Travel, at its essence, is a captivating and enriching endeavor that unites individuals, broadens our perspectives and teaches valuable lessons about different cultures and lifestyles.
It's no surprise that tourism is one of the world's largest industries, employing about one in every 10 people on Earth, according to data from a 2022 release by the United Nations. In some economies, like the Bahamas and Aruba, tourism is almost their entire GDP. In the United States, the travel and tourism industry generated over $1.9 trillion in economic output, including 9.5 million American jobs and 2.9% of the total GDP in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration.
While most travelers have good intentions in mind, the growth of the tourism industry can also bring negative environmental impacts, including strain on natural resources, pollution, habitat destruction and the displacement of local communities.
Enter, the movement of sustainable travel.
What Does Sustainable Travel Mean?
By definition, sustainable travel is the practice of trip-planning in a way that supports the environment and communities you visit. That could mean using public transportation on your next trip, spending money on locally-sourced foods and services or reducing the use of single-source plastics on your trip.
AAA Travel and Tourism Cares have partnered up, to bring awareness to sustainable travel in the tourism industry. A non-profit organization, Tourism Cares is dedicated to uniting the travel industry and being "a catalyst of positive social, environmental and economic impact for the people and places of travel."
With public support of the sustainable travel movement growing, eco-friendly options can be offered more widely and with greater efficiency. With more green options available to us, the healthier the world around us becomes. And in a post-pandemic world where international travel is surging once again – this is a win-win for the tourism industry.
Traveling with sustainability in mind overall helps our mental well-being, our environment, the economies we visit and brings us an overall more immersive experience. Here are 16 benefits of sustainable travel and some sustainable travel tips for your next adventure:
1. It simply feels good to travel sustainably. It's easier to sleep well at night knowing you are doing your part in reducing your global footprint. Start by embracing a positive mental mindset to commit to the advantages of sustainable travel.
2. Promoting environmental conservation when you travel instills a sense of confidence in knowing you are actively contributing to the greater good of the environment. Minimize your carbon footprint by selecting transportation options like riding a bike or walking instead of taking a taxi or rideshare for shorter distances.
3. Escaping the rush of the modern world in a green location while practicing sustainability creates a positive and fulfilling headspace. Avoiding overcrowded destinations and going off-the-beaten-path can help you fully absorb your surroundings in a peaceful environment. By avoiding crowded travel destinations, you are putting less strain on the natural resources of the destination.
4. A sustainably-planned trip can bring personal growth and learning. Activities such as eco-tours, conservation projects and personal challenges to "go green" with your trip can be an enriching experience. One of the best sustainable travel tips is to plan activities that support that mission.
One of the advantages of sustainable tourism is its positive impact on the environment. By choosing to engage with these environmentally conscious alternatives, we can play a crucial role in safeguarding the Earth for future generations.
5. Systems like a cleaner waste management system can reduce landfill waste, leaving more room for nature. Do you part by reducing single-use plastics on your travel journey and reuse your water bottle from safe drinking water refill areas.
6. Locations that conserve water and energy actively contribute to the preservation of our planet's natural heritage. Choose accommodations that have eco-certifications like the Green Seal.
7. Visit destinations that are working to minimize their ecological footprint by adopting practices that conserve natural resources, reduce waste and protect fragile ecosystems.
8. Conscious and responsible tourism ensures the conservation of biodiversity, protecting a wide array of species and their habitats. If planning to visit wildlife attractions, be sure to choose experiences that do not disrupt the natural environment.
Sustainable tourism not only benefits the environment but also has positive economic implications. When a location properly practices sustainability, it's giving back to the community in more ways than environmental health. This, in turn, drives innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to sustainable economic growth and increased prosperity.
9. By supporting sustainable tourism businesses and destinations, we contribute to the growth of local economies.
10. Sustainable tourism practices often prioritize local employment and the sourcing of goods and services from nearby communities, fostering economic development and creating job opportunities.
11. These destinations tend to attract environmentally conscious travelers, generating demand for green products and services.
12. Sustainable tourism encourages the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, supporting entrepreneurship and diversification of the local economy.
Another significant advantage of sustainable tourism lies in its ability to promote socio-cultural enrichment. By embracing sustainable tourism, we become advocates for cultural preservation and contribute to the social well-being of local communities.
13. Sustainable tourism encourages travelers to engage with local communities, fostering meaningful interactions and cross-cultural understanding.
14. It promotes the preservation and revitalization of traditional arts, crafts and cultural practices.
15. By immersing ourselves in the customs, traditions and heritage of the places we visit, we gain a deeper appreciation for diversity and build empathy towards different cultures.
16. Sustainable tourism practices also aim to respect and preserve the cultural authenticity of destinations, supporting the continuation of indigenous knowledge, arts and craftsmanship.
The benefits of sustainable tourism are far-reaching and affect various aspects of our lives. From enhancing our mental well-being to protecting the environment, promoting economic growth and enriching our sociocultural experiences, sustainable tourism provides a positive development for travelers and destinations alike. By making conscious choices to support tourism businesses and destinations that prioritize sustainability, travelers can contribute to a more responsible and harmonious future between tourism and the planet. Let this be a message for everyone to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery while leaving behind a positive impact on the world.
Remember that AAA Travel Agents can help save and plan a trip smoothly, while keeping sustainable travel options in mind. For ideas on where and what to visit, check out the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map of North America tool to find “social and environmental impact experiences” and offerings in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With AAA Travel and Tourism Cares, sustainable travel can be more than a passing item on a to-do list and instead be an essential ingredient of the trip-planning process.
AAA is proud to be a Tourism Cares Strategic Partner. Tourism Cares is a 501c3 non-profit organization, which unites the travel industry and serves as a catalyst of positive social, environmental and economic impact for the people and places of travel.