Get the knowledge: reducing the impacts of tourism 

How to travel more sustainably

For Francis, sustainable travel and tourism involves lowering carbon and increasing the protection of nature. In practice, that means taking longer, but fewer holidays, to reduce the number of flights taken and the carbon emissions that damage the environment. “If you are flying, take direct flights because take off and landing contribute a large part to carbon missions,” he said, adding that trains can be taken instead of planes.

But Lipman said the real environmental impact of train use may not be that positive once the cost of building trains and laying tracks is taken into account. “If we produce an aeroplane that flies on hydrogen, as they’re saying they will do by 2035, then there shouldn’t be any reason for people not to take as many planes as are needed,” he said.

For Lipman, the best way individuals can contribute to sustainable travel is to avoid places where there might be overtourism – overcrowding from a large number of tourists, resulting in conflicts with the local community. Venice, Rome and Machu Picchu are just a few of the places that were experiencing over-tourism prior to Covid-19. “Individuals can see how busy destinations are they want to go to and take their travel to other destinations and that can produce real benefits for those destinations,” he said.

Do your research

Prior to arrival at your holiday destination, Francis recommends asking a hotel what their food waste policy is and whether their energy is renewable. Not all countries have access to renewable energy and “by asking the question not only will you understand if you’re booking something lower carbon but you’re being an activist, raising the question in the minds of sales teams.” 

This has a benefit for hotels too. According to Booking.com’s 2022 Sustainable Travel Report, more than 80% of people say sustainable travel is important to them, 78% say they are more likely to book eco-friendly accommodation, and 46% have followed through and stayed in such accommodation. “All these things [sustainable choices] save hotels money so there’s no reason not to pursue them,” Francis said.

Examples of progress

Certain hotels have already embraced the sustainability ethos. The Six Senses Hotel in Fiji makes its own high-quality drinking water, grows organic produce, and is operated by solar energy. The Jetwing Vil Uyana hotel in Sri Lanka is located in a man-made wetland and nature reserve. The Avani and Anantara hotels in Thailand commit each of its nature-based resorts to contributing to at least one conservation initiative – such as protecting coral, turtles, elephants. It also incorporates an organic garden into its cooking school “ensuring guests get to touch, feel and smell the sexy side of sustainability,” Roberts said.

Additional research on hotels’ energy use and waste management policies pays off, Francis said, because you will feel confident in having made an environmentally friendly choice. 

And the research itself can be fun and interesting, said Bertie Alexander Lawson, CEO of Myanmar-based boutique travel agency Sampan Travel. “Watch a whole load of movies about the country on Netflix; stack up a playlist of podcasts. Dive into the country’s favourite music – Spotify’s Top 50s are often illuminating,” he advised.

Keeping in mind that places are homes before holiday destinations can also generate more respect, Lawson added. “A lot of us do not care enough about the impact we have, or forget to care. Those who don’t forget, may not know how to travel responsibly – though it is likely simpler than they think.” 

Getting help

This is when, he said, tour operators can help. But it’s best to find out who they are and what they stand for. “If they are not talking about travelling responsibly and with respect, then don’t travel with them.”

Francis recommended hiring a local guide as one way of maximising how much money stays in local hands. An all-inclusive holiday at a hotel run by large multinational corporations will not go to the local economy.

“If [local communities] feel they’re treated right by tourism… then you’re more likely to have access to those special things… you’ll get a warmer welcome if tourism is done right,” he said. 

Ultimately, travellers should ask themselves whether they think their visit will have a net positive or negative impact, Lawson. “Will my visit make the destination a better place to live, or a little bit worse?” By asking the question, tourists are already showing respect and contributing to a more responsible tourism industry, he added.