The growing importance of more responsible travel choices is highlighted in Booking.com’s 11th annual Travel & Sustainability Report, with 85% of global travellers saying that travelling more sustainably is important or very important to them. At the same time, 69% express a desire to leave the destinations they visit in a better state than they found them, with supporting local communities and protecting the environment being key priorities.
The travel-focused survey polled 32,500 people from 35 countries, finding that 60% believe that tourism has an overall positive impact on their destination, with the key benefits being economic growth (59%), job creation (46%) and improved leisure options (41%).
However, there are also challenges, such as traffic congestion (40%), increasing waste (37%) and the rising cost of living, as well as overcrowding (31%).
To mark the publication of the report, Booking.com presents six ways to travel more sustainably, based on how people around the world experience tourism in the places where they live. Specifically:
1. Away from popular destinations
Mass tourism in popular areas can put pressure on local infrastructure and disrupt the daily lives of residents. 29% of people say they would like their region to promote nearby towns and attractions to travellers, whilst 43% of travellers want to avoid overcrowded tourist destinations or attractions. So choosing itineraries “beyond the travel guide” can benefit both residents and visitors.
Paris is rightly one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but smaller French cities such as Bordeaux – whose architecture rivals that of the City of Lights – or Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, can offer similar experiences with fewer crowds and lower costs. Similarly, in Bangkok, the laid-back Ari neighbourhood is an ideal alternative to the intense and bustling Thonglor. The result is a win-win situation: travellers enjoy more authentic experiences away from the busiest spots, whilst smaller cities and local communities benefit from the increased footfall and the most touristy areas are relieved of congestion.
2. Travelling during off-peak periods
Travelling off-peak is a favourite choice among frequent travellers. 25% of residents would like to see alternative times to visit promoted. Meanwhile, 42% of travellers say they want to travel abroad outside peak periods. Even postponing a trip by a few weeks can ease the pressure on local communities during the busiest periods. Noosa, on the northern tip of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is particularly pleasant at this time of year – ideal for hiking and whale watching – with fewer visitors than during the peak summer months.
Alternatively, explore Italy’s Amalfi Coast in October–November, when it is quieter and the weather is milder, but the scenery is just as impressive as during the summer months. Families, who are often restricted by school holidays, can choose destinations popular with nationalities that have different school calendars, for a more relaxed and often more affordable travel experience.
3. Getting around, as the locals do
With 41% of people saying they would like their local area to offer better public transport to support more sustainable tourism, the way travellers get around a destination can have a real impact. For the 46% of travellers who plan to use more sustainable modes of transport on their trips, there are many options – from cycling and walking to using public transport.
However, the experience of hailing a Black Cab in London or a Yellow Cab in New York is part of the visit, but the Tube and Underground are often the fastest and most economical ways to get around, whilst remaining equally characteristic of each city. Modern travel and mapping apps are also making it easier than ever to explore cities on foot, in destinations such as Singapore, Osaka, Vancouver and Seattle, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the everyday life of a place whilst reducing traffic and emissions.
5. Protecting the natural environment
Natural beauty is often the main reason travellers choose a destination, so protecting it should be part of the experience. With 37% of people reporting that the increase in waste from tourism is a challenge for their area, it is encouraging that 52% of travellers want to reduce overall waste during their travels, for example by recycling and avoiding single-use products.
It is equally important to minimise the impact of visitors on fragile ecosystems; staying on marked trails rather than entering protected habitats in the hope of taking a better photograph, and avoiding damage to plants and marine life, are essential practices. When it comes to wildlife-focused travel, rather than the more popular destinations such as the Galápagos, the Masai Mara or the Serengeti, one can opt for more isolated but equally impressive areas, such as the Pacific coast of Ecuador or less-visited parks like Samburu in Kenya and Nyerere in Tanzania. These behaviours and choices can help to preserve the natural beauty of these destinations.
6. Engaging with local cultures and communities
With 28% of residents wanting tourists to better understand local laws and customs, and 30% calling for more funding to protect cultural and natural heritage, it is important for travellers to be mindful of cultural norms and what local communities consider important to protect.
Before travelling, it is helpful to be aware of local etiquette, dress codes, religious customs and specific regulations in each area, particularly at sacred sites, historical monuments or protected natural areas. Even small gestures, such as knowing when photography is not appropriate or learning a few words in the local language, can be a sign of respect.
These six steps are simple actions that anyone can take, and they form the guide recommended by Booking.com. By making more conscious and thoughtful choices, visitors can reduce their impact on the environment and local communities, whilst ensuring that destinations continue to be enjoyed by future generations, both residents and travellers.
Source: money-tourism.gr