Most of us love to travel. Visiting new places, seeing the wonders of the world, the natural phenomenons, the diverse flora fauna and so much more. Traveling and experiencing new spheres is also a way of life for some people. Many have given up their full-time jobs to pursue their interest in traveling. And that number is going to grow in the coming years.
However, with the increasing connectivity and the effect of social media, the number of tourists is growing rapidly. According to an estimate made by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, over a billion tourists are traveling all over the world. And, a large number of tourists do affect the environment. There is no sugarcoating the fact that everyone is not conscious of the delicate state of our environment and the fact that we are already at the edge. Mass Tourism has several layers of harmful effects. Although it boosts the economy initially, in the long run, it ends up destroying the source of income.
What is Sustainable Tourism?
Sustainable Tourism is the way a tourist explores a place or a destination without harming any of the 3 main pillars: environment, economy, and socio-cultural ways. The word "sustainable" itself explains that there has to be a balance, awareness to maintain things the way they are.
Sustainable Tourism is where people or tourists need to understand the importance of the 3 pillars and measure their actions. It is not as difficult as it sounds. It's rather simple. Every single contribution counts. And every small effort leads brings in a big change.
There are many countries in the world, where tourism is one of the main contributors to the GDP. The tourism industry creates jobs, employment opportunities. They bring in money. However, with the increase in mass tourism often the conservative measures or the awareness for sustainability is lacking.
Why Sustainable Tourism is Important?
The main reason why Sustainable Tourism is important because it will help to "sustain" the destination and preserve it the way it is. Some people are conscious travelers. These travelers enjoy the place for what it is without defiling it.
Here are some of the core reasons:
Preserve the Environment:
An environmental crisis is imminent. Our cities are choked with polluted air. Seeing a clear blue sky is a luxury in many places. The amount of plastic and garbage accumulating will soon make the scenario of the film Wall-E a reality. Sustainable Tourism is where the tourist has a minimum impact on the environment. A simple example is using a refillable water bottle and saving plastic.
Economic aspect:
The tourism industry is a big part of the economy of several nations. Sustainable tourism will help to preserve the place and maintain it for future generations. One of the most common effects of mass tourism is the over-exhaustion of resources and as a result destroying the very source of income.
Socio-cultural aspect:
Travelling is learning. There are so many things that a person can learn when one travels to a different nation or a place where everything is different. Cultural shock is experienced. People who travel tend to be more open-minded and tolerant of each other. Going out of my comfort zone, accepting, and experiencing new things will give me a completely different outlook.
How to be a sustainable Tourist
It is not rocket science. It can be as simple as reducing plastic usage during your travel. Just the way you would keep your home tidy by maintaining it, think of your destination in the same way. It is just being a responsible tourist that you can travel in a sustainable manner.
Here are some ways in which you can be a responsible tourist:
Reduce plastic usage. It is applicable in general everywhere. Instead of using one-time things, switch to reusable and Eco-friendly items.
Respect local culture and experience it. Your support to local people works both ways. You will earn experience and the locals would earn their livelihood.
Conserve the natural environment. Littering is one of the biggest problems in the world.
Choose animal welfare over entertainment. Many animals are kept chains for human entertainment purposes. This needs to be stopped.
Educate yourself and spread awareness. There are endless small ways which you can adopt. Research on the things that you use and replace them with a sustainable product. For example, some sunscreens are harmful to coral reefs and therefore replace them with Eco-friendly ones.
The need for Sustainable Tourism in India
Recently I came across news that overnight camping in Triund (Himachal Pradesh, India) was not allowed anymore because of the adverse effect on the environment. On reading the article in detail I came to know that people turned that place into a nightclub with DJ, sound-boxes and what not. In addition to that all the plastic wastage, empty liquor bottles, feces, vomits were found all over the place. All these prompted the government into banning overnight camping completely. Now day trekkers can trek but have to return by the evening. Local NGOs cleaned up the place and the beauty was somewhat restored.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying drinks or music but was that the right place or the right way to do these things? Many commercial tours are organizing this kind of trip. A recent advertisement of a trekking trip to Kasol and KheerGanga had all the potentially destructive items in the itinerary. Many people now avoid going to more common and popular tourist destinations because of the amount of commercialization and garbage that has eaten away the natural beauty.
While people have taken to social media vivaciously to showcase all their travel escapades, sustainable tourism is still in its nascent stages. While some practice it, some outright ignore it. Maintaining places does not require everyone to move mountains. It just needs people to be aware and give back a little love.
Leave behind footprints, not trash.
