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Evolution of Tourism
Modern tourism has evolved into a highly commercialized and meticulously organized industry, with its origins deeply rooted in the industrial and post-industrial societies of the West. The latter half of the 20th century witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourism's scale and reach, propelled by the deregulation of air travel and the detachment from traditional "flag carriers.” "Overtourism" has reemerged during the global tourism recovery. In 2019, concerns about excessive tourism prompted the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to call for responsible management. Cities like Barcelona experienced anti-tourism sentiments due to rapid, unchecked expansion, echoed in other famous cities like Amsterdam, Venice, London, Kyoto, and Dubrovnik (The Complexities Of Overtourism And How We Can Overcome It #GFC23, 2023).
The consequent environmental toll cannot be overlooked. With each domestic flight, approximately 246 grams/km of carbon dioxide equivalent are emitted, contributing significantly to the alarming 8% share of global greenhouse gas emissions attributed to tourism and unsustainable travel practices (Carbon Footprint Of Travel Per Kilometer, o. D.). The exponential growth in traveler numbers and the corresponding environmental toll underscore the paramount importance of embracing sustainable tourism practices.
Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable Tourism Development (STD) comprises three interrelated dimensions: Environmental, Economic, and Social. While these dimensions are inherently interconnected, they are presumed to be mutually reinforcing and harmonious. However, the social dimension often receives less emphasis in research and presents challenges in terms of practical implementation. For a well-rounded and effective STD implementation, the support of all tourism stakeholders, including tourists themselves, is essential. Consequently, there is a need to delve into the social dimension of STD and examine tourist behaviors concerning their social consciousness (Nugraheni et al., 2019).
The definitions of social sustainability outlined by United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and UNWTO stress the imperative of upholding human rights, ensuring equal opportunities, equitable distribution of benefits, poverty alleviation, enhancing the livelihoods of local communities, safeguarding and enhancing community life support systems, preserving traditional cultures, and preventing exploitation (Nugraheni et al., 2019). Similarly, conscious tourism advocates for alternative and mindful experiences and interactions among the tourism industry, local communities, travelers, and the environment. Conscious tourism endeavors to blend Eastern wisdom with Western pragmatism, fostering authentic encounters and personal growth while enriching both individuals and communities through creative reshaping of travel experiences (Conscious Journeys, 2020). With socially conscious decisions we respect local cultures, support local economies, minimize carbon footprint and respect human rights. Engaging all stakeholders is the most effective formula for accelerating truly sustainable tourism.
Green Labels for Sustainable Tourism
People worldwide participate in sustainable consumption in their daily lives, including individual transportation choices. Despite the significant contribution of tourist behavior to global carbon emissions, there remains limited research on consumer sustainability awareness in the tourism industry. Integrating eco-labels alongside tourist offerings on websites could guide consumer perceptions toward more sustainable options (Penz et al., 2017). According to the Glasgow Declaration, presented at the 2021 UN climate change conference, CO2 emissions from tourism surged by 60% between 2005 and 2016. This declaration, signed by six hundred representatives of the tourism industry, commits to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest (Martiny, 2022).
Even among those who prioritize sustainability in their bookings, it is just one of several considered factors. Consumers with a strong understanding of sustainable tourism tend to interpret eco-labels accordingly, unlike tourists with limited knowledge of sustainable tourism (Penz et al., 2017b).
GHG Emissions Reduction with Sustainable Travel
Sustainable tourism embodies the notion of conducting activities in a manner that allows for their continuity. This encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Environmentally, the focus is on minimizing harm to ecosystems while striving to contribute positively through conservation efforts. Socially and culturally, sustainable tourism seeks to avoid disruptions to local communities and cultures, instead aiming to enhance social cohesion and preserve cultural heritage. Economically, sustainability entails ensuring the long-term viability of tourism activities, benefiting both local economies and stakeholders involved. Adopting a "triple bottom line" approach, businesses and destinations aim to operate in ways that protect and enhance natural, cultural, and economic resources. By aligning with these principles, tourism endeavors can thrive while ensuring lasting benefits for communities and environments alike (Center for Responsible Travel, 2023).
The UNWTO provides a comprehensive list of twelve components that constitute sustainable tourism: these components encompass various aspects, including economic viability, local prosperity, employment quality, social equity, visitor fulfillment, local control, community wellbeing, cultural richness, physical integrity, biological diversity, resource efficiency, and environmental purity. By adhering to these principles, tourism destinations and enterprises can ensure long-term viability, contribute to local economic prosperity, create high-quality jobs, distribute benefits equitably, provide fulfilling experiences for visitors, involve local communities in decision-making, enhance community wellbeing, preserve cultural heritage, maintain landscape quality, support biodiversity conservation, promote resource efficiency, and minimize environmental impact (Center for Responsible Travel, 2023).
Strategizing Implementation to Achieve the 2030 Agenda
To address massive tourism, I propose implementing sustainability tourism taxes in all tourist destinations by 2030. Governments should use sustainability tax funds to subsidize private sustainable tourism providers, curbing excessive mass tourism. Venice, for instance, faces severe challenges due to mass tourism, with its population of fewer than 50,000 residents inundated by thirty million annual visitors. To manage this, a new initiative has been introduced, requiring day-trippers to pay a €5 entry fee between 8:30 am and 4 pm on selected days, with fines for violations (Imam, 2024).
Implementing a carbon budget for business travel presents a valuable opportunity to reduce unsustainable travel practices. By allocating a specific limit on travel-related emissions, we can foster more efficient and reduced travel, leading to a significant reduction in GHG emissions. For those who adopt a carbon budget, one of the first important decisions is whether to allocate budgets to departments, individual employees, or trips. For many companies in the world, like HSBC, the carbon budget is a tool to make visible the impact of travel at an aggregate level and then hopefully at a more individual level (Cohen & Cohen, o. D.).
Additionally, by making use of technological advancements, virtual travel experiences can be promoted as alternatives to physical travel, particularly to distant destinations with high GHG emissions from transportation. Simulated travel protects communities and nature from tourism's disruptive effects. Machu Picchu's erosion issues led Peru to halt tourism, revealing the unsustainable link between communities and tourists (Surendranathan, 2024). As a result of the pandemic, virtual tours surged in popularity, as a welcome escape from life in lockdown. Even with conventional travel picking up again, virtual tourism, especially through platforms like Amazon Explore, is thriving. The appeal of exploring the world from home continues to grow (Bloom, 2022).
Tourism, employing approximately 292 million globally, often presents challenges, including economic vulnerability and discrimination. In many developing economies, informal employment dominates due to seasonal, temporary, and part-time work, coupled with weak regulation and labor organization. Rural areas can see over 80% informal employment. (International Labour Organization (ILO), o. D.). Workshops, like Village Hosts, which educate people from rural areas, and initiatives in low-income countries can effectively raise awareness and promote understanding of sustainable travel practices.
Next Steps
Beginning efforts promptly - is necessary to achieve the necessary ambitious objectives. Reducing mass tourism can decrease global GHG emissions up to 8% by 2030. Recognizing the intertwined nature of tourism and travel, interventions in one sector naturally alleviate unsustainable practices in the other. This approach not only targets emissions but also impacts crucial economic sectors, marking a significant step toward our sustainability goals. I urge governmental entities and policymakers to recognize the urgency of this matter and implement decisive measures. Acting now provides a promising opportunity to make substantial progress. Collaboration among all stakeholders is essential for realizing the objectives outlined in this policy statement. Furthermore, I emphasize the importance of education in promoting sustainable tourism practices. Many individuals worldwide lack access to knowledge about sustainability. Therefore, prioritizing education is vital for achieving our goals.
The European Union and the United States can collaborate to promote sustainable tourism globally by playing to their strengths and sharing best practices. The EU comprehensive frameworks provide valuable models for the US, while the US expertise in resource conservation, public education, and sustainable business practices offers insights for the EU. Together, they can develop joint educational programs, research initiatives, and technological innovations to advance sustainable tourism. Sharing certification systems and best practices will support local communities and foster public-private partnerships. Finally, their collaboration can aid sustainable tourism development in developing countries, enhancing global tourism sustainability and benefiting economies, environments, and communities.
Sources
Center for Responsible Travel. (2023, 1. Dezember). Agrigento: 2020 Vision – Implementing a Sustainable Tourism Action Plan - Center for Responsible Travel. Center For Responsible Travel. https://www.responsibletravel.org/library/agrigento-sustainable-tourism-action-plan/
Conscious Journeys. (2020, 14. April). What Conscious Tourism is. https://www.consciousjourneys.com/en/conscious-tourism/
Martiny, J. (2022, 29. Juli). How harmful is tourism for the environment? dw.com. https://www.dw.com/en/climate-change-how-harmful-is-tourism-for-the-environment/a-62597871
Nugraheni, A. I. P., Priyambodo, T. K., Sutikno, B. & Kusworo, H. A. (2019). DEFINING SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS TOURIST IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT. Journal Of Business On Hospitality And Tourism, 5(2), 264. https://doi.org/10.22334/jbhost.v5i2.172
Penz, E., Hofmann, E. & Hartl, B. (2017a). Fostering Sustainable Travel Behavior: Role of Sustainability Labels and Goal-Directed Behavior Regarding Touristic Services. Sustainability, 9(6), 1056. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9061056
Penz, E., Hofmann, E. & Hartl, B. (2017b). Fostering Sustainable Travel Behavior: Role of Sustainability Labels and Goal-Directed Behavior Regarding Touristic Services. Sustainability, 9(6), 1056. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9061056
Imam, J. (2024, 12. April). Venice’s new tourist tax launches this month—how will it work? The Art Newspaper - International Art News and Events. https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2024/04/12/venice-launches-tourist-taxhow-will-it-work
Bloom, L. B. (2022, 9. November). Bucket List Travel: The world’s best virtual tours. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2021/03/29/bucket-list-travel-the-worlds-best-virtual-tours/
Cohen, A. & Cohen, A. (o. D.). Cost of Change Carbon Budgets vs Carbon Taxes. BTN. https://www.businesstravelnews.com/Sustainable-Business-Travel/2022/Cost-of-Change-Carbon-Budgets-vs-Carbon-Taxes
International Labour Organization (ILO). (o. D.). POLICY GUIDANCE NOTES DECENT WORK IN THE RURAL ECONOMY Sustainable Tourism – A Catalyst for Inclusive Socio-economic Development and Poverty Reduction in Rural Areas. In POLICY GUIDANCE NOTES DECENT WORK IN THE RURAL ECONOMY Sustainable Tourism – A Catalyst For Inclusive Socio-economic Development And Poverty Reduction in Rural Areas [Report]. https://webapps.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_dialogue/---sector/documents/publication/wcms_601066.pdf
Surendranathan, H. (2024, 8. Mai). How can virtual reality make travelling more sustainable? Travel And Leisure Asia | Malaysia. https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/my/trips/the-conscious-traveller/how-to-travel-sustainably-ai-virtual-reality/
The complexities of overtourism and how we can overcome it #GFC23. (2023, 25. Oktober). World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/10/what-is-overtourism-and-how-can-we-overcome-it/
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