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The idea of being sustainable or "green" is widely discussed and promoted today. In a way, it is being presented to all of us as a "mandatory philosophy" for anyone who wants to be well-regarded socially, and this applies to both individuals and companies. On one hand, it is great that everyone is becoming aware of the need to collaborate for a better world, but it is very important that this idea is not treated as a passing trend.
In 2017, the UN declared the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, and since then the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) has been reinforcing the importance of focusing on the topic.
According to UNWTO Communications Director Sandra Carvão, the sector accounts for 10% of global GDP, making its relevance to the economy unquestionable. "Tourism is one of the most resilient sectors in the face of change and crises," revealed Sandra. She added that the UNWTO aims to reach 1.8 billion international tourists by 2030, a figure that currently stands at 1.2 billion.
"If each of the 1.2 billion people who travel internationally adopted a sustainable attitude, imagine the impact that could have in terms of social inclusion and development," said Sandra, citing buying from local producers as an example of such actions.
"We want to mobilize stakeholders in support of this agenda, and the year is just an excuse, as this is a long journey," she stated.
One of the initiatives to highlight the importance of the subject was the creation of awards that foster more competitive sustainable tourism by recognizing inspiring projects. One of them is The UNWTO Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism, held annually by the UNWTO. For 2019, the list of finalists includes proposals from Canada, Colombia, India, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the Philippines, covering everything from the development of community-based tourism and nature conservation driven by innovation, to cultural tourism and the promotion of accessible tourism.
For this edition, a total of 190 proposals were received from 71 countries across three categories: public policy and governance, enterprises, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
In 2018, the intelligence unit of The Economist released the first Sustainable Tourism Index, which evaluates 10 countries around the world and their commitment to the development and promotion of sustainable tourism practices. The participating countries were: Germany, Brazil, China, Egypt, the United States, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
European countries stood out, with France taking first place in the ranking, followed by Germany (2nd) and the United Kingdom (3rd).
Brazil ranked seventh, earning points for air quality, CO2 emissions, and responsible water use. Sporting events were also viewed positively in the index. However, among the factors that caused the country to drop in the rankings are the political and economic crisis, violence, and tourism infrastructure. Furthermore, the country was also criticized for the effectiveness of its marketing and branding in attracting tourists, employment in the tourism sector, and its understanding of sustainable tourism policy.
For a better understanding of the concept of sustainable tourism, three essential pillars must be taken into account:
· The environmental pillar: the conservation of the nature where one is staying.
· The economic pillar: support for local businesses.
· The social pillar: appreciation of local cultural projects.
The environmental pillar is the most widely known. Interest in lesser-known places with high levels of environmental preservation has attracted many visitors. But even well-known and explored locations are not left out of this environmental concern. Many cities or regions in cosmopolitan countries are adapting to this environmental awareness and publicizing the actions they are taking to preserve nature, such as initiatives to ban the use of plastic.
Supporting local businesses is fundamental for development, the inclusion of workers in the job market, and encouraging local practices, such as handicrafts.
The tourism industry, whether in the form of international hostel chains or local companies, can boost a country's economy, which is very positive. However, these chains are generally managed by foreign companies. The focus on supporting local businesses proposes investing money directly into the economy of the country or location being visited—for example, by booking local establishments or choosing native guides and rewarding them with good tips. This is quite different from an "all-inclusive" package from large hotel chains purchased through travel agencies.
There is so much to see and explore in this vast world. Cultures, habits, religions, traditions, and people from diverse backgrounds in every corner of the globe are waiting to be visited, their identities shared and celebrated worldwide.
One way to contribute to this is by supporting social infrastructure through responsible consumption. Visiting local markets to discover products made, grown, or crafted in the region—or even just exchanging information—can allow travelers to bring home new techniques learned along the way. Or, simply by appreciating and valuing what a place has to offer, you can help spread the word and inspire others to visit.
A very recent example is the “Alagoas Handmade” circuit project, held in Maceió with the goal of promoting tourism while also celebrating folk culture.
Giant replicas of sculptures by renowned Alagoas artisans are on display along the city's waterfront. These new sculptures are a huge hit with tourists, and they are free to enjoy. To admire them, simply take a stroll along the waterfront and snap a photo of these masterpieces by great Alagoan artists.
Sustainable tourism is a win-win exchange for both the destination and the traveler. We need greater awareness in how we travel and must offer sustainable solutions for this exchange. We all want to discover paradise, learn from different cultures, and ensure that the travel experience remains enjoyable for years to come. To do that, we must embrace the responsibility of traveling sustainably as soon as possible.
