Arrivals of international tourists has increased by 6% in 2018 as reported by UNWTO with 1.4 billion tourists staying overnight. The impact of increased tourists can have a positive impact on the economy of a countries however there is also an environmental and social impact on a destination that needs to be considered.
Sustainable tourism is the combination of economic, social and environmental issues to create a positive outcome for a community or culture. For sustainability to be achieved there needs to be strong policies and principles in place by both the government and industry to ensure all stakeholders work together towards a sustainable outcome.
When searching for a sustainable designation there are some areas you can look at to make sure youāre making the right choice;
Look for local companies who employ local workers, this will show theyāre serious about helping their community and keeping their economy strong.
Ensure to always look for a companyās sustainability when going on a cruise, tour or even a resort. Many resorts or tour operators will proudly advertise their sustainability goals and how theyāre achieved, you will just need to do your research. A recent article by Financial Times has reported on Carnival, the largest cruise operator globally that has just received a $20 million dollar fine for violation environmental standards. Read the full article here.
A Wandering Compass 