Concrete steps toward a more sustainable travel industry

The tourism industry is at a turning point. With an uptick in demand - arrivals are expected to hit 1.8 billion in 2030 - finding a balance between people, planet and profit will be crucial.

Tourism in its present form isn't sustainable. If the current trajectory continues, natural spaces like coral reefs and rainforests will cease to exist, along with the profit they provide. Pre-pandemic global arrivals were growing at 4% year on year and destinations were feeling the pressure.

Overtourism can cause a loss in biodiversity, ecosystem degradation, and resource scarcity. But, there is hope, tourism is an economic powerhouse, and the implementation of sustainable practices can shift the industry into a force for good.

Here are a few concrete steps that you can adopt to create a more sustainable tourism industry. No matter if you are on a tropical island, in an urban cityscape, or at the top of a mountain village.

Supply chain management

Your supply chain is an excellent way to assess your tourism business' sustainability and it’s also a great arena for change. Where your products come from, how they are delivered to you, how they are used within your operations and how they are disposed of after use are all questions to consider.

You, as the buyer, have control over the sustainability standards of your products. Some useful questions might be: how the product is sourced, how much waste is created during production, what fuel is used to power manufacturing and transportation, how efficiently are your guests using the product, and are the materials recyclable, reusable, or compostable?

Any information is good information, whether or not you choose to shift your systems to be more sustainable, understanding your supply chain is key to understanding your tourism business' footprint.

Let's take food as an example. A luxury destination may want to make its guests feel at home with a familiar breakfast. Although well-intentioned, a Bali resort flying in ingredients all over the world to provide a “Full English” is unsustainable.

Meals could instead be a great opportunity to give your guests a cultural experience while supporting the local economy. Look around, in-season fruits and vegetables, small bakeries, and local farms are more sustainable and often less expensive options.

A wealth of opportunities and competitive advantages can be found throughout your sustainable transition, if only you adopt a new mindset.

Go local

Locals know best. Food, neighborhoods, beaches, they're the experts. Leveraging their knowledge and working together to build an inclusive, nondisruptive and positive tourism ecosystem is crucial. Allowing the locals to have input on tourism within their community also avoids pushback and conflict.

Walking tours, snorkeling trips, cooking classes, and eco walks hosted by locals are all great ways to get guests to engage with the community. Actively encouraging these small enterprises can stimulate the local economy and solidify relationships within the community.

Get involved; host a brainstorming workshop, offer grants or organize a problem-solving challenge. You started your tourism business in a destination because you fell in love with it, show your guests all that it has to offer with the help of those who know it best.

Regenerative experiences

Regenerative tourism should be the word of 2021. After 18 months of COVID, many destinations are worse for wear. Many are fearful about the entry of tourists and yet desperate for economic stimulation.

Instead of just withholding harm from a destination, think about effective ways to help. Again, leveraging local input is critical here, don't get yourself trapped in voluntourism. Projects like beach cleanups, tree planting, or helping with animal conservation are good ideas.

Partner with local NGOs to learn the needs of the community and understand the most appropriate ways to involve your guests.

Improved signage and campaigns

It's so simple but so effective. Most tourists aren't aware of the need for sustainability and think that it will be difficult, expensive, or simply inconvenient.

Communicating your changes and motives to guests shouldn't be an afterthought.

You have nothing to hide, you are doing right by our planet! Are you implementing a new laundry system? Tell them. Are you shifting to a more plant-based menu? Tell them. Are you lessening your plastic usage? Tell them.

Making sustainable practices painless could even convert the most stubborn of guests to see the ease of sustainability.

Bonus tips

It sounds so cliche but cut the plastic. Regardless of your location, minimizing plastic straws, cutlery, shampoo bottles, and packaging is important. Only offer straws or toiletries when requested. If omitting or withholding is not possible, use recyclable or biodegradable materials.

If you operate in a marine destination, encourage reef-safe sunscreen and educate your guests on the impact of chemicals on corals. Send out information in your confirmation email or partner with a reef-safe brand and think about selling it at the concierge desk.

Offer more plant-based options. Even a new vegan or vegetarian starter and entree can do the trick. Meeting a wider variety of dietary requests can let guests know that you care about their needs and are making an effort to be more conscious.

Sustainability can seem daunting, but small changes can become bigger and any effort is needed and appreciated.