We hear a lot about respect, responsibility, ethics… but what exactly do we mean by ethical tourism?
In this article, we will explore this topic and share some tips to help you become a more responsible traveler.
What does ethical tourism mean? Here’s the answer, along with the right tips for becoming a more responsible traveler
But what exactly does ‘ethical tourism’ mean?
In short, practicing ethical and responsible tourism means thinking about the consequences of your actions as a tourist on the environment, local communities, and the local economy.
We know that some places around the world benefit greatly from tourism, and for some communities it is the main source of income and jobs. That is why, in our own small way, we must make sure it is truly a resource for these countries.
Simple actions can make a difference.
Why is ethical tourism important?
Ethical tourism is not just important. It is essential.
We have been destroying our world for far too long, at a pace that has increased exponentially in recent years. We cannot keep behaving the way we have until now.
Yes, people recycle more than they used to. Governments are funding the construction of solar and wind power plants as an alternative to coal. Biofuels for airplanes are being developed, and electric car technology is advancing rapidly. Children are taught at school to be ‘global citizens.’ But we are still not doing enough.
If we want to keep traveling around the world, we must do so responsibly. And that is the point of ethical tourism…
In fact, ethical tourism is not a new concept, but it has become more widely known in recent years.
Over the past thirty years or so, it has become an important topic of discussion for academia, businesses, governments, and the general public; today many people talk about its many aspects, from ethical family travel to how to use less plastic.
In short, ethical tourism is much more visible today than it used to be.
It is unsettling to imagine that when our parents traveled in their youth, there was little attention paid to ethics. In fact, holidays were seen as a time to ‘let loose’ and be ‘carefree.’ Turning off the lights when leaving a room was often the last thing on a tourist’s mind.
If we move forward by one generation, the picture looks very different…
The emergence and growth of the ‘ethical consumer’ have been evident since the 1990s. In response, companies began to realize the importance of social responsibility and started integrating ethical practices into their business models. Unfortunately, this often means that companies do not have a genuine concern for ethics, and that their motivations are driven only by profit.
Even so, ethical practices are being adopted, and that is a positive thing!
Over the years, ethical tourism has evolved from a niche form of tourism into a large niche within the tourism industry. In any case, it still remains a niche.
That said, several forecasts point to accelerated growth in interest in ethical tourism in the near future.
All we can do is hope this will be the case and do our part to make sure these predictions are not just wishful thinking.
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How can you be a responsible tourist? Simple tips (that may seem obvious) but can make a difference
1. Try speaking the local language
A smile shows kindness and respect and will be very helpful if you do not speak the local language. Try to learn a few simple phrases such as “thank you,” “please,” and “hello” in the language of the country you are visiting.
2. Learn about local cultures
Before packing your bags, try to find out what kind of clothing local people wear. If, for example, they cover their legs or arms, then you may want to do the same.
Dressing differently may also attract unwanted attention! Show respect when visiting local cultural, religious, and sacred sites.
3. Try something new
Do not assume that your way of doing things is always the best. What local people do may seem strange or completely bizarre to you, but for them it is perfectly normal.
Give it a try! Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone: it is an expression we love to use these days, but few people are truly able to put it into practice in everyday life.
4. Take care of the environment
Is flying the only option for getting to your destination?
Consider alternative and more eco-friendly ways of traveling, if possible. But of course, this is not only about transportation.
For example, when you are in the countryside, at the beach, or at tourist sites, remember to take your rubbish with you.
Read also: Visiting Monument Valley: how to organize a tour in one of the iconic places of the Far West
Conclusions
In this article, we talked about ethical tourism and shared some tips for being a responsible traveler.
Fortunately, this topic is starting to become a priority for many people, but there is still a long way to go, and each of us can contribute to this process.
