Ecotourism

The effects of tourism
The tourism industry is the world’s biggest and fastest growing industry. In 2004, an estimated 475 million tourists have travelled abroad. Their expenditures create employment for approximately 305 million people. In some areas that are highly dependent on tourism for income, the effects cannot be overlooked: towering beachfront apartments, overcrowded beaches and markets with cheap souvenirs are commonplace. Infamous examples are parts of the Spanish coast and certain districts on Bali.

There seems to be a desire among holidaymakers to ‘go-before-it’s-gone’, which is fed by (local) operators that prefer a quick and easy gain over profitability in the long run. However, the last few years have seen a rise in organizations that promote proper stewardship. Driven by ecological awareness, conservation or entrepreneurship, they choose to offer tourism products that pose less strain on the environment and culture of a destination. This is often referred to as ‘ecotourism’ or sustainable tourism.

How about sustainable tourism?
Sustainable tourism refers to the environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of tourism. These must be in balance to assure that a tourism product will not pose a threat to the local environment, nor the culture of the people that depend on it for income.

Sustainable tourism should:

	Make optimal use of environmental resources in tourism development, maintaining ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.
	Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of 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, and contributing to poverty alleviation.

Naturally, sustainable tourism should also maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience to the tourists, raising awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them.

The Local Eyes Guides provide information on sustainable tourism products and other initiatives that practice sustainable principles, such as grassroots development projects, social and cultural awareness programs and locally-owned accommodations.

Sustainable travelling
Below you will find some tips that might help you to be a responsible traveler – and to make the most of your stay!

	Travel off-season and stay for a longer period of time.
	Choose a destination, touroperator or accommodation that practices sustainability. Just ask – as soon as you do, you help to raise the profile of environmental and social issues.
	Cut down on the amount of luggage you take. Walk, cycle, or use public transport if possible. If needed, hire a smaller car.
	Stay in local, small-scale hotels or guest-houses. The host communities’ benefit will be far greater,
	Spend money on locally produced food, goods and services. Don’t buy souvenirs or goods made from (threatened) wildlife, such as reptile skins, horns or shells. If haggling is customary, haggle – but don’t drive too hard a bargain,
	Respect local culture and practices. Mind that local customs might be different, especially regarding religion, sexual behaviour and drinking. Dress appropriately. Be informed!
	Follow local laws and regulations, especially in national parks or at archaeological or architectural sites. Act as the guest you are.
	Limit your use of water and electricity. Turn the air conditioning off when possible and reuse your towels. Especially in high season, the needs of local people are sometimes neglected. The water needed for swimming pools, golf courses, and other facilities for tourists may cause the supply for local people to be limited or even cut off.
	Always ask before taking photographs of people. Sometimes it is a custom to pay the photographees for their services. Mind your flash when dealing with wildlife or archaeological artworks!
	Be an advocate! After your holiday, share your (good and bad) experiences, so others can learn from them.