The Business of Sustainable Tourism: How Destinations Are Embracing Sustainability
Photo by Tomas Malik
Sustainability is gradually becoming a priority across the tourism sector. Destinations are starting to recognize the negative impact an influx of visitors can have on local ecosystems, which in turn has wider long-term effects on the community and economy. Importantly, they’re taking the duty to minimize the damage seriously.
Tourists, too, are more cognizant of how their travel activities can result in consequences for the planet. One recent study found that 80% of global travelers felt that sustainable tourism is important. This can mean that tourism-related businesses committed to protecting the environment may find they’re more in demand than less green enterprises.
Let’s take a closer look at the business side of sustainable tourism. How are destinations embracing sustainability and what actions can local companies take?
Utilizing Tech for Green Impact
One of the ways tourism destinations make a positive impact on sustainability is by encouraging local businesses to adopt tools that make green operations practical. Over the last several years, there has been significant development in technologies that support companies in reducing their negative activities. Indeed, many advanced tools have become accessible for tourism-related companies of all sizes.
This can include individual technologies that are directly geared toward enabling an ethical approach to operations in sustainable tourist destinations. For instance, renewable energy tech, such as solar panels, can help companies to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower utility costs. This has been particularly popular among hotels, with a growing number of properties committing to net-zero standards.
That said, perhaps the most impactful approach is using tech that combines multiple devices and platforms to boost overall sustainability. Even small and medium businesses can use the Internet of Things (IoT) to make operations more efficient. Sensors installed in offices, hotels, and stores can be paired with smart energy systems, which can then automatically adjust heating or lighting to reduce unnecessary resource use. Tourist transport providers can combine telematics with logistics management platforms to assess the vehicle conditions and routes of entire fleets. This means managers can make informed decisions that reduce emissions and waste.
Combining Sustainability with Safety
It’s worth understanding the connection between safety and sustainability. This allows companies to effectively leverage wellness and risk-reduction practices for a more holistic impact. Companies need to ensure all potentially dangerous materials, including those hazardous to the environment, are handled securely and the proper equipment is being used in all circumstances.
So, how does this fit practically into running businesses in sustainable tourist destinations? Local airports and transportation officials should review how fuel is stored and transported. Establishing standards in this way can minimize the potential for toxic spillages. Recreational activities providers must also commit to guidelines for safe and responsible excursions. This may better protect wildlife habitats from negative human disruptions.
Businesses looking to transition to more sustainable practices can start by committing to thorough workplace safety inspections on a regular basis. It is important to plan and schedule these assessments mindfully to allow time for inspectors to go through each department and process, and be thorough when documenting potential hazards. This may involve arranging inspections for the off-season when there are fewer tourists to disrupt proceedings.
Working Together on Initiatives
Individual businesses making adjustments to their environmental standards don’t tend to be enough to make a destination truly sustainable. Rather, there needs to be efforts across the community to create a consistent approach that is most positively impactful. This is often best operated from a collaborative standpoint. All companies in the local industry, alongside nearby environmental and government groups, should develop eco-friendly initiatives together.
One of the benefits of this local collaboration is it enables tourist destinations to address the specific sustainability challenges of their area rather than just making general improvements. For instance, some destinations have problems with leakage, which is where the majority of tourist dollars go to big chains rather than local businesses. Community-wide programs can educate tourists and promote the use of local enterprises. In turn, this bolsters trade, can enhance respect for local ecosystems, and may minimize pressure on environmental resources by larger corporations.
There are also advantages to businesses working together in sustainable communities to keep one another accountable for green standards. Business owners can form a committee or work through intermediaries, like a Chamber of Commerce, to identify tools and processes that all companies can adopt to minimize climate damage. This not only encourages mutual responsibility, but it also allows companies to mentor and educate one another on positive ways to operate successfully and sustainably.
Conclusion
There are distinct ethical and business imperatives for destinations to fully embrace sustainable tourism. Companies’ efforts can be most effective when they leverage green technology and make certain environmentally supportive elements, like safety, a priority. Wherever possible, businesses working together as a community tends to strengthen the destination's sustainability as a whole.
Beyond this, it’s vital for businesses in the tourist industry to be cognizant of the urgent need for change on a global scale. Without immediate adjustments, there’s a significant threat of irreversible damage. Therefore, successful sustainable destinations may need to actively reach out to those nationwide or worldwide that are slower to catch up. They can share resources and knowledge that result in a more positive influence on the health of our planet.
Sea Going Green is a sustainable tourism consultancy supporting the tourism and travel industry with their eco-friendly journey by providing custom strategies aimed at meeting business’ personal goals and desired milestones.