Sustainable Tourism

Make a difference when you travel—and get more out of your holiday.

You’ve just booked your dream holiday—a round the world adventure or a relaxing fortnight on a sun-kissed beach. But how will your travels affect the people and the places you visit? Will your plane generate huge amounts of greenhouse gases getting you there? Will your off-the-beaten-track excursions harm indigenous cultures? It doesn’t have to be like this—there are ways to minimise the negative effects of your dream holiday and even have a positive impact on the country you visit.

Here are just a few pointers:

BEFORE YOU GO

• Think about where your money goes when booking your holiday. For example staying in locally owned accommodation will benefit local families—ask your tour operator.
• When you’ve finished with your holiday brochures, pass them on to a friend or recycle them.

ON THE FLIGHT

• The amount of carbon burnt fuelling your flight will do more damage to the environment than any other aspect of your travels. Organisations like Climate Care and Carbon Neutral can help you offset your carbon emissions by investing in projects that prevent or remove an equivalent amount from the atmosphere.
• Read up on the countries you plan to visit—make sure you’ve got a good guidebook. The welcome will be warmer if you take an interest and speak even a few words of the local language.

SHOP RESPONSIBLY

• Don’t buy products made from endangered species, hardwoods, shells, or ancient artefacts. If in doubt—please don’t buy. For more information on endangered species and to report a concern, visit the WWF-UK Souvenir Alert Campaign for tourists.

RESPECT THE LOCAL CULTURE

• Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places. For example, ask permission before you photograph local people and dress appropriately at all times.
• Realise that the people in the country you are visiting often have different time concepts and thought patterns from your own. Remember that you’re on holiday—don’t expect people to be the same as back at home.
• Ask questions rather than assume you have all the answers beforehand.

USE NATURAL RESOURCES SPARINGLY

• In many destinations natural resources such as water, wood and fuel are precious—local people may not have enough for their own needs.
• Help conserve resources in your hotel, lodge or camp by turning off (or down) heating, air conditioning, lights and the TV when not required.
• Let staff know if you are happy to re-use towels and bed linen rather than having them replaced daily.

HELP PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

• Don’t support activities which exploit wild animals. Swimming with dolphins, watching dancing bear performances and having your photo taken with lion and tiger cubs, monkeys or snakes can condone and encourage animal cruelty.

For more information on animal exploitation and to report a concern, visit the Born Free Foundation travellers alert.