What is sustainable tourism, and how can jet-setters support this global movement? Here’s what you need to know about travelling sustainably.
Ain’t it fun now that we get to explore the world again? As the travel industry continues to boom post-pandemic, we’ve gained insights into things that shape how we see the world. One travel trend that will dominate in 2024 is sustainable tourism. Now, it’s not just about eco-friendly stays and sustainable getaways, even though those fall in that spectrum. Travelling sustainably also involves making intentional and informed choices. But before we dive into all that, let’s strip back to basics and ask the most important question: what is sustainable tourism?
The rise of sustainable tourism
The UN World Tourism Organisation defines sustainable travel as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.” Simply put, it’s about making choices that are good for our planet and support local communities. Sounds daunting? We get it, but it’s not as hard as you think.
Despite gaining traction in recent years among millennials and Gen Z travellers, sustainable tourism actually emerged in the early 1990s as a response to tourism’s negative impact on the environment and culture. But the travel industry met it with hostility. Fast-forward to more than two decades later, and everyone’s singing a different tune. Today, sustainable tourism has evolved into a mainstream movement driven by various factors, such as increasing awareness of environmental issues and travellers’ evolving preferences.
Okay, we know what you’re thinking: isn’t sustainable tourism another “Western phenomenon”? However, the initiative is growing among local travellers, too. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2024, 80% of Singaporean explorers feel that sustainable travel is important, and most want to experience that within the next 12 months. In fact, nearly half of those surveyed said they’d feel guilty if they made less sustainable choices – they want to leave the destinations better than when they arrived.
It’s not all totally rosy on this front
The movement may be progressing thanks to more people becoming aware of and embracing eco-friendly travel habits. However, it still faces significant challenges. One big obstacle is the lack of infrastructure and resources for sustainable travel, especially in developing countries. These places have limited access to renewable energy sources, waste management systems, and sustainable transportation options.
Another major barrier is resistance from certain segments of the industry, such as large hotel chains and tour operators. These folks may favour profit over sustainability, leading to conflicts of interest and a reluctance to invest in environmentally responsible measures.
Sustainability may be today’s sexy word, but how do we measure and certify it when it comes down to the grind? There are too many eco-labels and certifications without standard criteria. Plus, the lack of transparency makes everyone sceptical about sustainability efforts. Which certification programme is the most legit? No one knows.
Let’s be real: finding a balance between two major issues can be tricky. Sustainable tourism isn’t as easy as it seems. Besides socio-economic and environmental factors, other problems like overtourism and biodiversity decline exist.
These issues have also affected Singapore’s eco-conscious explorers. The same Booking.com report highlights that although most believe sustainable travel is essential, half don’t consider it a primary factor when planning a trip. Some feel their time spent travelling is too precious to prioritise sustainability. On top of that, 34% said they’re tired of hearing about climate change all the time and don’t believe the issue is as extreme as people make it out to be. Yikes.
How can we travel sustainably?
Yes, we know that travelling sustainably is important… but how can we do it? Edmund Ong, Trip.com Singapore’s general manager, advises booking low-carbon products, such as eco-friendly accommodations.
“You can also book your trips with companies that are certified by groups like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council or are working towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals,” he states. By prioritising such options, travellers can promote environmental conservation and socio-economic development in the countries they’re visiting.
Everyone knows flying around the world contributes to carbon emissions; additional factors include distance travelled, fuel efficiency, and the number of passengers. So, how can you minimise your carbon footprint? Choose lower-emission transportation options such as trains or buses. Other options include packing light to reduce the luggage weight and making concrete efforts to reduce waste.
These changes may seem small, but they can make a big difference. By being mindful of your choices, you can play a part in supporting sustainable tourism and protecting the beautiful places you’re visiting. After all, isn’t preserving the world’s wonders worth a little extra effort?
The pros outweigh the cons
According to Edmund, sustainable tourism can enhance cities’ environmental protection, electricity efficiency, waste management systems, and more. This helps avoid the negative environmental impact of short-term tourists. It fosters resilience and offers the long-term potential to attract tourists sustainably.
He adds, “Sustainable tourism also creates opportunities to host large global events, bringing significant economic benefits to destination communities.”
Countries can do more to show their commitment to sustainability, such as attracting visitors to less well-travelled destinations. According to Edmund, places like Thailand and Malaysia have endorsed the idea of redirecting tourists away from popular attractions. Other regions are also offering niche tourist activities to alleviate overcrowding. Targeting lull periods or traditionally low travel seasons, aka shoulder seasons, can help ease peak travel periods too.
Singapore’s role in sustainable tourism
According to a travellers’ choice poll conducted by Tripadvisor, Singapore ranks as one of the world’s best sustainable destinations for 2024. This isn’t surprising, given that our country has been amping up its efforts with eco-conscious tours such as Intertidal Exploration by The Untamed Paths, Let’s Go Kelong by Let’s Go Tour, and P*DA Tours – The Hunt for the Green Treasure by Tribe. Beyond sightseeing, these curated expeditions allow tourists to connect with our natural wonders.
Of course, there’s always room for improvement. 48% of participants in Booking.com’s research believe that the government should take the lead in managing the economic impact, while 44% think travel service providers should play a more active role in addressing environmental concerns. 69% of respondents feel that travel booking sites should adopt the same sustainable certification or labels, indicating a growing demand for transparency and accountability in the industry.
Singapore has been proactive in addressing these concerns. The government has designed the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which outlines targets for reducing carbon emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting green spaces. Other groups like government agencies and non-profits are working together to push the sustainability agenda, resulting in The Tourism Sustainability Programme. The plan supports sustainability efforts and showcases Singapore as a leader in this field.
The future of travel through sustainability’s eyes
So, where do we go from here? Edmund believes we will take a more holistic approach to sustainable travel. “There’ll be more collaborations and partnerships alongside increasing awareness and demand. Technology will be used to boost sustainable tourism efforts by calculating carbon emissions and offsets,” he explains.
Explorers can also look forward to other technological developments in virtual reality and augmented reality, which can offer eco-friendly alternatives by providing immersive experiences minus the environmental footprint. These advancements, combined with increased global awareness, can make sustainable tourism more accessible and engaging for everyone.
Let’s start by making small conscious choices that benefit both the planet and the places we visit. At the end of the day, we want a future where travel not only broadens our horizons but also preserves the Earth for generations to come. Happy sustainable travels, folks!
