Traveling is not only a pleasure but also a true source for creating economic wealth worldwide. A sign of wealth, freedom, and modernity, traveling is an integral part of the lives of many global citizens. Is responsible travel possible in such a globalized era?
In fact, in 2017, there were 1.5 billion tourists generating 1.2 billion in revenues according to the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization). The economic impacts are immense.
However, for several decades, mass tourism has had harmful consequences on the planet, such as air and ocean pollution. Sometimes, the tourism industry involves local workers in often questionable working conditions. Or certain tourist activities have no direct impact on local communities. But fortunately, this is not inevitable!

A new form of sustainable tourism has emerged over several years. It focuses on enhancing the local economy, ethical development, solidarity, and fair trade. Sharing, beautiful encounters, and respect for the environment are the keywords of this mindset.

Here is everything you need to know about responsible travel.

Responsible Travel: An Ethical Approach

There are numerous actions to travel responsibly. The responsible awakening of tourism has been active for a few years now but is starting to become widespread.

In 1999, the UNWTO drafted the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. It aims to guide both sector development actors and tourists themselves toward tourism that minimizes impacts on the environment, cultural heritage, and inhabitants.

This ethical charter is based on the following principles:

• Tourists must contribute to mutual understanding and respect among people and societies.
• Tourism should be a vector for individual and collective fulfillment.
• Tourism is a vector for sustainable development.
• It uses the world's cultural heritage of humanity and contributes to its enrichment.
• It is beneficial for host countries and communities.

Traveling responsibly and sustainably requires embodying the same values one wishes to experience during the journey. Respect, environmental preservation, the desire to share and meet local populations are the pillars of alternative tourism. The challenge is significant: traveling while respecting the economic development of the visited country and preserving cultural and natural resources. (10 tips for eco-friendly travel)

Here are some points that will give you an idea of what responsible travel commitment involves:

• Gather information about the destination
• Choose serious and committed professionals
• Take only essentials
• Learn about local customs and traditions
• Taste local cuisine
• Inquire about tipping
• Enjoy authentic accommodation modes
• Sort your waste
• Respect posted rules
• Be mindful of water and energy consumption, especially in countries lacking them
• Do not take "souvenirs" from natural areas
• Buy items at their fair value to support the local economy
• Prefer donations to competent organizations committed to species preservation
• Denounce abuses on people, animals, or the environment
• Minimize travel and greenhouse gas emissions, and pay a carbon tax to offset them
• Share your experience with other travelers to raise awareness about responsible travel

What Are the Forms of Sustainable Tourism?

With increasing demand, responsible tourism offers are becoming more diverse.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of different forms sustainable tourism can take:

Ecotourism

This is tourism focused on sustainable development, aiming to preserve biodiversity and cultural resources in a natural area. Awareness about these issues is crucial. Hiring a local guide to visit a national or regional park is an example of an ecological approach that promotes the local economy.

Ecovolunteering

These trips take an unusual form of assisting scientists on site. It's a great way to access protected natural sites forbidden to tourists. Scientific research programs rarely have enough funding, which is why volunteers are welcome.

Solidarity Tourism

Supporting local development projects, blending into host populations, solidarity tourism has as its cornerstone meeting people. Accommodations with locals, living at the locals' pace, participating in customs... Tourists are invited to live closely with local populations. ex: solidarity trip to Madagascar

Community Tourism

It aims to involve local populations in tourism development. The local population is therefore central to this experience and is project-driven. ex: share a community experience in Bolivia

Participatory Tourism

There are many possibilities for accomplishing participatory responsible travel; from "couchsurfing" (staying anywhere in the world for free directly with locals) to "wwoofing" (Working Weekend in Organic Farms), traveling while staying directly with locals has never been easier. Being accompanied by a local (called "greeter") is increasingly common in tourism. Free access, authenticity, and flexibility are the keywords of these practices that are rooted in meeting and sharing.

Slow Tourism

More than just a program, it’s a state of mind. Slow tourism prioritizes "taking your time", encounters, local transport means, local gastronomy... Quality is more important than the quantity of travel experiences. Ideal for disconnecting.

Humanitarian Travel

It’s combining travel with donating your time to help structures on the other side of the world. Or agrotourism... The possibilities for traveling differently are endless!

Which Destinations Should Be Prioritized?

The Costa Rica, Galapagos as well as Nicaragua are references in terms of alternative tourism. But in reality, it's possible to travel differently all around the world! You need to be creative and create your own tailor-made trip: why not organize a responsible trek in Nepal or participate in elephant protection in Asia? These off-the-beaten-path trips allow you to discover grandiose landscapes while having a clear conscience. Don’t hesitate any longer and ask our local agencies for the most beautiful trips. You will need to dare step off the beaten path and become true world travelers eager to make an impact through your actions.