SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

We know at times that it may seem like our posts are about nothing but doom and gloom, but we are hopeful — especially when we realize that we are not alone in caring about the state of our environment.

Articles like the one from BBC we’ve quoted and linked below, do provide a glimmer of hope.

And we know that if you’re reading our posts that YOU care.  Thank you, because that warms our hearts.

“Holidaymakers are rethinking their relationship with planet Earth,” she says. “There is a new awareness, especially in young people, about our responsibility for our future and for the planet.”

Marina Novelli, a professor of tourism and international development, says that more in the travel industry are introducing sustainability measures such as solar energy, cold water storage, recycling, and repurposing.

However, she says sustainability also should cover employment practices, fair pay, and equality policies.

And, like many other industries, Prof Novelli warns there’s plenty of greenwashing – hotels and other accommodations that like to portray their green credentials, but actually come up short.

To overcome this, she says responsibility lies with the traveller. “I’m pushing back to the consumer responsibility because if we keep asking those questions providers will be pushed to actually do the right thing,” she says.