Tourism, the world over, has finally emerged from the shadows cast by the pandemic. International travel has reached 97 per cent of pre-pandemic (2019) levels in the first quarter of 2024, according to estimates shared by UN Tourism. While the sector has bounced back from the crippling effects of Covid-19, some discordant notes have been struck. Extreme weather events such as the worst typhoon in Vietnam in decades, and agitations against tourists by local communities such as in Barcelona, are dampening the revival prospects of the tourism industry.The tourism industry is at the crossroads. Environmental and social impact of tourism has been the topic of contentious discussions in recent times. Traditional tourism has been known to put a strain on natural resources and the environment. In popular tourist spots, natural ecosystems are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Activities such as snorkelling and boating, for instance, have put a strain on coral reefs. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that tourism accounts for over 8 per cent of global carbon emissions.
Apart from environmental degradation, the tourism industry is also putting a strain on local infrastructure and quality of life. This also leads to a gradual decline of unique cultural practices and ecosystems which made these destinations attractive for tourism in the first place. The recent protests in Barcelona are a case in point. Locals there are agitating against mass tourism as it drives up living costs and diminishes quality of life. Similar protests have erupted in the Canary Islands and Mallorca.
As the World Tourism Day 2024 with its theme of Tourism and Peace draws near, we need to outweigh the negatives with the positive effects of tourism. This is where sustainable tourism comes in. With sustainable tourism, the industry can encourage eco-friendly and climate resilient practices as well as foster peace by minimizing conflicts over resources and promoting understanding and collaboration between travellers and communities.
There are several countries in the world that has tapped into the power of sustainable tourism: Take Costa Rica, for instance. With its vast network of national parks and protected areas, the country has taken on various initiatives to promote biodiversity conservation and ecotourism. Travellers are encouraged to experience sustainable practices through eco-lodges, wildlife reserves, and community-based tourism initiatives. Norway is another country that has focused on sustainable travel through eco-friendly lodging, responsible wildlife tourism, and environment friendly transportation options such as electric cars and bicycles.
There are many other destinations that have implemented sustainable practices such as limiting visitors, banning single-use plastics and promoting waste management practises. Bhutan limits the number of visitors and requires tourists to pay a daily sustainable tourism fee. India’s Kerala has also taken the leap towards sustainable tourism by developing Valanchuzhy, a quaint village along the banks of the Achencoil river as an eco-friendly tourism hub.
The G20 economies must lead the way in ensuring tourism fulfils its huge potential to build a fairer and more sustainable future for people and the planet., The G20 economies represent over 70% of all international tourist arrivals and receipts generated worldwide and 82% of tourism’s global GDP. In 2023, the sector accounted directly for 3.1% of the GDP of the G20, 5% of all exports of the group and 23% of all its service exports.
The rise of eco-tourism, green certifications, and technology-driven solutions such as carbon offset programs and sustainable travel apps have paved the way for travellers and businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Not only have new mandatory regulations been introduced by the EU, countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India, and Singapore have also followed suit. The US SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) is expected to adopt similar Climate Disclosure Requirements that would make formerly voluntary emissions disclosures mandatory for US publicly registered companies. A reporting framework for sustainability accounting bringing Greenhouse Gas Protocol emissions disclosure for corporate accounting has also been released by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), an affiliate of International Accounting Standards Board.
On another note, the industry which generates almost 10 per cent of global gross domestic product and employment, according to the World Economic Forum, can also leverage sustainable tourism initiatives by galvanizing public and private sectors to promote local sustainable enterprises through MSMEs and social sector startups and provide climate resilient livelihoods to local communities. Many countries worldwide are exploring these avenues as part of their commitment to tourism and peace.
In the end, sustainable tourism isn’t just about protecting the environment and improving the living conditions of local communities and cultures. Sustainable tourism offers a balance between travellers and local communities. It provides meaningful and authentic experiences for travellers offering them a chance to connect with nature and learn about and participate in different local cultures and traditions. Tourism-based businesses can also attract responsible travellers and help preserve destinations for the long haul by focusing on sustainable practices. By minimizing conflicts and fostering a greater understanding between people and cultures, tourism helps to promote peace and equitable access to the beauty and diversity of our planet.
The time now is ripe for all stakeholders—visitors, industry leaders, governments, and host communities—to bring about a shift in our collective mindsets. The global travel industry needs to collaborate, co-create and learn from best practices worldwide to make tourism a force for good, creating a more sustainable, resilient, and peaceful global travel industry. And the first step to ensure that is by designing tourism destinations to be inclusive and sustainable.
The author is the Former Vice President & Tourism Minister of Maldives.
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