The travel industry supports more than 200 million jobs. For obvious reasons, this industry took a different turn in COVID-19 times. These numbers probably declined too.
And it’s because tourism is a quite complex industry that requires a lot of creativity, different tools, and skilled personnel to make it work that we have to re-think the way it will work in the couple next of years.
That is the reason I keep thinking about how eco-tourism would help us to make the industry more responsible.
You may think that the term “eco-tourism” is something new, but it’s better to understand that it comes from the 80s.
When it was defined by the Mexican writer Hector Ceballos as “travelling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural aspects (both past and present) found in these areas.”
Back at that time we did not know too much about travelling with responsibility. But later, we incorporated other issues such as “causing a low impact on the environment when interacting with nature” into this definition.
Then, eco-tourists around the world had the fundamental role of putting the way of making eco-tourism into practice in full. And I do hope it becomes not only popular but the only way of travelling in the future.
But what does it mean in practice?
It means that an eco-tourism traveller has not only the responsibility of minimising the impact on nature but also providing positive experiences for both – the host and visitors.
Besides it, they must provide financial benefits to the community if it is possible.
That is how eco-staying becomes a handful. An eco-accommodation usually follows the best practices on sustainability such as reducing, reusing, and recycling.
They also educate the guest about preserving the environment, incentivise the compost, donates to charities, and help the local community.
As environmental awareness is growing, the sustainable hotel business also gets strength and boosts confidence to become more popular than ever.
In 2020, when we demanded to be at home, the idea of staying in secluded spots when travelling seemed to be the best option for exploring some destinations.
It will certainly be appreciated in the following years as well. Plus, with the impact of climate change on the environment ecotourism did not just become a trend – it is a priority now.
Businesses getting that are granted green accreditation are certainly one step forward on the route of making the travel industry more sustainable.
But what kind of green accommodation should I choose?
We are lucky to say there are all types of Eco-friendly accommodations nowadays. From hotels to hostels –we are indeed spoilt for choice. As long as they respect and follow this green hotel checklist, you are safe as an eco-traveller.
Here are some examples of eco-accommodation:
Green hotels – I am sometimes just shocked by the number of plastic toiletries available in a single hotel room.
That is something that you would not find in a hotel following best practices in green living. This kind of accommodation also offers non-disposable dishes, renewable energy sources, etc.
Eco-resorts– Until now, I thought it would be quite impossible to put resort and eco together in the same sentence.
For me, a resort is a place where families gather in swimming pools, enjoy continental breakfast, and dispose of everything that can be imagined for the sake of “we are paying for this”.
Surprisingly, eco-luxury resorts are quite popular among travellers. The “luxury” added to this comes from the fact you can enjoy a resort without sacrificing comfortable amenities. Everything agreed to the green accreditation measures.
Green Hostels – Hotels are quite popular among youth, and as far as I know, it has been talking about sustainable practices for quite a while now.
I have been to this type of green hotel in Amsterdam and didn’t regret it at all. The sense of community is quite strong, and it was simply great to see how a green hotel works in practice.
Eco-lodges – It would be probably my favourite one. These types of accommodations are usually placed within mountains, jungles, forests, lakes, and any other remote areas around the globe.
You will be gifted with stunning landscapes and wildlife, and can also enjoy hiking, daily guided tracks, and all types of activities to enjoy the wilderness. Perfect for those considering staying in a bubble hotel.
Now that you know that it’s possible to make eco-tourism happens, let me know what would be your favourite type of green hotel?
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