Responsible Tourism: A Shift in How We Travel
Travel has always been about discovery for me—whether it’s immersing myself in nature, exploring new cultures, or learning from people across the world. But when I look back on my journey, I realize that the way I travel has evolved over time. It’s not just about where I go anymore, but how I travel and why.
As a child, my passion was for the natural world, from dinosaurs to insects, and I dreamed of becoming a paleontologist. Later, photography and wildlife drew me in, and I even spent time in South Africa to earn a Field Guide Diploma. But despite my early ambitions, I ultimately found that my real passion was for the world itself and the cultures that inhabit it. I wanted to explore, not for the sake of checking off tourist attractions, but to truly understand and appreciate the places I visited.
The Impact of Mass Tourism
In today’s world, it seems that many people travel for the wrong reasons—driven by social media trends, cheap vacation packages, and the desire to follow the crowd. Mass tourism has made popular destinations overcrowded, which not only puts a strain on local resources but also damages the very cultures and ecosystems that make these places special. What used to be a personal, enriching experience has turned into a corporate machine, often benefiting large resorts and foreign businesses at the expense of the local community.
These hot spots are now so overrun that their essence has been diluted. Local culture is overshadowed by international chains, and natural environments are ravaged to make way for tourism infrastructure. The economic benefits rarely stay in the country, as much of the revenue leaves with the foreign-owned businesses. On top of that, the pollution generated by unchecked tourism has taken a massive toll on these destinations.
A Shift Brought by the Pandemic
When the pandemic hit in 2020, the tourism industry came to a halt, giving the world a rare opportunity to reflect on the effects of mass tourism. For the first time in years, popular destinations experienced a dramatic reduction in tourists. This led to cleaner cities, quieter spaces, and a renewal of local traditions. Dolphins returned to Venice’s canals, and Bali’s rivers started to clear. These glimpses of the world without the burden of mass tourism gave us a new perspective on how travel could be.
However, there was a downside. Many businesses tied to tourism shut down, and job losses soared. But this pause has also allowed countries to rethink their reliance on tourism and start focusing on supporting local businesses instead of being dependent on international tour operators.
What Can We Do?
As the world reopens and tourism picks up again, we have a unique chance to change the way we travel and make a lasting positive impact. Here are some ways to approach responsible tourism:
Travel Off-Season
Visiting during off-peak times means fewer crowds and a more authentic experience. It also helps spread the economic benefits of tourism more evenly throughout the year, supporting local businesses when they need it most. Plus, you’ll likely find lower prices on accommodations and activities.
Explore Beyond the Well-Trodden Path
Instead of flocking to the same destinations everyone else is visiting, seek out lesser-known spots. Let curiosity guide you, and allow yourself to get lost. By exploring quieter areas, you not only discover hidden gems but also immerse yourself in the local culture more deeply.
Choose Eco-Friendly Travel Options
If possible, opt for environmentally friendly modes of transport such as trains, buses, or bicycles. These options help reduce your carbon footprint while also offering a more scenic and relaxed way to travel. Additionally, book with travel companies that prioritize sustainability and minimize their environmental impact.
Support Local Businesses
When you travel, support locally owned businesses instead of international chains. This helps keep the profits within the community and ensures that your money is going to the people who make the destination unique. When booking accommodations, consider staying in locally owned guesthouses or Airbnb properties run by local hosts. Avoiding the commercialization of areas by foreign investors is key to maintaining their authenticity.
Respect Local Cultures
Traveling means being a guest in someone else’s home. Show respect for the culture, environment, and traditions of the places you visit. Follow the same rules you would if you were visiting someone’s home—treat others with kindness and respect, and leave a positive impact behind.
Put the Camera Down
In our digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in snapping photos to share on social media. While capturing memories is important, it’s equally valuable to simply experience the moment without the lens. Put your camera down occasionally, engage fully with your surroundings, and truly take in the beauty of the world around you.
A Chance to Make a Difference
Looking back, I remember a place from my childhood—a small pond surrounded by forest. It was a pristine, untouched spot where I spent hours playing and exploring. But when the area was opened up for tourism, it was destroyed. Trees were cut down, the land bulldozed, and the frogs and tadpoles that once thrived there disappeared. This is a story mirrored across the world, where unchecked tourism has taken its toll on natural spaces.
Now, more than ever, we have the opportunity to change our travel habits. By making responsible choices, we can protect the places we love and ensure they remain intact for future generations. Responsible tourism doesn’t require major sacrifices—it’s about being mindful of our impact and choosing to travel with respect for the world around us.
