Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable Tourism for the Future: Acting Today to Protect Tomorrow!

Climate crisis is ringing alarm bells more than ever. It is no longer a choice but a necessity to consume the planet’s resources consciously and prioritize sustainability in every step we take.As major brands take on new responsibilities and prioritize sustainability daily, this concept also deeply concerns the tourism sector, which allows us to explore the world.

Sustainable tourism can be briefly defined as an approach that prioritizes the protection of the environment we interact with, preventing degradation, wear, and irreversible changes while safeguarding culture, ecology, biodiversity, historical and natural beauty. This approach aims to balance environmental conservation with social and aesthetic needs.

Conscious Travel: What is Sustainable Tourism?

Although the tourism industry differs from the production sector in its dynamics, it carries significant responsibilities regarding sustainability. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), sustainable tourism is defined as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts while addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.”

Sustainable tourism aims to minimize tourism’s negative impacts on both society and the environment while contributing to local economies, preserving natural and cultural heritage, and improving the quality of life for local communities and visitors alike.

At the Globe ’90 Conference held in Vancouver, Canada, in March 1990, five key objectives of sustainable tourism were defined:

Developing awareness of tourism’s significant contributions to the environment and economy
Supporting equity and development
Enhancing the quality of life in host communities
Providing high-quality experiences for visitors
Maintaining environmental quality

What Are We Doing?

At Alfa GoTours, our core mission is “removing barriers to movement and enriching lives.” We recognize that if we fail to protect our planet, there will be no meaning in traveling or exploring the world’s hidden treasures.

For this reason, we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, taking significant steps to adopt a new tourism approach based on sustainability principles. Through our tours, we actively educate tourists and stakeholders about sustainable tourism, ensuring awareness and participation at every level.

How Can You Contribute to Sustainable Tourism as an Individual?

The responsibility of sustainable tourism lies heavily on major industry players. However, corporate-level initiatives mean little without the cooperation of individuals and travelers. Every step we take and every awareness we gain contributes to a sustainable future and a world future generations can also enjoy.

Here are some key ways you can support sustainable tourism:

Eliminate single-use plastics from your travel routine.
Support local businesses by choosing local cuisine and restaurants.
Opt for local guides and accommodations when possible.
Purchase handcrafted souvenirs to support local artisans and tourism.
Distribute your budget fairly across experiences rather than focusing on a single activity.
Respect local wildlife and natural habitats by avoiding disruption.
Choose environmentally friendly businesses, tours, and hotels that focus on sustainability.
Treat every place you visit as your home—don’t litter, and help preserve its beauty.
Use public transport whenever possible, and consider walking or cycling for shorter distances.

Principles and Goals of Sustainable Tourism for the Future

The sustainability of these values and their preservation for future generations depends on the correct implementation of sustainable tourism policies by both industry stakeholders and individuals.

In 2005, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UNWTO jointly published a guide defining 12 key principles of sustainable tourism. These principles remain essential guidelines today:

Economic Sustainability: Ensuring long-term competitiveness and economic viability of tourism destinations.
Local Prosperity: Maximizing economic contributions from visitors to host communities.
Quality Employment: Creating fair, well-paid jobs with high service quality in the tourism sector.
Social Equity: Distributing tourism benefits fairly across all social groups.
Visitor Satisfaction: Providing safe and fulfilling experiences for tourists.
Local Governance: Encouraging host communities to participate in tourism planning and decision-making.
Community Well-being: Enhancing the social and economic quality of life for locals.
Cultural Heritage Protection: Respecting and enriching local traditions and historical heritage.
Physical Integrity: Preserving urban and rural landscapes while preventing environmental degradation.
Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting natural habitats and wildlife.
Resource Efficiency: Minimizing the use of limited, non-renewable resources in tourism operations.
Environmental Purity: Reducing pollution, waste, and emissions caused by tourism activities.

Sustainable Hotels

One of the sectors with the most responsibility in sustainable tourism is the hotel industry. Increasing awareness among consumers has led to a growing demand for sustainable accommodations.

But what defines a sustainable hotel? According to the International Tourism Partnership, six key requirements must be met:

1. Strategic planning and framework development

2. Employee training and environmental awareness initiatives

3. Effective environmental management

4. Sustainable purchasing practice

5. Strengthening collaboration with local communities

6. Protecting and preserving tourism destinations

As Alfa GoTours, we are committed to leading the way in sustainable tourism and implementing new eco-conscious initiatives. Our mission is to prioritize the planet while enhancing travel experiences, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore and enjoy the world’s beauty.