Tourism can be a driving force in a country’s economy. Countries that welcome tourists with open arms can generate revenue as well as cementing their place on the world map, resulting in economic growth. This is a good thing, right? Yes, tourism can help increase the GDP (Gross domestic product) of certain countries; helping develop the areas where tourists come to see and stay, improving infrastructure, as well as creating jobs. However, this has generated more drawbacks over the years because the tourism industry has been known to be operating in unsustainable ways. It has been identified that with tourism expanding its footprint, the welfare of people, animals and nature has suffered. It is these activities that have made us realize the need to convert to sustainable tourism.
The adverse effects of over-tourism
The world is open, and people want to travel, explore and admire what it has to offer. But this means that the tourist destinations are overwhelmed by the thousands of people that pass through. These people want a place to stay, food to eat, and they need to be entertained. And the tourism industry is there, attempting to cater to them.
Effects on people
It has been argued that tourism brings jobs and more opportunity for the locals, but this is only partly true. The real picture is that investors look for the best land, buy people out or in some countries, people are pushed out, and the hotels and tourist attractions displace locals. The prevalence of mostly international investors, result in a large majority of the revenue generated being siphoned off leaving extraordinarily little to develop the host countries. Another major drawback is that life in tourist towns is costly. When people visit, they are given a premium service, which costs a pretty penny. This leads to prices going up, making it difficult for the locals who are most likely being paid minimum wage to afford a decent living.
Effects on animals
Another grim effect of tourism is its effect on animals. For decades animals have paid the price of being tourist attractions. Some are taken out of their habitats and put in cages to provide a conjunctive viewing experience for tourists. This puts these animals at a massive disadvantage as their quality of life and life span is greatly affected.
Effects on the natural environment
The negative environmental impacts of tourism are substantial. They include the depletion of local natural resources as well as pollution and waste problems. Tourism often puts pressure on natural resources through over-consumption, often in places where resources are already scarce.
Tourism puts enormous stress on local land use, and can lead to natural habitat loss, increased pollution, soil erosion and more pressure on endangered species. These effects can gradually destroy the environmental resources on which tourism itself depends.
More tourists mean increased pressure on natural resources. A tourist destination increases pollution, it has to market, build more hotels, use more electricity, ext. These activities throw off the ecosystem’s balance.
Where does sustainability come in?
We are not saying tourism needs to be banned or tourists must stay away; what is needed is a more sustainable way to enjoy the resources the world offers. Tourism must have a more positive impact, be more responsible. Thankfully with more people talking about sustainable tourism the idea is making waves across the world. The tourism industry and the tourists are now more aware of the need for sustainability; they are becoming more responsible and more conscious of the roles they play.
Catering toward the welfare of people
The tourism industry is becoming more aware of the importance of respecting the culture and traditions of the country they are operating in. They are working with the locals in to promote and develop their lands. They are promoting local produce instead of importing. They are showcasing the talents of the land to build up the people economically and socially. Even locally run hotels and lodges are being promoted over international chains because they are more eco-friendly and benefit the people in so many ways.
Catering toward the welfare of animals
The tourism industry is beginning to move away from attractions that are built on animal habitats. They now catering to both the animals needs as well as that of the tourists. Zoos are becoming more and more unpopular with society unless they are created for animal protection. Some tourist attractions that offered elephant riding are no longer doing that. Laws are being put in place and strictly adhered to in the cases of poaching. Even marine life is considered in sustainable tourism.
Protecting local marine resources is one of the most urgent needs in promoting sustainable tourism. Sustainable coastal tourism can help preserve artisanal fishing communities, allow for subsistence fishing, protect the environment and make positive contributions to sustainable economic development. This will improve the ability of local people to supply fish, and for managing supply with safer local systems for aquaculture.
Catering towards the welfare of nature preservation
The natural ecosystem is important as it preserves the circle of life for both people and animals. Hotels and lodges are becoming more aware of how they handle their waste. They are using more eco-friendly products that do not contaminate the environment. Tour guides are limiting the number of people and tours they do a day to prevent destruction and devastation to the ground.
More eco-friendly modes of transportation are encouraged, more energy-efficient systems are being utilized in hotels and lodges, such as solar energy instead of electricity. Even simple things like going paperless when booking and billing guests go a long way in establishing sustainable tourism.
Role of the tourist.
When you are making plans to travel, you need to be aware of the sustainable options offered and pick those, they can use more eco-friendly tour operators, utilize the natural resources, avoid destructive behavior, especially to flora and fauna, stay in eco-friendly places that are also conscious of their practices and respect the culture and traditions of the area you are visiting. As a tourist, it goes a long way if you do not support those who are being cruel to the land and animals; it encourages them to make the change and not exploit the land and animals.
Everyone can play a role in sustainable tourism. We must all be more conscious of our footprint and do better.
