In recent years, responsible travel has become a significant trend in the tourism industry. Travellers are becoming more aware of the impact their travel has on the environment and conversations around minimising their carbon footprint are becoming common. Responsible travel is defined as tourism that minimises the negative impact on the environment, economy, and society, and maximises the benefits for the local communities and destinations. The concept encompasses aspects such as conserving natural resources, respecting local cultures and supporting local economies while reducing waste and pollution
It is a conscious, thoughtful effort that looks to minimise the negative footprint of travel.
It is reasonably established that travel and tourism is a major contributor to the global economy and India is one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets today. According to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the tourism sector in India is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.7 per cent between 2019 and 2029.
While it is a welcome change, this shall also have significant environmental impact. The travel industry is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), transportation accounts for approximately 14 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and air travel accounts for approximately 2.5 per cent of global carbon emissions (IPCC, 2018). Additionally, tourism may lead to deforestation, pollution, and damage to natural habitats. It’s important to acknowledge these impacts and take action to reduce them.
The actions need to originate from and involve all stakeholders. While Governments may come out with supportive policies, the industry itself will also consciously need to adopt sustainable practices. The singular most important stakeholder, the traveller himself is also the most powerful agent of change who can make sustainable choices and demand such services.
There are many examples where countries, businesses and travellers around the world have faced this situation and have made an effort to adopt responsible travel practices.
While in India, the Ministry of Tourism has launched the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme to promote sustainable tourism in 13 thematic circuits (Ministry of Tourism, 2022), some countries like Italy, offer tax breaks for businesses that use renewable energy and promote sustainable practices (The Local Italy, 2021). Some other countries are also implementing carbon-offset programs, which allow travellers to offset their carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy projects. Costa Rica has raised its sustainability quotient by implementing policies such as a carbon tax on transportation and a certification program for eco-friendly hotels. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has launched a Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, which aims to eliminate single-use plastics from the tourism industry by 2025 (UNWTO, 2022).
Education of tourists about responsible environmental behaviour is equally crucial. Several nations collaborate with the tourism industry to offer resources and incentives to tourists who want to adopt ecologically friendly habits. The “Travel Better” campaign in the UK implores travellers to lessen their carbon impact by using the bus, walking, or cycling. The promotion also exhorts tourists to support small businesses and lessen plastic trash (VisitBritain, 2022). A similar movement encouraging responsible decision-making among visitors exists in India. More than half of all journeys in Amsterdam are now performed by bicycle thanks to the city’s policies promoting cycling, which include parking spots and dedicated bike lanes.
The tourism industry must also be more transparent about its environmental impact and work towards reducing its carbon footprint.
As we prioritise India’s Urban 20 priorities, we must encourage environmentally responsible behaviours, and responsible travel is a crucial aspect of this effort. While some progress has been made, there is still much work to be done.
Even modest changes, like choosing sustainable transportation, may have a big impact. The predominant form of transportation in many metropolitan areas is the automobile, which increases carbon emissions and air pollution. We can lessen the impact of travel on the environment by encouraging alternate forms of transportation including walking, cycling, and public transit. By encouraging sustainable tourism methods, we may further promote responsible travel. This may entail encouraging travellers to respect regional traditions and customs in addition to promoting eco-friendly hotels and resorts and local and sustainable food alternatives. By doing this, we may contribute to reducing the negative effects of tourism on the environment and aid local communities.
Despite the benefits of responsible travel, it can be challenging to achieve. Modern urban lifestyles often prioritise convenience and comfort over sustainability, making it difficult for people to adopt environmentally responsible behaviour. Additionally, many of us travellers prioritise cost and convenience over sustainability when planning their trips.
To encourage responsible travel, we must create a culture of sustainability. Responsible travel practices must become a cornerstone of our efforts towards a more sustainable future. The tourism industry must reduce its environmental impact by adopting sustainable practices, and individual travellers must take responsibility for their actions. Governments must incentivise responsible travel and hold businesses accountable for their actions. By promoting sustainable tourism practices, we can reduce the environmental impact of travel and tourism while promoting sustainable development. It is time to prioritise responsible travel practices for the sake of our planet’s future.
Views expressed by – Dr. Anjuna Dhir, Partner, Destinopedia Advisors LLP
References:
- World Travel and Tourism Council. (2020). Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2020 India. Retrieved from https://wttc.org/ Research/Economic-Impact.
- Gössling, S., Scott, D., & Hall, C. M. (2013). Tourism and water: Interactions, impacts and challenges. Channel View Publications.
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2018). Global warming of 1.5°C. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/
- Ministry of Tourism. (2022). Swadesh Darshan. Retrieved from https://tourism.gov. in/schemes/swadesh-darshan
- The Local Italy. (2021). Italy offers tax breaks for eco-friendly businesses. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.it/20210722/ italy-offers-tax-breaks-for eco-friendly- businesses/
- UNWTO. (2022). Global Tourism Plastics Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.unwto. org/global-tourism-plastics-initiative
- VisitBritain. (2022). Travel Better campaign. Retrieved from https://www. visitbrit
- UNWTO. (2019). Sustainable Tourism – Key to a Better Planet. Retrieved from https:// www.unwto.org/sustainable-tourism-key-to- a-better-planet.