If you’re looking into ways to become a more responsible traveler, you’ll likely come across terms like “sustainable tourism,” “ecotourism,” and “voluntourism.” While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings. Ecotourism focuses on environmentally-friendly travel in natural areas, while sustainable tourism is a broader concept that involves practicing sustainability within the tourism industry as a whole.
The negative environmental impacts of careless tourism, such as overtourism (where destinations become overcrowded) and land degradation (due to excessive tourism infrastructure), have become increasingly apparent. These concepts are more than just buzzwords; they represent a movement towards sustainable travel that aims to last.
Sustainable tourism considers the long-term economic, social, and environmental effects of tourism, balancing the needs of visitors, the environment, host communities, and the tourism industry. According to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), sustainable tourism isn’t just a type of tourism, but a goal for how all tourism should impact the world. It includes efforts to conserve nature, preserve cultural heritage, and distribute economic benefits fairly.
To practice sustainable tourism, destinations and industries should prioritize the natural environment in their development, respect local cultures, and focus on long-term economic sustainability. By incorporating sustainable practices into your travel habits, you not only benefit local people, environments, and wildlife but also enrich your own travel experiences. Simple actions like buying local souvenirs, using public transportation, visiting protected areas, or camping in a low-impact manner can support sustainable tourism.
While sustainable tourism addresses economic, social, and environmental issues, ecotourism primarily emphasizes the environment. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local people, and involves interpretation and education.” The United Nations World Tourism Organization describes it as nature-based tourism focused on appreciating and learning about nature and traditional cultures.
Ecotourism generates income for local communities and conservation efforts, offering alternative employment and raising awareness about significant areas. It’s the most recognized form of sustainable tourism, and when managed well, it supports the conservation and preservation of natural and cultural sites. Some communities and environments rely on ecotourism for survival, like Palau, where visitors must pledge to act responsibly, and in Africa, where national parks provide jobs and protect wildlife.
However, ecotourism isn’t the only type of sustainable tourism. Voluntourism involves traveling to volunteer, like teaching or working in conservation. It supports local communities and provides long-term benefits. Soft tourism favors small, local businesses and cultural experiences over mass tourism, which can harm the environment and local economies. Community-based tourism gives residents control over tourism activities, ensuring that economic benefits stay within the community.
Overall, sustainable tourism aims to enrich both the traveler and the destination by respecting cultures, conserving nature, and supporting local economies.
