsible tourism important?
• 4.1 Responsible tourism from a traveller’s perspective
• 4.2 Responsible tourism from the travel industry’s perspective

What is responsible tourism?

The tourism sector is an important driver of economic growth and job creation across the world, and, up until recently (hello COVID-19!) it accounted for approximately 10% of the global GDP.

More and more countries are turning to tourism for economic growth, and travel in itself has never been as accessible to as many people as it is today.

Parts of the world that were once hard to reach are now easily accessible, and the cost of travel is considerably lower nowadays compared to 20-30 years ago. Add to this, the rise in popularity of social media channels such as instagram encourages and inspires people to see the world more than ever.

As the world is becoming smaller, the increase in visitor numbers on destinations all over the world has had a considerable impact on resources, the environment and local communities.

Thankfully, more and more destinations, tour operators and other enterprises in the tourism industry are focusing on becoming more sustainable and encouraging responsible tourism. But what does this all mean?

In a nutshell, responsible tourism tries to both minimise and reverse the negative effects of travel. These can include overcrowding, the destruction of heritage and the environment, globalisation, detrimental social change and many others. 

Responsible tourism vs. sustainable tourism vs. ecotourism – is there a difference? 

There is a slight difference between responsible tourism and sustainable tourism and ecotourism, but these terms are normally used interchangeably, which can add to the confusion.

According to the Oxford Dictionary ecotourism is ‘tourism directed towards exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife’ . Although it focuses predominantly in the environmental aspect of destinations, in practice it also involves being respectful of local communities.

Sustainable tourism goes a little bit further than that. According to the WTO (World Tourism Organization) , an agency of the United Nations, sustainable tourism should:

• Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.
• Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance.
• Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed, including stable employment and income-earning opportunities and social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation.  

Responsible tourism , in turn, refers to the responsibility that both visitors and hosts take to ensure this sustainability is addressed and maintained. A responsible tourist will make decisions based on what is best for the local communities in the long term, making sure that the actions based on those decisions have a positive impact on those communities.

Responsible tourism makes travellers a (temporary) active part of that community, as opposed to them just being a spectator. Making meaningful connections with the visited communities is just as important as being respectful of the environment and the local customs.

In practical terms, however, sustainable tourism, responsible tourism, ecotourism, green tourism and similar designations, are more often than not used equally in the same context.

READ MORE Bregenzerwald, the Austrian region living sustainably and in harmony with nature

Why is responsible tourism important?

Travelling responsibly doesn’t only have a positive impact in the destinations and communities we visit, but it provides us with enriching experiences that often stay with us and become the highlight in our memories.

Travelling is a way to open our minds to the world and the realisation that we are all different but we’re also the same. And doing it responsibly gives us an opportunity to learn through meaningful connections with local people and to get a better understanding of local cultural, as well as social and environmental issues.

But enough about what we get out of it. What do local communities, the planet and the wildlife get out of it?

According to the Cape Town Declaration , responsible tourism:

• Minimises negative environmental, social and economic impacts
• Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry
• Involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
• Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world’s diversity
• provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
• provides access for physically challenged people
• and is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence

These aspects of responsible travel will take a variety of forms depending on the community, its culture and the environment, but it’s a good place to start thinking about what we can do to do our bit and travel responsibly. 

Responsible tourism examples

If you haven’t given responsible tourism a thought before, it’s hard to know where to start on your way to becoming a better traveller, and even to visualise how it can apply to your own travels.

For this reason, I wanted to give you a few examples of responsible tourism so I asked a few travel bloggers, experts in the matter, to let us know how they ensure they travel responsibly. 

Responsible tourism from a traveller’s perspective

Engaging with local communities and reducing single-use plastic.

By Steph from Worldly Adventurer

Responsible travel for me is all about changing your attitude towards travel and what impact you want to have. I know that when I travel to a new destination, I a) want to leave only a positive impact and b) want to come away with a richer cultural understanding of the destination and its people.

One way I minimise my impact is by always taking a portable travel water filter  on trips to minimise my single-plastic use. But more importantly, I try and seek out experiences that allow me to engage with and spend my money in local communities.

Things like homestays or immersive tours to visit and learn from rural or indigenous communities, or even simply staying in locally-run accommodation rather than international chains, can be a great means of genuine cultural exchange and ensuring your money stays in-country.

Responsible travel that engages with local communities is also a humbling opportunity to learn from the people whose country you’re visiting. While I do travel to admire stunning landscapes, interacting with other people and hearing their stories of what life is like in their part of the globe is the most powerful way of learning while traveling.

Using your purchasing power by supporting local businesses

By Abbie from Speck on the Globe

One thing that really resonates with me when I hear the words “responsible tourism” is getting to the core of the industry through supporting locals and being mindful of where my money is spent.

Tourism leakage, or the act of our tourism dollars leaving the communities where we visit is a vital component within sustainable travel.

By staying in locally owned and operated hotels, eating in local dining establishments, purchasing goods made my local artisans, the more money I can keep in the hands of the people who live there the better the place will be.

Destinations that rely on tourism as a main source of revenue shouldn’t lose what they generate to other, usually more stable economies. I’m especially cognizant of my purchasing power when visiting or living in places like the global south where this can be a prominent issue.

Finding locally owned and operated places to spend my money means doing a little research when planning a trip to ensure that my time and money is making the greatest positive impact to where I’m visiting.

Often is a more cost effective, climate conscious choice as well, making it the more sustainable option in the long run.

Respecting the local ecosystem and leaving sand and shells on the beach

By Claudia from Strictly Sardinia

Like many others in Sardinia, the island where I was born and raised remains my favorite travel destination during the summer months, when I can enjoy the stunning beaches. I make it a point to visit a different one each weekend.

We Sardinians are truly proud of the beauty of our beaches, their transparent water and the beautiful sand. 

One thing I do differently from others though, is respecting the delicate local ecosystem.

While most in Sardinia have finally come to terms with the idea that taking sand from the beach shouldn’t be done – and even then, they only got to understand that because massive fines are imposed on anybody caught doing that, or caught with the sand – most seem to be completely oblivious to the damage they are doing each time they pick up (and take away) a shell or walk on the sand dunes. 

It took millennia for those sand dunes to form, and walking on them destroys them. Likewise, the shells that are apparently just inanimate objects are precious nutrients for microorganism living at the beach – and thus should be left where they are. 

I try to do my part to promote environmental protection of Sardinia beaches by pointing out behaviors that are damaging – ie when my 10-year-old niece asks me if I like the shell she’s just picked up, I tell her I do but that I’d like it better left on the beach.

The only thing I pick up from the beach is garbage left by others. 

Another great example of Responsible Tourism A Sustainable Travel Guide to Graz, Austria’s Greenest City

Responsible tourism from the travel industry’s perspective

As you can see, responsible tourism comes in many different forms. However, making sure that we travel responsibly requires a joint effort with the travel industry.

With that in mind, I’ve also highlighted a few success stories of the positive impact sustainable and responsible tourism brings to local communities and the environment, but this time these stories come from actions taken within the travel industry.

Kasbah du Toubkal, Morocco – Working with the local community

Kasbah du Toubkal is a Berber Hospitality Centre in the Atlas Mountains developed with the community in mind.

It was designed to be a flagship development for sustainable tourism in a fragile mountain environment, to be a viable business involved in the development of the Moroccan economy and its growth, and to contribute to the enhancement, viability and vitality of the life of the local community.

Built by a local workforce using locally sourced materials, it is now managed by local people and supported entirely by locally run services. You will have noticed that the key word here is local . 

From its beginnings, establishing a sustainable local economy was important for the Kasbah du Toubkal, so it created Association Bassis d’Imlil, a self-financing association that now uses its funds for local projects such as rubbish clearing and the provision of an ambulance amongst others.

Kasbah du Toubkal is also involved in an initiative that makes education accessible to all, but in particular to girls, in a community where traditionally women are not educated.

The Kasbah has also put measures in place to ensure that local working animals are well looked after and that muleteers are paid a living wage so that, in turn, they’re able to care for their mules accordingly.

NBTC Holland Marketing – Spreading the load of overtourism

Amsterdam has long been a victim of its own success, and the influx of visitors to this popular European capital has shown no signs of slowing down. This has been good for the city in that it has established a strong tourism sector, but in recent years the problems that come with overtourism have started to show.

Overcrowding, disrespectful behaviour and the displacement of local people are only a few of the problems that have stemmed from this.

NBTC Holland Marketing, the destination management organisation of the Netherlands, has made a shift from destination promotion to destination management and development.

Their new vision aims to use tourism as a way to improve prosperity and welfare across all areas of the country, so that every Dutch citizen will benefit from tourism by 2030.

As you know, there’s more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam, with plenty of other beautiful cities and regions on offer.

One of the strategies that NBTC is using is to attract tourists to different parts of the country and, if possible, at different times of the year, so that more regions and residents will benefit from visitors.

You can find more information about NBTC’s vision and strategy here . 

Vang Vieng, Laos – From hedonism to sustainable tourism

Vang Vieng was once known as the party capital of South East Asia, and a mandatory stop in every backpacker’s gap year itinerary.

For many years, travellers from all over the world flocked to Vang Vieng’s infamous party and tubing scene, but quickly things got out of control. Alcohol and drug excess coupled with lack of regulations, turned Vang Vieng into a wild hedonistic town and a deathtrap, claiming 27 lives in 2011 alone.

A year later the government stepped in and closed most of the riverside bars, where the majority of the shenanigans took place. Rumours that tubing was dead spread quickly and backpackers stopped coming. It was a blow for the local economy.

Vang Vieng has had to reinvent itself, and it chose to do it with a long-term vision in mind.

The town’s location is its best asset, on the banks of the Nam Song River and surrounded by towering karst limestone mountains, caves and inviting lagoons.

This dramatic landscape has helped in the rebrand of a decadent party town, into a place where the surrounding countryside is once again the star attraction. Local enterprises now offer alternative, more sustainable activities that attract a more responsible type of traveller who seeks to enjoy nature.

I hope this article about what is responsible tourism will give you enough food for thought about the impact our choices have when it comes to travel.

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Teresa is an award-winning travel blogger based in London. She’s on a mission to explore the world through responsible cultural and adventure travel , and through deeper, more meaningful local experiences. She’s a lover of adventure, the outdoors and everything food related, and she’s always looking for ways to make a positive impact through sustainable travel .

Monday 24th of May 2021

Great information!! Thanks for sharing this informative information about responsible tourism. I really enjoy reading this blog information.

Teresa Gomez

Sunday 30th of May 2021

Thank you so much! I'm really happy you found it useful :)

Kishor Kumar

Tuesday 2nd of March 2021

Great article. Nicely written

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

Thursday 10th of December 2020

Thanks for doing so well at defining responsible travel! It can be so confusing with all the different terms that people throw around. I loved what the other bloggers had to say too :)

Saturday 19th of December 2020

Thank you! I'm really glad you found it useful. I also feel that all the different terms around sustainable and responsible travel can be a bit confusing, so I'm glad I was able to give some clarification :)

Jen Ambrose

Friday 25th of September 2020

Oh I love that you mentioned Vang Vieng in this post! I lived in VV for a few months teaching yoga, and I had such a nice time there. I feel like I'm constantly telling people, "No it's different now!" (or least it's trying to be lol)

Sunday 27th of September 2020

How cool! I loved Vang Vieng! And I'm so glad it's changed for the better! :)

Friday 21st of August 2020

LOVE how you clearly explain responsible tourism using examples from so many countries! It is so true that responsible tourism benefits *both* the locals in each country & well as the travelers ourselves. It's a win-win. Sharing this blog with every traveler I know!

Saturday 22nd of August 2020

Thank you! It's clearly a win-win. But we don't always stop to think about it. I'm really happy you enjoyed it. And thanks for sharing! :)

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Responsible Tourism: making less Photos and shaking more Hands

What is Responsible Tourism? Respecting the environment, but also supporting local communities and making better places for people to live in.

Tourism is probably the most profitable industrial sector in the global economy, although it is not a purely economic phenomenon. As a matter of fact, tourism can create opportunities for sharing and awareness-raising of important social themes. This is the reason why it is necessary to develop this concept into a dualism between tourism and sustainability to coin an innovative definition of ecotourism, responsible tourism,  and sustainable tourism

From Ecotourism to Responsible Tourism

“ Ecotourism means travelling responsibly in natural surroundings, respecting the environment and the sake of local people ” (TIES 1991)

“Ecotourism means traveling with environmental awareness and visiting natural areas almost pure in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (such as the cultural attraction of past and present). This encourages the preservation, it has a few negative consequences and promotes an active and beneficial socioeconomic participation of local people ” (Elisabeth Boo, 1990)

“Ecotourism is a way of traveling responsibly in almost natural environments. It tries to reduce negative environmental effects and sociocultural transformation. It helps to finance protected areas and creates possible sources of income for local people” . (working team “Ecotourism” for German Ministry)

According to WTO (World Tourism Organization, a division of the United Nations), there is no universal definition of ecotourism. However, its main characteristics can be summarized in this way:

• All forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourist is observing and appreciating nature or traditional cultures in a natural environment;
•  It has educational and interpretative features;
•  It is mostly organized – not always – in small groups of small specialized companies run by local people . There are also some foreign operators of different dimensions that organize, manage and distribute ecotouristic tours, usually for small groups;
• It reduces negative effects  on the natural and cultural environment;
• the creation of economic advantages for the host locations, organizations and institutions that manage protected areas, to protect them;
• the production of alternative jobs and sources of income in local communities;
• the formation of conscience for the protection of natural and cultural heritage in local people and tourists’ minds.

Since the 1990s to date, the focus towards ecotourism has been growing more and more leading to a real ecological boom. For this reason, some alternative definitions of ecotourism have become popular. From “green” tourism to low environmental impact tourism, from rural tourism to slow tourism. This has certainly raised awareness of environmental issues and attention to eco-tourism.

Though responsible ecotourism

Ecotourism, ecological tourism or responsible tourism? There are a lot of words defining the same concept, this can lead to confusion. Responsible ecotourism makes clear the social responsibility of the tourist. It doesn’t mean raising awareness only of nature and visited places, but also being respectful  of local communities that live there.

The new frontier of ecotourism is sustainable tourism or responsible tourism: An environmentally friendly tourism, that must also be respectful of local communities who have to be economically supported through tourism. How? You should buy in local markets, prefer hotels and restaurants run by local people, choose local tour guides. In this way, the money you spend during your travel can arrive directly to local people, this has a positive impact on local communities.

What is responsible tourism?

First of all, it is appropriate to point out that the so-called “ responsible tourism ”, “sustainable tourism” or “ green tourism ” is not just about being environmentally-friendly in terms of natural environment, hotel accommodation or transport used in touristic experiences. It is also based on the concept of the social inclusion of local communities.

Travelling is a synonym of curiosity and knowledge. “Classical” tourism does not allow us to communicate with local people, which is the primary basis in order to build a bridge between two cultures .

In this way, the “ sense of place ” is created, it means a sort of “emotional geography” where emotions are situated in the middle of the touristic experience. Perhaps, the most important aspect of this concept is in the homecoming, when we understand that printed colour photographs are not the only thing that is engraved in our memory .

The green requirements

Moreover, the “ Responsible Tourism” label can be used only if sustainable accommodation fulfils strict rules and requirements. “ Green label ” and “ Green key ” are just two labels among so many others that are used to highlight an experience that certainly respects the environment . For instance,  the requirements to understand the Ecological Quality of your accomodation .

An increasing number of people have shown to be sensitive to environmental issues and preservation . Moreover, this type of tourism could find the appropriate incentive to cover the considerable amount of investments required to start the project thanks to additional awareness campaigns.

Advantages of responsible tourism

Responsible tourism can be developed with many different initiatives . The main goal of these kinds of experiences is creating a safe business that allowed us to provide economic benefits for the  global community . It should be organized in order to either interact with people with very different social values and encouraging a local and environmentally-friendly economy for a better future .

Would you like to know something more about sustainable tourism ? Discover now 5 myths about Ecotourism you need to stop believing .

Would you like to organize your next travel in a more eco-friendly way? Check this link!

Featured image: photo by Avel Chucklanov, on Unsplash

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Encyclopedia of Tourism pp 794–795 Cite as

Responsible tourism

• Karla Boluk 3 &
• Clare Weeden 4  
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Responsible behavior derives from moral philosophy. One’s responsibility is considered in relation to a common understanding of it within a society. Therefore, what is considered responsible to a culture or society dictates how one should behave. In tourism, responsibility has the most significant application, since it involves the mixing of cultures and values and various understandings of being good. Quintessentially, responsibility requires a concern for humanity.

Concept and its use

The Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism is the most comprehensive and oft-cited definition. The principal interest is to improve the communities in which hosts live, and in turn enhance the experiences for visitors. Therefore, it should “minimize negative impacts, generate wider benefits for the local people…, improve the working conditions…, involve local people…, make positive contributions…, provide more enjoyable experiences…, provide access for physically challenged people,” and operate in...

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Cape Town Declaration 2012 Responsible Tourism in Cape Town < www.responsibletourismpartnership.org/CapeTown.html > (2 September 2013).

Goodwin, H. 2012 Ten Years of Responsible Tourism. Progress in Responsible Tourism 2:4-33.

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Harrison, L., and W. Husbands 1996 Practicing Responsible Tourism. New York: Wiley.

Krippendorf, J. 1987 The Holiday Makers. Oxford: Heinemann.

Leslie, D. 2012 Responsible Tourism. Wallingford: CABI.

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Boluk, K., Weeden, C. (2016). Responsible tourism. In: Jafari, J., Xiao, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Tourism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01384-8_301

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How to be a Responsible Tourist (+20 Responsible Travel Tips!)

Last Updated on October 5, 2023

Travel can be an empowering, educational, and relaxing experience. But unfortunately, tourism does come with some harmful effects. Here are 20 ways to be a responsible tourist.

I’ve been traveling for over a decade, and in that time, I’ve been trying to become a more responsible, sustainable traveler. Over the years, I’ve definitely made mistakes when it comes to responsible tourism.

But the more I travel, the more I learn. I’m sharing with you 20 tips I’ve learned for becoming a more responsible tourist. 

What is Responsible Tourism?

How to travel responsibly, 1. acknowledge diversity, 2. avoid contributing to overtourism, 3. support local communities, 4. support local tourism operators, 5. value experiences over bragging rights, 6. be intentional with photos, 7. travel overland whenever possible, 8. zero waste travel, 9. minimize waste in hotels, 10. pack in, pack out, 11. walk, cycle, and take public transit, 12. travel slowly, 13. be conscious of cultural appropriation, 14. practice responsible wildlife tourism, 15. avoid participating in voluntourism, 16. respect and follow local customs, 17. check yourself for ethnocentrism, 18. pay fair prices, 19. be mindful of what you share, 20. do your research and listen to locals, final thoughts: responsible tourism is evolving.

Responsible travel considers the pros and cons of tourism . It’s all about making choices that minimize the negative impacts of your travels in favour of ones that are neutral, or contribute positively when traveling. It’s about traveling in a way that is better for people, the planet, and wildlife.

With this approach to tourism we can reduce the effects of overtourism, support local and Indigenous communities, protect natural resources and wildlife, and more. Responsible travel ultimately provides an opportunity for us travelers to give back to the regions and communities that we visit. 

Now, that’s how I think about responsible tourism, but there are some official definitions, too. The UNWTO has a great official definition:

“Responsible tourism takes full account of its current and future economic, social and  environmental impacts, while addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

Why do we need responsible tourism? 

The reality is that tourism can be harmful. We need responsible tourism because it provides a framework along with actionable tips for how we can travel in a way that is more sustainable for local communities, planet earth, wildlife, and heritage.

What is an example of responsible tourism? 

Responsible tourism means reducing air travel whenever possible, booking locally-owned and eco-conscious hotels and tour guides, traveling slowly, sustainably, and mindfully, and investing your tourism dollars in local communities as much as possible. 

This is a pretty broad example, but don’t worry, I’m digging into more examples and details below!

It can be overwhelming to get started with responsible travel. Just remember that it’s all about ongoing learning, and it’s not a race. Rather than making lots of big changes at once, approach it with baby steps! 

A great place to start is by simply acknowledging the impact of your travels. Take the time to think about how your globetrotting might be affecting natural environments, wildlife, local communities, culture, and economies. From there, you can begin making small changes to your travel habits. 

I also think it’s important to remember that there isn’t a one size fits all approach for responsible travel. Some of the tips below might be more accessible to you than others, and that’s ok! A good start is to do just what you can, and build from there. 

20 Responsible Travel Tips

If you want to start working toward responsible travel, you’re in the right place! Read on for my favourite responsible travel tips. 

One of the beautiful things about travel is that it gives us the opportunity to see the diversity of the world. One way to be a responsible tourist is to actively acknowledge diversity, and put effort into learning about diversity – not just diversity between countries but within countries and communities as well. 

For example, in India there are 22 major languages, over 720 dialects, and people across the country belong to different ethnic groups who all have unique traditions and culture. Taking note of this diversity (and putting effort into learning about it!) shows respect for those cultures. 

It’s also important to acknowledge Indigenous peoples as you travel. For example, Canada’s Indigenous peoples tend to be underrepresented in the tourism industry .

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any opportunities for tourists to support Indigenous peoples when they visit Canada. For example, tourists can seek out Indigenous owned shops and restaurants, or visit museums dedicated to Indigenous history.

Being a responsible tourist means trying to benefit communities rather than do them harm. For the most part, tourism is extremely beneficial: it can help build economies, especially for small communities, create jobs, encourage conservation, and encourage the restoration and preservation of historic sites. 

Overtourism describes when tourism’s positive benefits become outnumbered by the negative ones, and it’s become more evident in recent years as tourism has become more accessible.

When tourism becomes unsustainable in a place, you start to see consequences that have the potential to impact local life, culture, the land, animals, and more. 

Reducing your contribution to overtourism is a great way to responsibly travel. Here are ways to do it: Avoid mainstream or iconic destinations, practise second city tourism , travel in small groups, travel slowly, and try to travel in the off peak, off season.

Support locals and local communities by investing your dollars in them rather than the government – yep, this means skipping Starbucks and opting for a local cafe instead!

By putting your dollars towards local restaurants, cafes, and other businesses, you can help ensure that tourism remains a force for good – which is our ultimate goal in being responsible tourists. 

A few ways to support local communities include buying directly from markets, eating in small restaurants, selecting locally owned and operated tour companies and staying in locally owned hotels and hostels.

If you’re ever unsure about how local a restaurant or hotel is, you can read through online reviews. Oftentimes online reviews will reveal who is operating or who owns the business, and that’s a great clue to whether it’s local or not. 

Lots of global tour operators are actively working toward more sustainable practices. There are eco-operators that take steps to minimize their environmental impact, and many tour operators are hiring local guides and supporting local business as much as possible. 

When booking group travel or tours, do some basic research to see what kind of support the company you’re looking at is giving to the local community.

Look at whether their guides are local to the destination you’re visiting, look at whether other staff are local, and look at if they support local restaurants and hotels rather than chains.

When possible, you can also choose to hire a guide once you’ve arrived at your destination. For example, when we traveled to Guatemala to do the Acatenango hike (which gives you views of an erupting volcano), we didn’t book our guide until we’d arrived in Antigua.

Rather than booking a global tour company for our hike, we asked in our hostel to be connected with a local guide. 

From conversations in hostel dorm rooms to travel influencer Instagram accounts, I’ve noticed that country counting is an ongoing trend. This trend shifts the focus and value of travel away from experiences, favouring quality over quantity. 

Responsible tourism is all about doing right by the destinations you visit, and that means spending the time to learn about that destination, and value the time you spent there.

While country counting isn’t all around bad (yes, I can tell you how many I’ve been to), as responsible tourists we should strive to keep the focus on experiences, because that’s what matters.  

So when you’re planning new travels, don’t discount places you’ve been to already, or feel like you need to fit as many countries into your time away as possible. Revisiting places can be super rewarding. Believe me, this is why I’ve traveled The Netherlands four times now!

It’s tempting to take photos of, well, everything when you’re traveling. And I get it, it’s fun to take photos with local people. But photo-taking needs to be intentional, and respectful to other people and cultures. So if you’re taking photos of people, be sure to grab their consent – this is an easy way to promote responsible tourism. 

If you intend to share a photo of someone to your social media, or any public platform, it’s important to have explicit consent to do so. This is especially important if that person belongs to a minority group or different culture, or if the person is a child.

Sharing images of impoverished, or less developed communities for self-gratification is an unfortunate symptom of the White Saviour Industrial Complex.

So how can you be a responsible tourist when taking photos? The first step is to be intentional, and be transparent about those intentions. If you’d like a photo of a local person for your travel blog, for example, let them know that.

The second step is to simply ask for their consent! Ask if it’s ok to share the photo on your Instagram, or on your blog.

By minimizing how often you fly, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. It’s hard to wrap your head around how much carbon a flight produces, but it’s really important to understand that it’s a lot . In fact, one return flight can generate more CO2 than citizens of some countries produce in an entire year. 

It isn’t realistic for most people to cut out flying entirely. Some of us may have family abroad, or are required to fly for work. If you live in a country like Canada or Australia, visiting another country might not be possible without a flight (or a multi day road trip).

Given this, the best approach to sustainable travel when it comes to flying is to reduce how much we fly, as much as possible.  

Here are some tips for reducing your air travel carbon footprint:

• Most emissions are released during takeoff and landing. Reduce the carbon impact of your flight by booking a direct flight rather than a flight that includes connections. The less you takeoff and land, the better!
• Travel overland rather than booking a flight, particularly when traveling short distances. In some cases, flights are a big time saver, or they’re getting you across an ocean. But wherever possible, take a train or bus instead of the plane!
• Fly economy class. Business class fliers leave a far larger carbon footprint , so by opting for economy you can minimize your impact when you do fly.
• Neutralize your carbon footprint by paying carbon offsets. This means funding projects that remove carbon emissions like reforestation, farm power and landfill gas capture. Make it a practice to donate, every time you fly.
• Skip the weekend jaunts and do something local instead. With short haul flights so widely available, it’s tempting to take a 2 hour flight to another city for a day or two. If you can, cut down on these weekend trips and do something closer to home that doesn’t require a flight instead.

The good news? In the future we will likely switch over to electric planes which will reduce the carbon impact of flights. In the meantime, governments around the world are taking action.

The French government has become the first large economy to ban short-haul flights where a train or bus alternative of two and a half hours or less exists–a move which was voted on in 2021 and comes into effect in April 2022.

It’s becoming easier and easier to cut down on your waste, both at home and while abroad. Reducing your use of plastic and other disposable products and packaging helps lessen how much ends up in a landfill.

A zero waste approach conserves natural resources and reduces pollution from extraction, manufacturing and disposal.

So how can you be more zero waste while traveling? Here’s some tips! 

• Pack canvas bags, reusable cutlery, and reusable food storage containers . By bringing these items along, you can refuse single use items that you might come across while shopping or dining out. Bring canvas bags to use instead of accepting plastic bags, and reusable cutlery for takeout. You can also bring some containers for random things, like leftover food.
• Pack zero waste toiletries . These days it’s pretty easy to find no waste shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, and a bamboo toothbrush.   
• Invest in a water filtration system to help cut down on bottled water. I’ve been super happy using Grayl’s filtration water bottles. It can be expensive initially to invest in a filtration system, but not only is it good for the environment, it can ultimately save you money because you won’t be buying water bottles as you travel. 

In most hotels you’ll find lots of single use items in the rooms. One way to travel more responsibly is to avoid using these products. Instead, use what you’ve brought from home! Here’s some tips: 

• Bring your own toiletries and toothbrush. This way you won’t need to use the tiny bottles of shampoo, lotion, and other toiletries that are offered. 
• Avoid drinking bottled water that is provided. 
• Hang up your towels to reuse rather than replace daily. 
• Turn off lights, air conditioning, the television and other appliances when you leave your room.
• Leave the “do not disturb” sign on your hotel door knob so that hotel staff know not to wash linens and towels every day.  

Pack in, pack out is a phrase (lots of hikers use it) that means, basically, don’t leave behind in nature anything that you bring with you. Avoid leaving any litter on the ground, even if it’s organic.

When hiking, visiting beaches, or in rural areas, stow any waste in a reusable container and dispose of it properly when you can. 

Renting bikes, walking, and taking public transport when you’re traveling does more than just reduce your carbon footprint. It’s a great way to see a new place!

I love getting around on foot and on public transit when I’m visiting a new place because it creates an opportunity to get outside more, exercise, and save on your travel budget. 

For example, when my partner and I visited Mexico City we made a point of taking the subway system and local buses to get around. Even though Uber trips are super affordable in Mexico City, we found that taking public transport was more fun because we got to experience the city in a local way. 

Slow travel is all about emphasizing connecting to places we visit. Slow travel means spending as long as possible in place, rather than trying to, let’s say, tick off as many cities during a week in Europe as possible. I know how tempting it is to fit in as many stops as possible on a trip, but hear me out. 

There’s many benefits to slow travel, and all of them directly support responsible tourism. Slow traveling allows tourists to spend more time in a place, which in turn means they get to know the culture and people better, and tourists can invest more tourism dollars in that place. 

And these aren’t the only benefits. Slow tourism also has less of an environmental impact. 

So next time you’re planning a trip, consider cutting down the amount of stops you make on your travel route so that you can spend longer in each place. You might be surprised at how slow travel not only benefits the communities you visit, but enriches your experiences of them.  

Cultural appropriation is when a person adopts elements of a culture that is not their own. It becomes controversial when members of a dominant culture appropriate from disadvantaged minority cultures.

Examples of cultural appropriation include when white people wear dreadlocks, or non-Indigenous people wear Indigenous dress as a halloween costume.

Cultural appropriation is a complex issue with lots of grey areas. And since much of travel revolves around experiencing and learning about other cultures, it can be tough to figure out what is and isn’t cultural appropriation while abroad.

But it isn’t impossible. There are two important aspects to think about when considering cultural appropriation while traveling: respect and context. 

The respect aspect means:

• You should always ask yourself if you are participating in a tradition, or wearing traditional clothing, out of honor or imitation. 
• Respect includes understanding: are you aware of the significance, meaning, and history of the tradition or clothing? 

The context aspect means:

• In what situation are you participating in a cultural tradition or wearing cultural clothing? Being invited to participate is key. 
• Are you participating to learn about a culture, or to perpetuate a stereotype?

Thinking about whether your actions are respectful, and considering the context you’re in, as well as your overall motivations, are all important when thinking about whether you are culturally appropriating.

Responsible tourism is about remembering that you are a humble guest of the culture you are visiting. Appropriation is really only acceptable on an invitation basis. 

Visiting elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, swimming with pigs in The Bahamas, and going on safari in Kenya – these are all experiences that most travelers dream of having.

But because animal encounters are so popular amongst tourists, there is a consumer-driven demand for animals that sometimes results in exploitation. And so as responsible tourists, we should do our best to avoid supporting exploitation when engaging with wildlife.

It can be super difficult to figure out what kind of encounters with wildlife are responsible. The best line of defense is to always do your research.

For example, if there’s an elephant sanctuary you want to visit, look at the reviews for that sanctuary (specifically the bad ones) to learn what other tourists have seen there. If they’ve witnessed maltreatment, it’ll likely be mentioned in the review. 

Another rule of thumb for wildlife tourism is to avoid animal encounters that include contact. Any time a wild animal is willing to engage with you, it’s because that animal has been specifically trained to do that.

If you want to visit animals as responsibly as possible, always opt for observation only experiences. 

There are many ethical safaris where you can observe animals from afar without disrupting them. The animals don’t need to be trained, and instead of an artificial encounter, you get to see them in the wild, engaging in natural behavior. 

There’s a reason that people love to combine their travels with volunteering. It seems like a great opportunity to do good, while exploring the world.

The thing is, voluntourism, missionary work, and other forms of aid often carry colonial and problematic undertones. It can also be very difficult to figure out whether or not your presence and volunteer work is actually having a positive impact. This is because voluntourism has in many cases become an industry. It’s so easy now to book and pay for a one or two week volunteer experience, where you drop into a community just briefly. Bu The Guardian summarized it well in a 2018 article : The aspiration to help the most vulnerable children is a noble one, but the booming business of “voluntourism” sustains practices and institutions that actually do harm. There is no such thing as a “good” orphanage, according to child development experts. Eighty years of research confirms that children do best in a family.

Voluntourism tends to be very transformational for the volunteer, but in many cases it’s very unlikely that the volunteer returned that positive impact to the community they visited.

This is often because voluntourism experiences are manufactured, and don’t require a long term investment or any specialized skills from the volunteer. 

For a volunteer experience while traveling, a great alternative is to do a work exchange, like through WorkAway .

Our planet is so culturally diverse, chances are, you’ll often find yourself in a region that has customs quite different from your own. Keep in mind that when visiting a country outside your own, you’re a visitor. So it’s best to behave like one! This means taking the time to learn about local customs and traditions, and then respecting them. For example, in some regions of the world, women traditionally dress modestly. When visiting those regions, women travelers can show respect by following the local custom of covering their shoulders or legs.

It’s also always helpful to learn at least a bit of the language local to where you’re traveling. This makes travel easier for you (even knowing “hello” or “excuse me” is helpful), but also shows that you care to invest time in learning about local culture.   

What’s ethnocentrism? Ethnocentrism refers to perceptions or assumptions made about a culture. Often, ethnocentrism leads people to judge another culture based on the standard of one’s own culture.

There’s a power dynamic involved, too. For example, when Western travelers “don’t like” the customs in a country that are different from their own, there can be colonial undertones involved. 

It’s okay to feel confused by, or to simply have thoughts about a custom that you aren’t familiar with. To avoid ethnocentrism, take some time to sit with those feelings and do some research so you can understand why that custom is the norm.

Ask questions! Understanding a custom often helps to make something new or different feel more comfortable.

It can be hard when traveling to not get caught up in obsessing over your budget. Being budget conscious isn’t bad, as long as you are careful to make sure that your budgeting practices don’t harm the communities you’re visiting.

In many countries around the world, like India , bartering prices before making a purchase is common practice. It’s also common that tourists will be asked to pay higher prices than a local would. This is informally known as the “tourist tax.”

Some travelers are upset by the tourist tax, but I’d argue that it’s fair that locals maximize their income by setting prices based on what a buyer can actually afford.

If you can afford to travel, then you can afford to pay local communities prices that are fair. That fair price may be more than what a local would pay, but that doesn’t mean it’s unaffordable for a traveler visiting from abroad who has currency privilege . 

The way you post to social media, or even talk about your trip with family or friends is worth thinking about if you’d like to be a responsible tourist. Often, it’s easy to fall into using subtly demeaning language, or to accidentally perpetuate stereotypes. 

Put some thought into how you are representing the place and culture that you visit. In some cases, what you post to Instagram or other social media will shape another person’s only perception of that destination. It’s always best to keep in mind the language and imagery used, and highlight the good in a place.

Many of us travel for leisure (and there’s nothing wrong with that), but travel is also a great opportunity to learn. When we travel we encounter new places, people, cultures, and traditions, and these experiences can help us to broaden our mindsets and understanding of the world.

Before traveling, consider researching more than just the top 10 places to visit. Dedicate some time to researching your destination’s history, its food, its traditions, and more.

Knowing some history and culture before you travel there can inform your trip, and help you to make sense out of what you encounter there. And, when you do start looking into the top 10 places to visit, I recommend looking for bloggers and influencers who are local to the region you are traveling to for advice. 

During your trip, continue the learning by talking with locals, and listening to what they have to say. Ask questions. And most of all, remember to look for the good. 

I think it’s important to acknowledge that this list of ways to be a responsible tourist will continue to grow and evolve. I am not a perfect tourist, and I actually doubt I ever will be. But the more that I travel, the more I am learning about how to be respectful to not just the planet, but other cultures and other people. 

It’s also important to acknowledge that much of the change that is needed to make travel more responsible and sustainable is in the hands of large corporations, governments and local authorities.

They have the power to control tourist numbers, create tourist taxes, shift to more eco-friendly practices, and shift their marketing approaches. But as individual tourists, we can take steps to ensure that our travel is as beneficial as possible rather than being harmful.

I hope that these ideas for responsible tourism have inspired you to think about the way that you travel, and ways that you can (hopefully) travel better! Do you have tips for responsible tourism that you want to add? Tell me in the comments or send me an email .

More from Pina Travels:

How to Avoid Contributing to Overtourism

• Responsible Tourism: Let’s Talk Travel Privilege
• What’s the Difference Between Travel and Tourism?

Your Guide to Responsible Budget Travel

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Erin has been traveling for over a decade, both solo, and with her partner. She’s now traveled to countries across 6 continents, and has lived in 2 countries abroad. Erin also hosts the travel podcast, Curious Tourism , where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism. Learn more about Erin, and get in touch with her, here .

Related Posts

Avoid overtourism: visit these underrated places instead, your guide to unpacking travel privilege, 28 thoughts on “how to be a responsible tourist (+20 responsible travel tips)”.

Such helpful tips! I definitely try to support local communities and get recommendations from locals when I travel, plus it makes travel more meaningful for me!

Another great article!! so fan of you! Hope we all follow your tips and tourism and travellers think this way much more! Thanks again for sharing!

I’m a teacher, so I sadly always have to travel during peak season which makes it difficult to avoid over-tourism in some places. However, I have started traveling to less touristy places and it definitely helps! Cultural appropriation is a big one that always makes me mad when I see people not respecting other cultures (like in Morocco people who were walking around in shorts…) Great tips!

This was such an interesting and well thought of article! I had never really thought about the effects of over tourism Untill recently. I watched a documentary about developers trying to take over native land In the Grand Canyon to install a tourist railway. This development would have provided no benefit or financial support to the community. It really made me realize how important supporting local communities is!

I love this post. I’m an advocate for sustainability and being mindful of others beliefs. Treat those around you and the environment how you’d want to be treated.

I enjoyed a lot your post! made me think about my next trip and things I have to consider. I will definitely follow your recommendations. You are such an inspiration =)

Hi! Great post, thanks for sharing your thoughts, I really enjoyed reading it. Karo

Hi Erin, I think your point 10 on talking to the locals is some of the best advice any traveler can get. The locals can really open your mind about beautiful destinations, local customs and ways to support local communities. I always feel a bit more confident about the right way to travel a country after I’ve talked to the locals. Important post!!! 🙂

Great post. I honestly think that doing these things gives you a better experience (as well as being better for the world.) I mean, visiting an area that is super touristy and busy is not even as fun as discovering a less-famous but equally gorgeous sight.

Your last point it really important too. We all have to keep learning and keep improving.

I love this article so much, the message is so important and you brought up so many good points! I love traveling to less mainstream places and supporting locals’ small businesses! Thanks for sharing these thoughts with the world!

Some very important tips here – particularly about being respectful when taking photos. It can be easy to just point the camera and snap away without thinking about the harm it could cause. A great way to think about it is if you wouldn’t like it then they wouldn’t either.

Well said. Country counting is not the point! 🤦‍♀️ Your tips are so considerate and thoughtful. Pinning for later. Thank you!

I like this list. I definitely agree that it’s important that when we visit a place, it’s important that we try not to have a negative impact on it and also remember that people lived there before we visited and will continue to live there afterwards so we need to respect the place and the people.

I agree with using your money to support local businesses! I always try to book a tour with a private company and eat at family-owned restaurants rather than chains!

Great guide! Pinned it for later <3

Thank you so much for outlining various ways we can combat overtourism and be responsible travelers. Slow traveling is my favorite way to explore!

Great tips! We always try to be conscious of the above when travelling and like to travel very very slow.

Love this! It is so important to be a responsible traveler whether you’re traveling locally or a far away.

this is such an important topic – thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts!

This was a very interesting read. You’ve brought up a lot of important points that we should all think about when travelling!

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Really insightful guide and definitely a must read for anyone thinking of going travelling; they’re all really good points.

I’m so glad you made a mention about responsible wildlife tourism! it’s been years but we’ve definitely still got alot of stepping up to do. as long as the demand continues to exist, the supply will follow suit.

Being intentional with our pictures and minimizing waste are so important!

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Responsible Tourism: Protecting Oceans and Communities

Wanderlust grabs many of us, but responsible tourism practices are often overlooked. So ask yourself, are you a responsible tourist?

Published by Rob Elgar

Divemaster and Marine Conservationist, with a BSc in Environmental Management

The ocean is vast and full of wonders, and in recent years with the expansion of technology, it has become more accessible than ever before. This has made the need for responsible tourism practices paramount to conserving our oceans and coastlines.

With pristine beaches, biodiversity like nowhere else on earth, and endless underwater coral cities to explore, ocean tourism has seen a massive global increase.

According to Grand View Research, the coastal and marine tourism market is valued at approximately USD 2.9 trillion and is expected to grow at a rate of 5.7% until 2030.

We must all participate in conscious and responsible travel to ensure the conservation of the intricate ocean ecosystems.

What Is Responsible Tourism?

Responsible tourism, also referred to as sustainable tourism , is a conscious and ecological approach to travel and tourism that aims at minimizing the negative effects and maximizing the positive contributions of travel on communities, cultures, and environments that are visited.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (NWTO) states the definition of responsible tourism as:

tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities .

This includes the preservation of natural resources, respect for local customs, and supporting community development and sustainability.

Why Responsible Tourism Is Important

Tourism has the power to educate, inspire, and build communities, but it can also destroy ecosystems and cultures.

How we move worldwide is as important as moving into our own space. Understanding why sustainable tourism is important to embrace its gravity fully is essential.

Negative Impacts of Tourism on Communities

Communities in popular tourist destinations often fall victim to tourism’s adverse effects. 

Cultural degradation has become a major problem with the increase in tourism, as local communities alter their traditions and culture to cater to the demands of tourists. 

This has led to a loss of cultur al heritage in many popular destinations. Furthermore, the disregard for local beliefs and traditions has caused tension between travelers and locals.

Tourists often take advantage of the poor locals, exploiting the local economy for its cheap goods with unfair bargaining .

This can lead to a loss of economic growth and economic leakage , where most of the tourism revenue never reaches the hands of the local communities.

Furthermore, the rapid growth of tourism has and continues to displace communities from their ancestral lands, to develop touristic accommodations and attractions such as beaches from hotels and theme parks.

Negative Impacts of Tourism on the Environment

Ocean ecosystems are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of tourism .

Irresponsible diving , snorkeling, and boating activities can cause physical damage to delicate coral reefs, leading to coral bleaching and the loss of critical marine habitats . 

Along with this comes marine pollution, where plastic waste and pollutants find their way into the ocean at an increased rate, leading to various environmental issues. The emissions of tour boats and cruise liners further increase this.

Furthermore, the construction of tourism infrastructure in coastal areas can lead to habitat destruction , depleting wetlands and mangroves that serve as natural buffers against storms and essential nurseries for marine species.

Key Principles of Responsible Tourism

Environmental conservation.

Responsible tourism prioritizes protecting natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity of any given area subject to tourism. 

Local and foreign tourists are encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint by reducing waste, using low-emission public transport, protecting local fauna and flora, and supporting conservation efforts .

Ethical Wildlife Interactions

Sustainable tourism promotes ethical wildlife encounters, discouraging activities that exploit or harm animals for tourism purposes.

It prioritizes the well-being and natural behavior of marine wildlife by limiting human interaction with natural species.

These limitations include but are not limited to avoiding the consumption or purchasing of endangered species, attempting to touch or capture animals, picking flowers and plants, or removing natural resources like stones and coral from their resting place.

Respect for Local Cultures

Travelers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions of the places they visit. 

By doing this, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the customs of the local communities , which in turn brings with them a greater understanding and respect for the places we visit, more enjoyable experiences, and meaningful connections.

Once we become part of a community, we gain a sense of responsibility for it and its people and how it develops.

Supporting Local Communities

Responsible tourism prompted the support of local communities by encouraging visitors to spend their money at local businesses , travel centers, and services.

Avoiding international chains and large corporations is important, as these companies take money out of communities, thus leaving the locals with little to show from all the revenue that tourism brings to their country.

Empowering Local Communities

In the past, the tourism industry has taken advantage of locals by giving them little say in how the tourism sector develops in their communities.

Sustainable tourism aims at giving power back to the people by including them in the decision-making processes, allowing them to become part of the industry, which further promotes community-based tourism .

Responsible Tourism Dos and Don’ts

It can be easy to get lost in all the information based on responsible tourism, especially if the idea is new to you.

As a traveler that wants to make as much of a positive impact as they can, while reducing any negative blowback, it can become a bit daunting.

To make things easier, the table below will provide you with some of the basic dos and don’ts of sustainable tourism.

Following this guideline is a good start to being a more conscientious globetrotter.

Is responsible tourism more expensive than traditional tourism?

While some responsible tourism activities may have higher upfront costs due to their sustainable practices, others can be cost-effective. Supporting local businesses and opting for eco-friendly accommodations can help reduce travel costs.

Can responsible tourism help combat climate change?

Yes, sustainable tourism promotes sustainable practices, including reducing carbon emissions and supporting carbon offsetting initiatives, all of which reduce the adverse effects of climate change.

How can responsible tourists support local communities?

Responsible tourists can support local communities by purchasing locally-made products, engaging in community-based tourism activities, and respecting local customs and traditions. Staying clear from international companies and large chains is key to keeping wealth in the hands of the locals.

Can responsible tourism lead to over-tourism in specific destinations?

Popular tourist destinations can quickly become overwhelmed by international tourists, often depleting a particular area of resources that locals require to survive. Responsible tourism aims to prevent over-tourism and reduce its negative impact by focusing on less-visited areas and off-peak seasons.

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Responsible tourism: what does it mean, principles and how to practise it

Responsible tourism refers to a form of tourism that makes social and economic justice and respect its founding principles. It is about travelling with a mindset of responsibility for one’s impact on the earth and people.

Often in the common imagination it coincides with sustainable tourism. But, there are nuances and differences that make the two concepts slightly different. Certainly they both represent not phenomena but two travel styles that take their cue from specific lifestyles.

Responsible tourism involves both the tourist/traveller and the tourist facility. In fact, even tour operators must spread a culture of sensitivity to issues of corporate social responsibility, environmental sustainability, gender equity and good practices in general.

These actors, as well as institutional ones, must take great care to ensure that responsible tourism is implemented and managed as a whole in a way that does not generate social and economic inequities .

Responsible ecotourism therefore places the social responsibility of the tourist at the centre of the trip . This translates not only into an awareness of nature and the places visited, but also into respect for the local populations living there.

Table of Contents

What is responsible tourism

According to the definition, responsible tourism is tourism “implemented according to principles of social and economic justice and with full respect for the environment and cultures”.

In practice, it is a way of travelling that recognises a prominent place for the local community that hosts the traveller. And thus its right to be a “protagonist in the sustainable and socially responsible tourism development of its territory”.

In reality, it is becoming increasingly difficult to define responsible tourism precisely because it is not possible to give an unambiguous explanation of this practice, identifying it, from time to time, with other practices. That, instead, are only meanings or specifications of it, such as ‘conscious tourism’, ‘ ecotourism ‘, ‘sustainable tourism’, etc. If you like, responsible tourism can be a sum of these practices.

Conscious and responsible tourism: the principles

A traveller who chooses to travel responsibly is a traveller who pays attention to the impact of his or her actions and choices by trying, in every possible way, to defend the destination he or she visits.

If we want, we can define the principles on which conscious and sustainable tourism is based:

• respect for and protection of the environment, the ecosystem and biodiversity ;
• respect for and preservation of the culture and traditions of local populations ;
• low-level impact of tourist facilities and activities on the environment;
• informed consent of indigenous populations on tourism activities;
• active participation in the management of ecotourism enterprises ;
• promotion of a tourist travel experience that gets to know the local communities and their culture;
• sharing the economic benefits of tourism with local people;

Difference between responsible and sustainable tourism

We speak of slow tourism and responsible tourism to indicate a concept very similar to sustainable tourism . The two are very close to a single form of travelling that is based on respect for the environment and cultures. Although sustainable tourism has a lot to do with issues of environmental pollution and responsible tourism with choices that affect communities.

In fact, sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that recognises the importance of the host community and its right to actively participate in the development of its territory.

In essence, responsible tourism assesses the ethical impact of tourism on the local population and the consequences on economic and social development. A concept that gives ample space to the possibility of returning to travel while enjoying the authenticity of a place, the craftsmanship of its products, the seasonality of the food and the industriousness of the local population.

Whether we are talking about sustainable or responsible tourism, in each case we refer either to do-it-yourself trips , i.e. organised backpacking, or to trips managed by Tour Operators specialising in this type of experience .

Consequently, the cost is never the same, because it could be a very cheap trip or, on the contrary, a more expensive trip than a more commercial tour.

Read also: More and more people choose not to fly: what is the “flight shaming” movement

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What Is Responsible Travel?

The term “responsible travel” has been thrown around a lot recently. But what is responsible travel? How does it work? Why does it matter? And how can we, as travellers, put the concept into action?

As we begin to see more and more negative consequences of mass tourism in our favourite destinations, the answers to these questions become increasingly vital.

I’d like to start by saying: don’t be daunted by the phrase “responsible travel.” People can become wary and turned-off by buzzwords like this as it can sound like preaching or guilt-tripping. That isn’t to say that there isn’t a strong message behind the responsible tourism movement — because there definitely is — but it’s not as preachy as it may sound. It’s simply about encouraging people to be more switched on, ethical and thoughtful when they travel.

Ultimately, responsible travel does not involve limiting yourself. It actually opens you up to the world a little more, encouraging you to scratch beneath the surface and understand your surroundings. The goal is to try and make people aware of the impact tourism can have on local environments, economies and communities, and ensure this impact is a positive one.

In this article, I’ll define responsible travel, take a look at where the concept came from, explore its principles and discuss how we can all do our part to ensure our travels make a positive impact.

What is responsible travel?

The definition of responsible travel is as simple as this:

Responsible travel pertains to being socially, economically and environmentally aware when you travel. You understand how your actions can impact a destination and strive to ensure this impact is a positive one.

In short, responsible travel is about taking responsibility for making tourism sustainable and how we address this challenge. Perhaps we could say that sustainability is the goal, and travelling responsibly is the action.

Confusion arises thanks to the range of similar buzzwords within the travel and tourism industry. For example, you may have heard of the following terms: ecotourism, sustainable tourism, ethical travel, green travel, mindful travel and conscious travel. These buzzwords do have their own specific definitions and principles, but they all aim to make a positive impact.

Regardless of what you call it, they all share the same core principles:

• Conserve and protect wildlife, biodiversity and the environment
• Respect and conserve traditions, values and heritage
• Contribute to cultural understanding and tolerance
• Ensure viable long-term economic and social benefits

Responsible tourism is all about leaving a positive impact on not only the environment, but also the people who live in the places we choose to visit. The result being not only a more ethical and responsible trip when it comes to travellers’ impacts, but also a more authentic, exciting and culturally immersive one for them too. responsibletravel.com

A brief history of responsible travel/ecotourism

The origin of ecotourism arguably has its roots in the Sierra Club back in the early 1900s. The Sierra Club took annual expeditions into the Sierra Nevada to show hikers the natural beauty of the mountains and forest, with the hope that they would want to help protect the environment there.

However, ecotourism officially developed with the environmental movement of the 1970s and 1980s. Growing concern for the environment coupled with dissatisfaction with mass tourism led to increased demand for alternative styles of travel — travel that was kinder to the planet and more rewarding for tourists.

Around the same time, less developed countries began to realise that nature-based tourism, or ecotourism, could offer a healthy income. This gave incentive for them to protect their environment and move away from more destructive methods of making money, such as animal agriculture and logging.

By the mid-1980s, a number of these developing countries had identified ecotourism as a means of achieving both conservation and development goals, as well as a good way of securing foreign exchange.

Megan Epler Wood, a wildlife biologist, is renowned for being one of the first advocates for the ecotourism movement. She was a Fulbright Scholar in Colombia in 1986, and in 1990, she founded The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), the first not-for-profit in the world dedicated to economic development through sustainable tourism.

Today, ecotourism and responsible travel are considered one of the fastest-growing sectors in the travel industry.

Principles of responsible travel

1) Provide long-term economic benefits to local people. Responsible travel aims to achieve a measurable reduction in poverty among local communities. By employing local people in tourism, staying in locally-owned accommodation, and putting money directly into the pockets of local communities, the economy is strengthened over-all. Tourism can also stimulate local business growth and generate investment in infrastructure where it’s needed.

2) Provide long-term social and cultural benefits to local people. Tourism should positively influence international understanding and respect for local traditions, customs and values. Tourists should act sensitively and respectfully towards local people and help to strengthen natural heritage.

3) Conserve and protect wildlife, biodiversity and the environment. Tourist activity should not cause negative consequences for wildlife or the environment. This can be as simple as taking litter away, sticking to marked hiking trails and not participating in animal tourism, such as swimming with dolphins or riding elephants.

Consequences of unsustainable tourism

Mass tourism and unresponsible travel can have a variety of negative consequences on a destination. I often use Thailand’s Koh Phi Phi as an example of how unsustainable tourism can contribute to the demise of a destination: mass numbers, pollution and trash caused the government to completely close Maya Beach.

1) Destruction of the environment. Overdevelopment, pollution and overconsumption of natural resources all contribute to the destruction of an environment. High tourist numbers place high demand for more restaurants and hotels to be built; sunscreen-clad tourists pollute oceans and damage coral reefs ; litter and waste are left behind, and natural resources are drained.

2) Disturbance or abuse of wildlife. Habitats are often cleared to make space for resorts, hotels and tourist attractions, which directly impacts wildlife. Not only this, many animals are exploited for the tourism industry — think of “swim with dolphins” programmes, elephant riding and big cat encounters.

3) Inflated living costs. High tourist numbers cause land, food, water, housing and transport to increase in price. The phrase “tourist tax” is not a myth. You’ll pay more for just about everything in tourist areas — even if you’re a resident.

4) The commodification of local cultures and traditions. In many countries around the world, tourists can pay to visit “local tribes” or “ethnic groups” who are, in essence, taught to put on a display in order to satisfy paying customers. This is just one example of how cultures and traditions can be commodified.

How to be a responsible traveller

Now that you know why responsible travel is so important, let’s look at some ways you can put the concept into action.

1) Conserve energy, electricity and water. This is something that you should be doing at home anyway. But ensure you limit your use of energy and utilities as much as possible, such as keeping showers short, limiting your use of A/C and only doing laundry when you have a full load.

2) Shop and eat locally. Shop and eat locally wherever possible. Supermarkets ship food from all over the world, resulting in increased carbon emissions and plastic packaging. Not only is eating local better for the environment, but its usually cheaper and also supports the local economy.

3) Respect the environment, culture and people of the places you visit. Cultures all over the world have very different customs, traditions and societal rules. Take the time to learn what these are so that you can ensure you’re being respectful.

4) Make eco-aware accommodation choices. When deciding on your accommodation, opt for locally-owned guesthouses or homestays. This means you’ll be supporting the local people. You should also look for eco-friendly hotels and hostels that work to reduce their impact on the environment, specifically by using renewable energy or having a recycling scheme.

5) Choose responsible tour companies. If you’re looking to travel with a tour group, do your homework and choose a company that adheres to sustainable and eco-friendly travel policies. G Adventures and Intrepid Travel are good examples of responsible tour companies.

6) Avoid animal tourism. If you want to see wild animals, opt for sanctuaries or national parks that offer a “hands-off” approach and who rescue/rehabilitate/protect the animals. Under no circumstance is there any need to touch, ride or watch a wild animal perform.

7) Get off the beaten track. Although tourism can have lots of positives for the local economy, too much of it can have dire consequences. Get off the beaten track and discover locations which would benefit from tourism, rather than contribute to the demise of already over-touristed destinations.

READ MORE: 13 Ways To Travel More Responsibly

Responsible travel is easy

Responsible travel is mostly just a whole lot of common sense. There are lots of misconceptions about it, though, as many people seem to think it involves shelling out for five-star eco-lodges. Or, they think the exact opposite, and that responsible travel is for folk who spend their time exclusively camping, hiking and observing wildlife. While both these styles of travel could be great examples, the reality is that everyone can adopt responsible tourism principles.

Unfortunately, there is no magic solution. For change to occur, people must really do their part to ensure they are travelling consciously, ethically and sustainably. This will also require local communities to realise that their home is not to be exploited for tourist dollar, but to be celebrated and protected.

More on responsible travel:

• Learn how to be a responsible wildlife tourist
• Discover how to make air travel more sustainable
• Check out these tips on travelling more responsibly

About The Author

Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren. Hotels –  Booking.com Hostels –  Hostelworld Cheap flights –  Skyscanner Travel insurance –  World Nomads Outdoor gear –  Decathlon  /  GO Outdoors Cycling gear –  Chain Reaction Cycles Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!

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This is a super great post! I kept seeing the phrase responsible travel but had no idea what it really meant! And I totally agree that overcrowding and over tourism is ruining a lot of places around the world. Definitely need to see some change 🙌

Thanks Alice! Yes it’s popping up everywhere at the moment so I wanted to share what I know on the subject as it’s important to me. Hopefully change will occur soon 😊

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Responsible Tourism: The Key to Building Back a Better Industry

Transforming Vision Into Action - Oped

5 June 2020

In this guest post for World Environment Day, the CEO and CSO of Iberostar Group reflect on working towards a responsible recovery from COVID-19 for the tourism sector. 

Sabina Fluxà Thienemann, Iberostar Group Vice-Chairman and CEO and Gloria Fluxà Thienemann, Iberostar Vice-Chairman & CSO

This World Environment Day,  Iberostar Group  is delighted to stand alongside the One Planet Vision for a Responsible Recovery of the Tourism Sector. The vision provides recommendations for recovery plans that balance the needs of people, planet and prosperity through six lines of action: public health, social inclusion, biodiversity conservation, climate action, circular economy and governance and partnerships.

Here, Sabina Fluxà Thienemann, Vice-Chairman and CEO and Gloria Fluxà Thienemann, Vice-Chairman & CSO, reflect on working towards responsible recovery. 

In the last few months, we have spent countless hours taking new measures to protect ourselves and the ones we love.

Now people around the world eagerly anticipate more freedom. Some anticipate returning to work. Others might be fortunate enough to take the vacations they canceled or postponed.

Tourism must come back and it presents us with a choice: to return to business as usual (or worse, take backwards steps in progress), or to use sustainability as a core driver of our return. For all of our bottom lines, responsible tourism must lead the way to help tourism companies build back better.

We say this not only as owners or managers of more than 120 hotels in 19 countries, a business responsible for the health and safety of almost 10 million guests a year and the livelihoods of 34,000 employees. We say it as part of an industry that is responsible for our oceans. Eighty percent of our properties sit alongside them. The sooner tourists return, the faster we can expand our efforts to restore and protect these ecosystems and the communities where we operate.

We hope to be among the companies setting examples for others to follow, one of several in the  UNWTO’s latest position paper  on a vision for a responsible recovery of the tourism sector. We believe tourism companies who want to achieve long-term resilience have to adopt three characteristics.

First, hotel and tourism companies have to adopt a long-term vision.

Iberostar’s entire operations will be single-use plastic free by 2020, as far as local regulation allows. We’ll be waste-free by 2025. For the tourism sector, there’s a sector-wide goal to be neutral by 2050. We aim to be there by 2030. We hope to quantify how tourism, when done correctly and guided by science, can actually improve coastal regions.

Importantly, we’re calling out these efforts for guests so they feel a part of our movement  Wave of Change   and we’re actively asking them to share their feedback.

Secondly, we have to base our decisions and priorities on science.

Because a healthy environment acts as a natural barrier to future pandemics, we’ve hired a Medical Advisory Council not only to provide counsel but as part of our core business operations team. It’s made up of internal talent and renown experts in public health, health security, virology and epidemiology. With them at the table for business decisions, in accordance with guidelines by the UNWTO and others, we will inspire confidence among guests, challenge misinformation and innovate around health and safety measures that create long-term resilience. 

Finally, we must consider all the ways our businesses affect the environment.

A cornerstone of our efforts to combat climate change include our commitment to be a net zero, carbon neutral company by 2030, even in places where renewable energy is just starting to take foot. We do this by not only minimizing our footprint, but offsetting with blue carbon solutions such as our mangrove and coral reef restoration programs.

We will be launching one of the sectors most ambitious roadmaps to 100% responsible seafood sourcing by 2025. Part of those plans means we’ll source at least 45% of our total seafood from responsible sources by the end of 2020. 

As more people venture out, we hope they will carry with them an environmental awareness they adopted in recent months and ask new questions about the places they choose to visit. By incorporating ocean management, sustainable seafood and other elements of responsible tourism into travelers’ experiences we can build back stronger and create a Wave of Change.

Iberostar Group is a 100% family-owned multinational Spanish company, dedicated for more than 60 years to tourism, and with origins in the footwear industry dating back to 1877. The main line of business is Iberostar Hotels & Resorts with a portfolio of over one hundred 4 and 5-star hotels in 16 countries, and a global workforce above 34,500 people of 91 nationalities. As a leader in quality, Iberostar Group promotes differentiation in the customer experience through constant product innovation and digital commitment. The company has positioned itself as an international benchmark in responsible tourism by promoting a more sustainable business model focused on the care for people and the environment, and boosting circularity policies. It pursues its own 2030 Agenda aimed at eliminating waste, neutralizing carbon emissions and improving the health of the ecosystems surrounding its hotels, among other targets. The Wave of Change movement reflects this commitment and the company's effort to share it with all of society.

Travel Responsibly

Responsible tourism includes many types of travel, all of which aim to minimize tourism’s negative impacts on the environment and local communities while maximizing the positives. Traveling responsibly does not mean staying home. It means planning trips carefully and thoughtfully so they can both enjoy the experience they seek while also having a positive impact on the destination, its people, environment, and wildlife.

How Travel is Changing

We have seen a shift in the types of travel experiences consumers demand and an increase in sustainability initiatives and community involvement among the tourism industry. A growing number of travelers are looking for authenticity, localization, uniqueness, and a pristine environment. From the destination perspective, a competitive advantage is created by offering those qualities. It pays for the destinations and travel businesses to protect their “product,” which goes hand in hand with sustainability and community well-being.

What does it mean for your trip?

It is important to note “responsible travel” does not mean a trip has to be expensive. While many luxury tourism companies have made tremendous strides in sustainability, budget and moderate travelers have countless options as well.

Destinations want you – responsible travelers – because you spend your money staying in locally owned hotels, eating in non-chain restaurants, buying local handicrafts, building bridges with different cultures, and acting with an environmental and social conscience. Not only are you leaving more money behind in the pockets of locals, but you are also supporting the sense of place. It’s not about how much money you spend – it’s about where and how you spend it.

Responsible travel options are everywhere, but it is up to you – the traveler – to educate yourself on how to get involved.

Responsible Travel Tips

Here is some advice to help you on your journey:

• Check out CREST’s Responsible Travel Tips , where most of our tips can be found.
• Utilize the United States Travel Care Code , which provides travelers with simple guidelines on how they can reduce the impact of their travel on the environment, and the 7 Leave No Trace Principles , which is a framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors.
• If you’d like to give back while traveling, see our Dos and Don’ts of Travel Giving .
• View the past donors to CREST online auctions , if you need help picking out a hotel or tour operator.
• Review the #RecreateResponsibly resources for recreating outdoors and help keep people, places, and communities safe.
• Look into sustainable tourism certification programs in the places where you are traveling to find out what tourism businesses are certified. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has a really helpful list of approved and recognized certification programs.
• Check out websites like Rainforest Alliance Green Vacations , Book Greener , and Responsible Travel , for more hotel and tour operator alternatives.
• Consider visiting a place that has a formal geotourism program. Geotourism is defined as “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place – its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.” These destinations have had MapGuides made by National Geographic Maps that help connect travelers with localized experiences, though many other towns and rural regions offer similar experiences if you explore what they have to offer.
• Explore the organization Pack for a Purpose, which allows you to simply use a small amount of space in your luggage to pack supplies needed by community projects around the world that work with partner hotels.
• Consider visiting a destination with an Impact Tourism program . CREST has helped to establish three destination-wide give-back programs in Cape Cod , Monteverde, Costa Rica , and Grenada, West Indies . Travel Oregon also has a very robust Travel Philanthropy Fund. Don’t miss the impact tourism page on our website to connect with individual travel companies all over the world that have established community and environmental support programs.

We wish you the experiences of a lifetime!

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What is a Responsible Tourist? (And our guide to being one)

Tourism is on the rise, and understandably so, the world is full of spectacular sights and unique wildlife, that everyone should see in their lifetime. However, this increased exploration is sometimes being actioned in a manner that is impacting local communities and resources. Strong campaigns are in motion to stand up for the well-being of our planet - our continued mistreatment of it is leaving damning effects.

In 2018, around 1.4 billion tourists travelled to foreign countries and this statistic keeps increasing. We are strong advocates of travel, however, it is important that we are acting responsibly and preserving the beautiful, unique wildlife and communities that inhabit this world.

There are a number of small steps we can all take whilst travelling to minimise the negative impacts commercial tourism can have - so we can all become responsible tourists.

What is responsible tourism?

Responsible tourism tackles this issue on a personal level - how can YOU make a difference? It strives to reduce the negative social, economic and environmental impacts tourism has on the local communities we visit. Increased tourism has allowed extra the opportunity for damage to the environment, however making choices and acting in a manner that supports the longevity of these communities is what responsible tourism is about.

Respecting the environment and improving, not damaging, the quality of life of the local community is paramount to being a responsible tourist.

There are a lot of misconceptions around responsible tourism – you don’t have to be a super eco-warrior to be a responsible tourist; you just have to be a positive force, as opposed to a negative one.

Why is responsible tourism important?

Sustainable tourism that benefits the local people whilst preserving the local nature and culture is essential. However, cases of ‘overtourism’ have damaged many beloved destinations.

What is 'overtourism'?

‘Overtourism’ is when a landmark/destination receives excessive visitor numbers that are detrimental to the local community, wildlife, or tourist experience.

Venice is an example of a city that has been affected by ‘overtourism’. Venice is now home to about 55,000 local residents. However, the number of tourists that visit each year totals around 20 million!

There are obvious benefits of tourism, but tourism of this extent has strong negative effects. ‘Overtourism’ can cause damage to infrastructure; unrest with the locals due to the inconvenience of masses of tourists; and can also affect the experience for the tourists themselves (visiting a site surrounded by crowds of people detracts from its natural beauty).

In a lot of cases, responsible tourism is a matter of respect for the local traditions, cultures and the environment. It’s important to be ‘culturally sensitive’ in order to preserve the well-being of the local communities, boost their economy and fully immerse yourself in your travels.

In a conversation with the Center for Responsible Travel , Randy Durband, CEO of Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), said:

"Sustainable or responsible travel and tourism hit the mainstream media in a bigger way than ever before in 2017 due to the growing awareness of what's being called 'overtourism.' I hope that this mainstreaming of the discussion of tourism in general and poor or weak visitor management, in particular, will help drive greater awareness of the much broader and deeper discussions we need to make all forms of travel and tourism more sustainable."

How to be a responsible tourist

Here are just a few simple tips for you to consider to help make your trips more sustainable:

Stay several nights

Some locations have high day-tourism, whereby visitors populate the city just for the daytime and leave. Staying overnight helps support local hotels and similar establishments.

Support the local economy

Dining in local restaurants, purchasing locally made souvenirs and gifts, visiting the local markets and use a local tour guide… pretty much anything local! This way you know your money is being fed back into the community and to the people who are hosting you, not some unknown corporate organisation.

Explore non-popular areas

One reason ‘overtourism’ occurs is due to people wanting to see the same sights. When visiting cities there are stand-out attractions to visit - obviously you’ll want to see these and we want you to also - but think about the hidden gems that can be found off the beaten track.

Become a temporary local, not a tourist

• Adhere to local dress codes, particularly in religious places. The communities will have greater respect for you if you respect their beliefs and traditions.
• Always ask permission before you take someone’s photo, regardless of what amazing traditional garb they’re wearing, it’s only polite!
• Before you travel, educate yourself about the culture. Maybe learn a few words or phrases of their language; the locals will be impressed with your knowledge and interest and this could even be used as a haggling tool at the markets/shops.

Minimise transport

72% of tourism’s CO2 emissions are down to transport, so if possible explore places on foot and take advantages of cheap public buses/trains or more local inventive modes such as tuk-tuk.

Don’t purchase endangered species produce

This includes crocodile skin goods, bushmeat and tortoiseshell to name a few. The demand for these products supports wildlife crime, illegal trade and the deterioration of species populations across the globe. You may be interested in seeing the work we have done with WDC in conserving whales and dolphin or reading up on ethical safaris ?

Avoid taking ‘natural souvenirs’

The idea of owning a piece of the Great Wall of China or shells from the Great Barrier Reef may be exciting to some, but not ethical or sustainable. You could be upsetting the natural ecosystem, or some foreign species might catch a ride back with you that will upset your home ecosystem! Stick to the local shops for souvenirs

Last but not least, one which we should all be doing anyway… don’t litter!

Final thoughts....

There seems to be a shift towards more socially conscious travellers. When people are looking for new adventures, they are seeking out opportunities to immerse themselves in the culture, people and nature of a location. This is furthered with millennials are being considered a more conscious traveller than others, considering the environment much more. So there we have it, follow our guide and we’re well on the way to maintaining our beautiful world.

For more articles, please visit our blog .

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How to Be a Responsible Tourist

November 21, 2021

Travel can be an amazing force for good in this world. But it can also cause a lot of harm. Here we discuss the idea of how to be a responsible tourist.

Table of Contents

We can all probably agree on what makes a bad tourist. But how about what makes a good one? Even if you prefer to think of yourself as a traveller rather than a tourist, the question remains the same.

And it’s a question I’ve pondered for year after year on the road.

The Importance of Travel

Overall, people love to travel. Not everyone, for sure, but most people. When it comes to deathbed wishes, while no-one wishes they’d spent more time in the office, many, many people wish that they had travelled more. As a former doctor, I lost count of the times that I heard patients yearn to travel, tired and breathless, expressing their sense of loss at leaving the world unseen and unexplored.

Beyond the natural human desire to travel, sustainable travel brings many benefits. Not only do I believe that travel can be a force for good but I’ve built my life’s work around that concept.

The Good and the Bad

But I’m also realistic. The travel industry, and the tourists that come with it, can also cause everything from annoyance and inconvenience to deep suffering and harm.

So when Intelligence Squared and the World Monuments Fund invited me to join an expert panel to talk about “how to be a good tourist” the time seemed right to put my thoughts down in one place.

Here is my initial guide on how to be a responsible tourist. It’s a starting point, a cyber bookmark that I will add to month on month, year on year, bringing you more examples, more resources and more ideas.

But for now, it is a start.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

What is the Difference Between Responsible Tourism and Sustainable Tourism?

To most people, they sound the same and, to be honest, for most people, that’s as far as you need to go.

But for travel and tourism industries and organisations, there is a subtle difference.

Sustainable tourism talks about how tourism needed to be beneficial for the environment, the economy and the local and visiting populations. It refers to the industry as a whole.

Responsible tourism talks more about the actions taken by individual people, businesses and destinations as they try to create that important model of sustainable tourism.

It’s often put this way: that sustainable tourism is the strategy and responsible tourism, the tactics.

How to Be a Bad Tourist

Let’s face it, trying to be good can sound just plain dull. Sometimes, it’s easier to make a point by being bad. Here’s how not to be a responsible tourist.

• Dress inappropriately.
• Make no effort at all with local language and customs.
• Walk wherever you want without looking up or gauging reactions of people around you.
• Get angry if someone tries to explain something to you.
• Block pavements, group areas, escalators and generally be oblivious to people trying to go about their daily lives.
• Drop litter. everywhere.
• Smoke where you shouldn’t, drink where you shouldn’t, have sex where you shouldn’t. Smuggle drugs and other contraband items.
• Expect and demand food just like the kind you have at home. Complain if it isn’t there. In fact, complain a lot.
• Laugh and point at different clothes, customs, food, dance, the lot.
• Look bored and talk through important ceremonies, museums and processions.
• Try to steal important artefacts or wildlife and smuggle them home
• Ignore rules about what to put in the toilet.
• Ignore advice about what sunscreen or shampoo to use to protect the water and marine life.
• Make a lot of noise in nature reserves, bang the glass at aquariums and shine torches around delicate turtle breeding grounds.
• Ignore safety advice and then put other people at risk when you need to be rescued.
• March into someone’s house and treat it like a petting zoo
• Shove your camera in front of someone and continue to take photos of them even when it’s clear they don’t want you to.
• Feed animals all kinds of junk. Extra points if someone asks you to stop and you continue.
• Give children sweets or money on the streets.
• Press people to answer questions that invite them to criticise their government in places where that can lead to jail or worse.
• Pressure your guide to break the law on your behalf so that you can get a better photo/ experience/whatever.
• Don’t bother learning the rules of the road when you travel – just use the same rules as at home.
• When driving, be sure to ignore the speed limit and park to block access to people who live there.
• Use any pretty location as an instagram backdrop no matter whether it’s someone’s home or somewhere religiously significant or poignant.
• If in doubt, shout.

A Word About the Word Locals

Local communities, local food, local initiatives. These are all useful ways of describing people, cuisine and projects. Using just the word “locals” to talk about people is more controversial.

While some people relish the use of the word, others find it dehumanising, patronising and, depending on context, racist.

It’s a term I’m trying to weed out of my writing as I do not want to cause harm like that in any way.

How to Travel Responsibly

So, now that we’ve covered some real life obnoxious examples, we can start talking about how to be a responsible tourist.

Truthfully, there is no one perfect way. There is no way to avoid any and all problems except by staying at home. And, if you ask me, that is also irresponsible as it robs the world of the fundamentally important exchange which occurs when you mix populations and perspectives. I write more about that here, with these five ways that travel actually helps the planet.

But, there is a lot that you can do.

Prepare Before you Travel

Even before you leave home, you can take plenty of steps towards being a responsible tourist. Here are some starter ideas:

• Brush up on the local customs, especially around food and clothing.
• Learn a few words of the language. Start with hello, thank you, please and excuse me.
• Buy a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic while on the road.
• Pack some reusable cutlery, whether bamboo or otherwise, to cut down on disposable single use items.
• Make sure you have reef safe sunscreen.
• Try to book accommodation in locally run places where possible, with eco friendly credentials.
• Make sure you take out adequate travel insurance .

You may also find this guide handy for preparing for an international trip.

Don’t Be an Ass

I hate to be so blunt, but simply put, don’t be an ass. Treat people how you would like to be treated and imagine that you live in the destination (and have to face people again) rather than are just passing through.

Read back through all the ways you can not be a responsible tourist and take them to heart. Most of them involve treating people with respect and behaving humbly when you are the one in a new environment.

Get Involved Locally

A key component of being a responsible tourist means that it matters where you go and what you do when you get there. Don’t just hide away in a huge corporate hotel or ship. Instead, try these ideas for getting to know the area, culture and customs.

• Visit markets
• Take walking tours
• Take a cooking class and share a meal
• Stay away from the tourist centres for sleeping and eating
• Walk off the beaten path. Here are some ideas as to how you can get off the beaten track.
• Visit places in small groups (ideally fewer than 8)

Try to Ease Overtourism

Overtourism, as the name suggests, refers to the damage done when too many visitors congregate in one place time after time, day after day.

While some of the problems are about the issue of crowds, others involve the erosion of local culture, the pricing out of local people from their homes and other infrastructure issues involving waste disposal and environmental damage.

Here are some tips to avoid the crowds. Use the other sections to find out more about how you can better engage with local communities.

• Get up early. Seriously, even in Venice and Petra, you can have the place to yourself if you get there first.
• Wander off the beaten track. Again, here are some tips on getting off the beaten path.
• Go in the off season.
• Only see the must-sees you really want to see.
• Consider staying in a nearby neighbourhood or city.

The Cape Town Declaration

Drawn up in 2002, the Cape Town declaration talks about responsible tourism as a model which:

• Minimises negative economic, environmental, and social impacts;
• Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry;
• Involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances;
• Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world’s diversity;
• Provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues;
• Provides access for physically challenged people;
• Is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

As we probably all know by now, to combat climate change, we need to reduce our carbon footprints.

And the big issue here involves flights. It’s a controversial topic with no easy answers.

I mean, it’s an easy answer if you live somewhere with good public transport and plenty of paid leave from work and other responsibilities. It’s not so easy for everyone else.

Research from the aviation industry looks promising; it is likely that carbon neutral flights will become available within our lifetime. But right now, they are far from that.

Short vs Long Haul Flights

Given that most fuel is burned during take off and landing, as a gross simplification, short flights are worse than long haul per passenger mile. But long haul flights burn more fuel overall.

So, while some people have different guidelines, these are mine to help minimise this damage.

• Avoid short haul flights where possible
• Stay longer in a destination if possible
• Think hard before booking that flight
• Aim to reduce your carbon footprint in every other sphere of your life

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint Beyond Your Flight

Don’t forget that there are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint while you travel, such as:

• Walking instead of driving
• Ordering local food instead of imported food
• Closing doors and windows, switching off lights etc
• Using reusable water bottles, cutlery and so on
• Stay in an Eco-Lodge where possible

Your Carbon Footprint at Home

For most of us, we spend more time at home than we do travelling. When it comes to reducing our carbon footprint, for example, we can have a powerful impact on that at home as well as abroad.

While the aviation industry is responsible for around 2% of manmade carbon emissions, it is responsible for only 12% of total transport carbon emissions, while road transport contributes 74% of the transport total.

Added to that, the fashion industry contributes 10% of all carbon emissions (that’s right, more than flying and shipping combined) and the internet contributes 3.73% (again, more than flying.)

Now, these are not straight forward comparisons, of course. Everyone needs clothes while not everyone will take a flight each year, or even in their lifetime. But it does show that fighting climate change is about more than just aviation.

So, remember to do the basics like:

• Insulate your home
• Wear second hand clothes where possible
• Reduce, reuse, recycle
• Walk or cycle instead of driving where you can
• Lift share or use public transport instead of driving
• And you can find more information on how to reduce your carbon footprint here.

Be Generous With Your Time

Sure, it’s important that your funds get into the local economy. But when it comes to the question of how to be a responsible tourist, travel isn’t just about financial transactions.

Be courteous and generous with your time and your presence. Where possible, reply to conversations and allow people to take photos of you. Stay safe and street smart, of course. But most people who approach you will be genuinely curious and want to learn more about who you are and where you came from. Just like you do when you made the decision to travel.

Use Your Voice

Powerful solutions to the world’s problems usually involves change at a governmental or corporate level. Because of this, it’s easy to feel discouraged and powerless in the face of inequality and climate change.

But you, as a customer, have many ways to bring about that change.

Hotel managers listen to feedback. If enough customers start asking for the same thing, they’ll start to do it. They will then feed that back up the chain and, voila, a huge change can ripple out from those few small initiatives.

Here are some ideas:

• Simply ask what the hotel is doing to promote responsible tourism
• Decline straws and ask for reusable water refills
• Ask about the artwork on the walls and ask about local artists
• Ask for and about local food

Conundrums in Responsible Travel

You’ve heard the saying that no good deed goes unpunished. Well, nowhere is that more true than in the world of responsible tourism.

Look out for the following pitfalls.

Giving to People in Need on the Street

It’s an understandable human desire to want to help someone in need. Unfortunately, such well meaning action can lead to horrific consequences.

In several instances around the world, children are removed from school in order to beg on the streets for money. They may be beaten or maimed in order to look more desperate. Orphanages have been founded as money making enterprises, with children taken or sold from the family home in order to populate them to earn money from well-meaning foreigners.

Please, think very, very carefully before you give so as to avoid encouraging these devastating practices. Instead, give to well regulated, transparent charities with plenty of oversight.

Voluntourism and Charities

Unfortunately, well-regulated charities with plenty of oversight aren’t always that easy to find either.

Again, from well-meaning origins and pure intentions can come great harm. In addition to the corrupt “charities” mentioned above, voluntourism can also cause problems.

One of the most common points of conflict involves the use of unskilled labour. I’ve certainly been involved in projects whereby fit and able, but largely unskilled, people have travelled to build a school, a wall, a well and so on.

The problem is that few places are lacking in manual labour and so these projects take work away from local builders and the local economy.

In orphanages and childcare settings, highly vulnerable children are presented with an ever changing roster of unskilled carers, which can cause lasting psychological harm, no matter how loving and kind someone was for the few weeks they looked after the child.

It is a hugely complex area. And I do not believe that we should give up trying to help if we are in a position to do so. But we do need to think deeply about it and consult with experts. Because sometimes our attempts to help can cause deep harm.

Should we boycott certain countries or corporations? Will it make a difference?

This, I believe, is a thorny question. International and consumer pressure can bring about change but it can also cause harm and suffering to populations who are often powerless to bring about the change desired.

Furthermore, blanket bans and boycotts risk alienating populations further and delaying the peaceful exchange of ideas that travel facilitates.

And which country or corporation is blameless?

Personally, I would always rather travel to a destination to try to better understand it but I have colleagues who, for example, boycott countries on the grounds of animal welfare, human rights and other issues.

Living a Responsible Life

Not a perfect life. That would be exhausting and impossible. But a responsible one.

It’s easy to fixate on one issue, such as whether or not you should book that flight. But in the grand scheme of things, that is a small decision. The decisions that we make day in, day out will lead to greater change and a life lived well.

Examples of Responsible Tourism

• Stargazing in the desert at the Feynan Ecolodge in Jordan
• The Juma Eco Lodge in the Amazon Rainforest
• Setting up the Cheese Road in Austria

More on Sustainable Travel

• Start here: how to be a responsible tourist
• Is dark tourism ethical? What you need to know.
• Get inspired by this collection of the best sustainable travel blogs.
• 9 powerful benefits of sustainable tourism (and why you should care)
• The unmistakable emotional meaning of home
• Why you need to know about the cork trees in Portugal
• The importance of doing nothing
• How to find the most ethical travel destinations
• 15 sustainable beach tips for your next trip to the sea

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25 Ways to be a Responsible Tourist Abroad

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Responsible tourism is the future of the tourism industry. And being a responsible tourist is our obligation as visitors in countries and cities that are not our own. When you visit a destination for the first time, it can be exciting to experience a new culture. It is easy to get caught up in paradise and forget our impact on the places we visit.

That dilemma is where this post comes in to help! As someone who loves to travel and wants to do it most responsibly, I have acquired some tips over my years. This advice on how to be a responsible tourist can help you be mindful of your impact before, during, and after your trip. 

Table of Contents

Defining responsible tourism

There are many responsible tourism definitions. You may see some emphasize the importance of embracing the diversity of the destinations we visit—other economic purposes of responsible tourism focus on spending our money on local businesses while traveling. 

Additionally, responsible tourism, ethical tourism, and sustainable tourism lump together. Sustainable tourism and ethical tourism both focus on the environmental impact and local community too. Indeed, these are all connected.

Responsible tourism is a combination of these definitions and a little more. The most straightforward and most concise explanation comes from the Responsible Tourism Partnership . They define responsible tourism as making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit. 

Traits of a responsible tourist

How do we take the responsible tourism definition into action? What are characteristics we should embody as responsible travelers? While most think responsible tourism is about our external actions, that is not 100% true. It is more about our internal processing. The traits to be a responsible tourist work together with the tips to be better as we travel. Here are three of many to help you start.

Open-minded

Maintaining an open mind when you go to a destination is one of the top traits of a responsible tourist. We are in another country to learn and broaden our perspectives, not to assume. Our culture is not culturally superior to another culture we are visiting. That is ethnocentrism, and we do not want to perpetuate that mindset as we travel.

Get out of that comfort zone and take part in new activities! You did not travel to another country to do what you could do at home. Put yourself out there and be open to being wrong. Be open to learning. We do not know everything about another culture or tradition. Embrace it.

Culturally curious yet respectful

On the flip side, we need to be respectful. It is easy to blur the line between cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation. As much as it is great to have an open mind, we should also be conscious of what practices are for tourists and those that are not. We do not want our curiosity to lead to unintended harm.

Intertwined with understanding your travel privileges, being self-aware is a must. Responsible tourists understand they are visitors to someone’s home. Responsible tourists also understand the power and privilege they hold when they are going to another country.

Self-awareness is a life skill whether or not you are traveling. Being a responsible tourist is no different. Reflecting on your experiences, how they affect you, and how they affect others around you is critical. Adaptability and flexibility are also vital parts of being self-aware and conscious of what is happening around you. Journal and observe as you see fit. 

Things to do as a responsible tourist before your trip

These are the tips that embody the responsible tourist traits. You may think that tourism starts once you hop on a plane, bus, or train to your destination. However, it begins before your trip home. There are steps you can take to be a responsible tourist before you even board! As you are prepping, packing, and planning your vacation, do these tips as well to get started. 

Unpack your travel privileges

While leisure traveling is a privilege, there is more to travel privilege beyond having a passport. Social identities , biases, and practices we have at home affect how we move abroad. They are intertwined, and we need to understand them. 

Accessibility privilege is one of many to understand about ourselves. Race, religion, ethnicity, the languages we speak, and more shape our worldview. Reading travel perspectives different than ours and relinquishing any entitlement we feel are a few places to start. 

Research the history and culture of the destination 

The world is full of knowledge we do not know. Thus, there is so much information to learn about a new destination! But you have to be willing to find it. Most guidebooks focus their perspective on the commercial aspects of traveling. Sometimes they do not get to the depth of a country. 

Researching the history and culture of your vacation destination can be a great way to educate yourself. In addition to general Google searches, social media is an underrated tool. Whether you are on Instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc., you can find people in those destinations talking about their homeland. 

Blogs and travel publications are other opportunities to learn more as well. However, be sure to read about who is writing what you are reading. Many travel publications and blogs write from the perspective of tourists, generally from a Western country. Try to find travel bloggers from the country you are going to visit. For example, if you are going to Kenya, you may search “Kenyan travel blogger” and find the fantastic Winnie of Just Rioba . 

As you research, be open-minded

When you begin researching a destination, you may not always like what you find. You may learn about some uncomfortable history about a country. Or you may realize some harsh truths about your own country too. Do not fall into the trap of excessively comparing your country to another.

It is normal to have general thoughts and feelings as you observe. But remember that ethnocentrism is not what we want to embody. While cultures and traditions can be both similar and different, we want to avoid a superiority complex. Keep an open mind and settle into the unknown of traveling in a new country. 

Learn a few phrases of the local language

Speaking of language, we should make a little effort! Becoming fluent in a language for a weeklong vacation will not happen for most of us. Honestly, that is impossible for many of us. However, that does mean we should not make an effort.

There are many apps and programs out there for you to try. These resources include Duolingo , Babbel , Memrise , and Lingoda . If you want to go in-depth, go for it. But learning some greetings, general direction questions, and essential words like “bathroom” or “eat” are a place to start. 

Space out your trip to avoid overtourism

Overtourism occurs when tourism has more negative consequences than positive effects. Thus, there are places in the world that get more tourism than others. Machu Picchu in Peru, Venice in Italy, and Dubrovnik in Croatia are experiencing overtourism. 

While tourism may be suitable for their economy, it can have dire effects on their environment and people. One way to avoid overtourism in a destination is to space out your trip. Stay in one place instead of hopping from place to place in a short time. You can also go to a destination in the offseason, which will also be cheaper. 

Take any health concerns into consideration

When we travel, we interact with people at the airport, in hotels, on tours, etc. Taking your health into consideration is about accessibility. It is crucial to make sure that we are as healthy as possible.

Before you go on a trip or a vacation, go to your doctor. Get a checkup, or just make sure that you are in good health to travel. We should also get any required vaccines or other shots to enter destinations as well. Countries have to protect their people before they cater to tourists. We do not want to spread any disease unintentionally. 

Responsible tourism examples to do while you are traveling

We have outlined the responsible tourism meaning, the traits of a responsible tourist and the pre-travel actions we should do too. It is time to unpack the actions. What are the things we can do as we are traveling to be responsible tourists? What should we think twice about doing on our adventures. Don’t worry, I have those examples and tips to help.

Research local tours and activities

Local-led activities are the way to go! Unbeknownst to tourists, a lot of tourism dollars end up leaving the destination. You may think you are staying in a locally-owned hotel because you see locals serving you. But in reality, that is not the case.

Researching and then patronizing local tours and activities is the way to go. It may take more research on Yelp or even joining Facebook groups, but it is possible. Not only will you be supporting local communities, but you will also get a non-guidebook perspective. No one knows a destination better than locals. 

De-center yourself

Travel and tourism happen to us, but it should not be all about us. Take photos of yourself, travel buddies, etc. But also take pictures of the things around you. Take in the food you eat, the art you see, the attractions you visit, and more. 

In a social media world, we love showing ourselves in destinations. But we have to remember that these destinations are more than Instagram locations. Sit and observe, then snap photos. It helps us pause and take in what is going on around us in the scenery.

Understand cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation

Traveling is about embracing new cultures and people. However, we do not want to perpetuate stereotypes through our actions. Therefore breaking down the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation is crucial to understand. It will allow us to focus on We cannot prevent everything, and mistakes are human, but we can try. 

Do not demand the comfort of home

Traveling is an experience where you engage with something new and unfamiliar. Sometimes this makes people uncomfortable or fearful. Some travelers may think they can embrace a new culture. But then they get to a destination, and you want that comfort of home. 

However, when we are traveling, we should not be demanding the same comfort of home. It is not a country’s responsibility to accommodate foreigners. These changes can be costly and disrupt the local culture and resources. 

Abide by all national laws

Entitlement will get you nowhere. You cannot assume that any country owes you anything if you break the tourist destination’s laws. We have to abide by the national and international rules to be safe. Stay out of trouble. Enjoy your trip, and do not cause any international headline news. 

Engage with locals respectfully (with their consent)

Most of us have heard the phrase “treat others the way you want to be treated.” And yes, this is true. However, we should take it further. We should not have to center ourselves and our interests to treat people better. Basic human decency, dignity, and respect should be given to locals, or anyone, regardless.

With that in mind, remember that locals are not required to engage with us. If they do, we should not forget locals are not purely for our entertainment or cultural immersion. Hospitality and tourism workers are not solely here to serve us. They are people with real lives and feelings who often have to navigate their job to accommodate cultural differences and language barriers.

We should keep all of this in mind as we travel. To be responsible tourists means to ask for permission to take photos of people and things. Then taking that consent further and letting the person know you will be posting it on social media. It also means not criticizing locals for not learning your language or treating people as servants.   

Ethically engage with wildlife

Animal adventures are always at the top of travelers’ bucket list. I have always wanted to go on a safari or a Giraffe Manor-type of experience in Kenya. Yet, it is tough to know if these animal activities abide by responsible tourism guidelines. How do we truly know a visit with elephants or monkeys is an animal sanctuary? Research is our best friend. 

For safari activities, choose ones to observe them in their natural habitat, which are best. Read reviews. Search through Instagram and Facebook posts by looking at photos from geo-tagging to try to learn more. Even do a few YouTube searches to find what pops up. There is so much information out there, and it requires time, but we can find what we need. 

Stay on trails, leave no trace

I am an avid adventurer myself who loves the outdoors. Over time, I have learned there are certain practices to abide by outside. Staying on the trails, not leaving trash on hikes, and even picking up trash are a few ways to be responsible tourists. Leave no trace as much as possible. In the age of social media, one crucial extra tip is to not do stuff “for the ‘gram.” 

Though I am referring to Instagram, this photo tip can apply to any app. Tourism operators guard some outdoor spaces for our protection and safety. Or they are blocked for religious and environmental purposes. No matter the reason, we need to respect the wishes of our host country.

Bring a reusable water bottle and bags

It is not surprising that tourism has an enormous environmental impact. While this falls under sustainable travel, it is also our responsibility as a responsible tourist. And, of course, sustainable travel and responsible travel are connected. Two simple things we can do is bring a reusable bag and water bottle during our stay. 

Plastic is destroying communities worldwide. A reusable bag is small and lightweight, which means it can fit easily in a carry-on or checked bag. Reusable water bottles save not only the environment but your wallet. If you bring a reusable water bottle, you do not have to buy it. And if you are worried about water quality, check out your Life Straw options.

Be mindful of how you take photos

Social media can shape our views and perspectives. Photography is no different. Taking photos of street art, your food, or inanimate objects can cause little to no harm. At least in most cases. However, when we discuss people, that is a different story. 

There is a power dynamic between tourists and locals. Though most people have no problem saying “no” to tourists, they humor us and our excitement of being in their country. For photos, we mustn’t misrepresent a country. Or perpetuate stereotypes about the destination.

For example, visitors in various countries in Africa tend to take photos of people in poverty. Then they post them on social media with a caption about the poor people they met and “impacted.” Whether unintentionally or not, this act perpetuates the narrative of white saviors . It is also a general lack of dignity and respect. 

Do you genuinely have consent to post these photos? How do you know we impacted them? And even so, why do you feel the need to post it? Those are photos you can keep to yourself or do not take and post at all. Question your motives when taking pictures of people who do not know.

Support local businesses as much as you can

Money does tourism (and the world) work. As tourists, where we put our money has so much weight. From the tours we do to the hotels where we choose to stay, supporting locals as much as we can is pivotal. There is a lot of foreign money in tourism.

This tip is significant for those of us with currency privilege. Our money can stretch more. In some cases, our currency is accepted instead of the country’s currency. Use this privilege wisely. Invest in locally-owned businesses as much as possible. 

How to travel responsibly when you return home

Our responsible tourism journey is not over when we go home. It starts internally at home before we go when analyzing the traits of a responsible tourist. But also, being a responsible tourist begins when we return home too. This section outlines a few ways on how it works. 

Refrain from publicly posting selfies with minors

In addition to the earlier point about taking photos with minors, this is another step. If you have ever been on Instagram or any social media platform, you have seen these photos. Sometimes if you stick out as a foreigner, locals want to take pictures with us. Other times, you may take pictures of other people. There are a lot of ethical considerations to consider when this happens.

A good rule of thumb is to not post minors on social media, especially if they are not favorable. While they may have been eager to take the photo, you genuinely do not have their consent if they are underage. And even so, posting people. You never know who can see those photos and what they can do with them. 

Pass on what you learned to someone else

Share knowledge! If you learn about a destination’s history or culture, share that with someone. Being a responsible tourist does not end when your trip concludes. Passing on that knowledge is a great way to raise awareness of someone else.

Talking and sharing with others is also a great way to dispel stereotypes. The media often shows us one version of a destination, and depending on the country, it’s usually negative. Some positives may never get filmed or broadcasted. I know many people warned me about going to Mexico solo. I had an incredible experience.

Often what we see or hear is not the entire picture. When you return home from your trip, sit people down. Talk to them about your travel experiences. You never know what biases they hold and what stereotypes you are dismantling for them. 

Leave honest reviews about a destination

Honesty is the best policy, right? That rule applies to reviews as well. Help others by leaving reviews of your hotels, Airbnbs, tours, etc. Some people intentionally leave bad reviews at their destination. That review could harm a local community if your experience were great.

There is an excellent way to share not-so-positive experiences too. Instead of saying “this trip was horrible” and leaving it at that, expand. Share details for a future tourist to get the whole picture, not just a soundbite. Explain why it was not the best and a bit more about what you expected. This feedback can also help the tourism operator too. 

Even though every trip may not be perfect if you had an experience you want to share, do it honestly. Your tips can help other travelers decide if that experience is right for them. You never know who could be reading! 

Have people learn from your mistakes

We are not perfect all the time. Responsible tourism also means owning up to when we did not make the best decision, even if we thought it was. It happens. As responsible tourists, we should let others know about our mistakes so they can avoid them. 

Anyone can have an influence. But if you are a travel blogger or influencer, this applies to us the most. Many people look to us to be role models when it comes to traveling. We may not have asked for that title, but it is our duty by the nature of what we do. Our actions have power in the travel blogging and writing community. We should not take that lightly. 

Avoid broad generalizations of communities

A language is a powerful tool. Generalizations, assumptions, and oversimplifications can cause harm. Saying that a community or country welcomed you is ok. But saying, “They were so poor but so nice,” is not. That statement glamorizes people’s struggles and diminishes their realities through a tourist’s gaze. 

Instead, you can say, “yes, the country and people have their challenges, and they were also hospitable to tourists.” It is not a perfect statement, but using a “yes and” approach is key. Yes, their reality is their reality, and you honor that notion. But we should acknowledge that we do not face the same in their country due to our tourist power and privilege.

So, do you consider yourself a responsible tourist?

Now that you know, what do you think? Becoming a responsible tourist takes a bit more than just booking a flight deal. We have to think deeper, reflect more often, and ultimately do better. Responsible tourism is about understanding the impact you leave on the destinations you visit. Hopefully, this post will encourage you to become the responsible tourist I know you can be on your travels! It’s about progress, not perfection. Good luck. 

Sojourner White is a remote social worker, train travel queen, and award-winning travel journalist. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin she has been a digital nomad and called both Spain and Germany home. Through her platform Sojournies, she helps 9-5ers fulfill their career goals and bucket list dreams to find freedom and flexibility outside the office. Sojourner has been featured in Buzzfeed, PopSugar, The Matador Network, HuffPost, and Thrillist and written for Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Fodor’s, Insider, Lonely Planet, Viator, and more.

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Responsible Tourism: Definition, Benefits, and Examples

Table of Contents

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear “responsible tourism”? What meaning does this term, which we frequently hear today, imply?

As a part of development and change, responsible tourism takes decisive steps to create a better environment and responsible tourists. You may not have apparent information about this issue yet. Still, it’s good to have an introduction to responsible tourism’s scope and purpose, from travel agents to travelers and attractions.

It’s time to understand the value of responsible tourism for a sustainable and green life: Increasingly eco-friendly tourism businesses, hotels, destinations, and more. Let’s take a closer look at the components of responsible tourism.

What Is Responsible Tourism?

The tourism sector is a significant force that contributes to the development of the economy and employment worldwide. States are now turning to tourism to achieve economic growth. As the tourism sector develops, it becomes easily accessible to everyone.

The decrease in travel costs and the development of the transportation sector also make it possible to travel to even the most extreme points of the world. In addition, after people have started to use social media actively, "influence" has increased as much. Social media channels such as Instagram and TikTok strongly encourage people to travel. People from all over the world visit destinations, and they significantly impact the environment.

Essentially, responsible tourism pushes tourists and businesses to exhibit their actions within the framework of responsible behavior. The purpose of responsible tourism can be defined as minimizing the negative effects of travel and directing them in a positive direction. It includes striving to prevent overcrowding, damage to nature, and increased harmful social interaction.

Difference Between Responsible Tourism and Sustainable Tourism

Responsible tourism has much in common with ecotourism, sustainable tourism, and ethical tourism. But it also has a different consciousness and is not the same as other forms of tourism that instill social consciousness. The terms responsible tourism and sustainable tourism are used interchangeably in common usage and are therefore misunderstood.

Sustainable tourism is divided into three main branches: society, environment, and economy. In addition, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) determines the scope of sustainable tourism and what it should do as follows:

• Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.
• Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to intercultural understanding and tolerance.
• Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed, including stable employment and income-earning opportunities and social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation.

Responsible tourism does not have such specified prerequisites, while the WTO determines what sustainable tourism should do. Responsible tourism is more about dealing with the sense of “responsibility” in its sincere form. In short, responsible tourism encompasses and implements the elements of sustainable tourism, but these are not conducted within the framework of specific rules and are based on individual responsibility.

Responsible tourism involves tourists and travelers beyond being spectators and making them a part of it. It allows tourists and travelers to connect with indigenous communities. Responsible tourism encourages tourists to respect local traditions and protect natural and cultural heritage.

The Growth of Responsible Tourism

The concept of responsible tourism, which has become more popular today, goes back much further. One of the critical debates of the 1980s was the scope and vision of responsible tourism. Subsequently, responsible tourism has gained a rapidly developing place in sustainable tourism.

The concept of responsible tourism, which has been on the agenda for many years, emphasizes the importance of nature and social resources in the tourism sector. Over the last decade, it has become a matter of responsibility, embraced by tourists, travelers, and industry subjects.

According to recent studies, most tourists support responsible tourism and want more sustainable tourism in the future. Tourism companies and other sector members think that environmental awareness will become more active in the future. We can say that the awareness of responsibility increases because increasing natural disasters, like forest fires, show frightening scenarios about the future.

Why Is Responsible Tourism Important?

The tourism industry continues to overgrow as it is the largest industry in the world. Of course, this rapid growth also has many adverse effects. It leaves irreparable damage to nature, socio-economic elements, archaeological sites, and more. There is almost nowhere left in the world that has survived the growth of the tourism industry. Local economies and cultures, natural resources, and even indigenous populations are adversely affected by the development of the tourism sector.

With the integration of a sense of responsibility, the tourism industry has had a chance to compensate for these damages. Responsible tourism does its best to minimize the damage caused by the industry. It includes tourists and travelers in the sense of responsibility to reduce litter, crime increases, and erosion while preserving cultures. As a result, we need to act responsibly if we want to protect and preserve the environment, natural heritage, wildlife, and more for the future. This is very important for building a future and sustainable life.

How Can We Become Responsible Tourists?

The best we can all do for the world is to take responsibility for our actions. Of course, we can never be fully responsible for the universe or the actions of other people. However, there are many actions we can take to protect society, nature, and the economy we live in.

Being responsible tourist enables us to protect the environment from the harmful effects of the developing tourism sector. Here are some key behaviors that can help you become an ethical tourist:

• Don't be a part of unethical wildlife tourism
• Experience slow travel
• Don't litter
• Do not buy animal souvenirs
• Turn off unnecessary lights
• Avoid wasting water
• Prefer environmentally friendly means of transportation
• Do not use plastic
• Shop at local markets
• Support ecotourism
• Respect local customs and traditions
• Try to learn the local language
• Try to keep economic leakage to a minimum
• Don't take pictures of people without permission
• Don't support sex tourism
• Bargain fairly and honestly
• Use the main roads

How Can the Tourism Industry Be More Responsible?

The critical points for sustainable tourism are the management and the planned work of each subject. Every stakeholder in the tourism industry, from taxi drivers to international businesses and the government, is responsible for delivering responsible tourism.

There are many examples of responsible behavior that must be followed for responsible tourism. Some of these behaviors are listed below to give you an idea:

• Use and promote local products and services
• Employ local staff
• Involve the local community in the decision-making process
• Support recycling
• Prefer environmentally friendly products and services
• Provide employee training and development opportunities
• Collaborate with other industry stakeholders
• Strengthen the understanding of corporate social responsibility

Examples of Responsible Tourism

Fashion for good, amsterdam.

Let's start with an example of responsible tourism that includes the fashion industry: Fashion for Good. Fashion for Good, an Amsterdam-based foundation, aims to move the clothing industry to a circular economy rather than a fast fashion model.

Fast fashion, at the root of the clothing industry, creates an economic and environmental crisis that consumes resources, exploits workers, and drives people to buy constantly because of poor quality clothing.

Alongside this industry that is getting worse every day, Fashion for Good aims to bring together elements of the industry to implement sustainable innovations. Fashion for Good has created a platform that enables elements of the supply chain, researchers and inventors, to work together and do business with corporate brands. You can see the principles of Fashion for Good below:

• Good Economy – thriving, circular and shared, benefiting all
• Good Materials – Reusable and recyclable, healthy and safe
• Good Water – Clean and accessible to all
• Good Energy – Clean and renewable
• Good Lives – Safe and fair working conditions and a dignified life

Fashion for Good as an Example of Responsible Tourism

Collaborating with the big brands of the industry, such as Adidas, Chanel, and Tommy Hilfiger, Fashion for Good puts forward its work with a visionary as well as bold purpose. It sets an example of responsible tourism by targeting consumers and cooperating with the sector's giants.

Its unique museum in the center of Amsterdam is the focus of visitors' attention. It also sheds light on the history of the fashion industry.

Fashion for Good reveals examples of a sustainable life with its interactive exhibitions. With the programs in which concrete steps are taken, and fashion habits are adjusted, people are shown how they can be a part of the future. It also offers visitors the opportunity to create sustainable t-shirts.

While creating its space, Fashion for Good has considered the sustainable and circular economy and designed the furniture. In addition to using recycled and second-hand carpets, walls, and printers, sunlight is often used to reduce electricity use.

An inspiring resource for responsible tourism, Fashion for Good introduces a new lifestyle to its visitors and enjoyable activity.

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

One of the best examples of ecological sustainability, Gardens by the Bay, is an elaborate icon set in the middle of the city.

Opened in 2012, Gardens by the Bay was built to improve the quality of life for Singaporeans and tourists. For this purpose, it has created areas such as themed botanical gardens, 250 acres of tropical plants, greenhouse areas, water features, and closed forests by increasing Singapore's vegetation.

The most striking formation in the Gardens, which welcomes more than 50 million visitors, is the 18 tree-type sculptures varying between 25 and 50 meters in height and the neon light show surrounding the walking path. Gardens by the Bay has many more important functions beyond these shows.

Gardens by the Bay as an Example of Responsible Tourism

Gardens by the Bay is a good example of responsible tourism. It takes sustainability and responsibility seriously and sees it as its primary purpose. The whole complex is built from the ground up with the idea of ​​responsibility.

As an example of sustainability, Gardens feed on waste such as fallen branches, dry leaves, and bark from other trees inside and in the city. Clean electricity is generated from this horticultural waste. This advanced mechanism works just like a life cycle.

Gardens by the Bay includes many systems within the scope of responsible tourism. Another example is that Gardens often water themselves. It also bears the burden of Singapore's national water networks, thanks to clean water recycling.

In addition to the examples above, Gardens by the Bay has many more environmentally friendly applications. In addition to being a pioneer for responsible tourism, Gardens is also a source of inspiring principles and philosophies.

Botanical Gardens and Pyramids of Guimar, Tenerife

While the mystery of the Pyramids of Guimar has yet to be solved, the researchers' consensus is that it was a side project of clearing 19th-century farmland. But at this point, it would be unfair to say they are just pieces of rock that come together. The Pyramids of Guimar are an example of a great effort.

The 12-meter-tall Pyramids of Guimar are oriented towards the sun at the Summer and Winter solstices. Even if you want to see a double sunset, you can watch the extraordinary view from the top of the biggest pyramid. One after another, the sun setting behind the peaks offers a unique visual feast.

Although not the work of ancient civilizations, the Pyramids of Guimar shed light on Tenerife's history. The fact that Tenerife was not a popular destination for visitors and that they did not see cultural tourism as important seems to have started efforts to make the region attractive. Work was beginning significantly as the effects of the economic crisis seriously affected Tenerife's tourism. The starting point of these studies is sustainability!

Botanical Gardens and Pyramids of Guimar as an Example of Responsible Tourism

A large garden of endemic and native flora is found around the Pyramids of Guimar. For a long time, this area, which was seen as a pleasant garden for decorative and aesthetic purposes, will turn into an eco garden years later.

The Pyramids of Guimar and its surroundings have been transformed into a unique botanical collection and a responsible tourism site at the initiative of museum staff. Thanks to work carried out with the Department of Botany of La Laguna University, the area, which has become an eco garden, has expanded significantly.

Botanical Gardens is now an open-air botanical exhibition where you can find many examples of sustainability. One of Europe's best examples of responsible tourism, the Pyramids of Guimar also showcases and inspires nature's glorious return.

There are many distinctive routes around the garden, and they are home to rare symbolic plant species. The routes, where you can get to know the extensive flora and ethnographic history unique to Tenerife, attract visitors to the region. Volcanic Route, Cultural Route, and Poison Garden, which make it possible to see poisonous plants, and revitalize the area within the scope of responsible tourism.

Responsible tourism is a tourism approach that has emerged especially in recent years for preserving, improving, and transferring nature, local cultures, and human relations to the future. In addition to the elements of the tourism sector, it also includes tourists and travelers and aims to develop a responsible behavior model.

Responsible tourism, which functions like other tourism understandings within the scope of sustainability and aims to sustain the socio-economy and the environment, does not operate within the framework of the rules. It is the product of a mentality formed entirely by responsible behavior, investments, and creations of the elements of the tourism sector.

In this article, we’ve discussed the scope, importance, and responsible tourism examples. If we want natural and cultural heritage, economic structure, and social life to be sustainable and transferred to the future, we should continue our lives as a part of responsible tourism.

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