What is responsible tourism and why does it matter?
How to be a responsible traveller
Eco hotels across the globe
– European Eco Hotels
– Central and South American Eco Hotels
– Eco Safari in Africa
Socially responsible hotels
Eco design in travel
When you think of responsible tourism, what comes to mind?
For many responsible tourism equates to eco friendly tourism. Of course, eco friendly tourism is important, but the truth is it’s much more than that.
When choosing to be a responsible traveller you must follow environmental tourism norms. Staying in eco friendly hotels, and following eco friendly practices. But you also need to be aware of sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Sustainable tourism definition:
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), sustainable tourism is: ““Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”
Simply put, sustainable tourism is the practice of ensuring that anyone who is a part of the tourism industry tries to make a positive difference on the economy, society and the environment.
This means, that in addition to being a ‘green traveller’ you also need to make sure your tourism dollar is going to the right places. That you’re supporting, not hurting, local communities with your choices.
Sustainable tourism is a lifestyle choice, one that more and more hoteliers are making possible. Today we, the traveller, have more choice the ever before to make sure we’re doing it right.
Responsible Tourism: how to be a responsible traveller
Throughout this article you’ll find sustainable tourism examples. They include options to help you find the best eco hotel or eco safari for you, as well as sustainable travel tips to help you become a green traveller. You’ll also find information about socially responsible hotels, biophilic design elements in travel, and advice to ensure you’re making a positive impact on local communities.
Follow these tips and recommendations to become a more responsible traveller. The world will thank you.
Responsible Tourism: Eco hotels across the globe
Eco hotels play a vital part of maintaining responsible tourism. The good news is that as more and more hotels strive to implement environmental tourism, the choices for those of us who want to become a responsible traveller are growing.
In all corners of our beautiful world you’ll find an eco hotel to suit your mood. Here are some of our favourites:
Eco Hotels in Europe:
These eco hotels in Europe focus not only on eco friendly practices but on style, substance and design too. A stay in one of these is good for the globe, and good for the ‘gram.
Eco Hotels in Central and South America:
In Central and South America, it’s the bio-diverse landscapes that give life to these eco hotels. In some cases, literally.
Here are some of the best eco hotels to stay in when you visit Central or South America.
Eco Safari in Africa
For a safari lodge, eco friendly tourism is paramount. After all, the eco friendly practices put into place on a safari camp have an almost immediate effect on its direct surroundings. These 6 eco safaris cover well known safari destinations such as South Africa and Kenya. They share lesser known safari destinations in west and central Africa, too.
Responsible Tourism: Socially responsible hotels
Being socially responsible as a hotel may mean making sure your property looks after its eco-footprint. It may mean looking after staff welfare. Or it may mean taking care of your local community and environment.
Socially responsible hotels in the Middle East:
From Jordan to Dubai, these 6 socially responsible hotels in the Middle East are overseeing a combination of sustainable and responsible tourism initiatives. Including one in Afghanistan who are operating as part of post-conflict development.
Responsible Tourism: Eco design in travel
While we can all do out bit as we travel, the key to responsible tourism becoming the norm sits with the industry. Airlines, hoteliers, restaurants, and more, all have to play their part too. By factoring eco design into everything they do, they open up options and allow us to choose the right way forward.
We love discovering eco design in the travel world. Find out more here:
Biophilic design and wellness in the travel industry:
From hotels to airports, biophiliic design elements and practices are coming into their own in the travel world. Find out more about biophilic design in the travel industry.
Interview: The female founder blazing a trail for Thailand’s eco hotels:
Environmental tourism was of the upmost importance to Anchalika Kijkanakorn. This ex-financier turned hotelier launched Thailand’s first single use plastic free hotel, but she didn’t stop there…