SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL - ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY MORE FOR THE EXPERIENCE?

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL - ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY MORE FOR THE EXPERIENCE?

One of the biggest takeaways in travel due to the pandemic – is the desire to travel more responsibly in the future. 

Travelling sustainably continues to be a top priority for many travellers – not only do they want it – they’re willing to pay more for it.

But what does Sustainable Travel mean? 

A large majority believe it’s important to choose travel companies that have a strong sustainability policy – moving them to seek out the Three Pillars of Sustainability:

Protecting the Planet

-     Supporting Local Economies

-     Celebrating Cultures

      Photo: Peru Sacred Valley Womens Weaving Co-op - supporting local economies

Many say cost is less of a factor when planning to implement sustainable travel practices.  An overwhelming majority agree, travelling sustainably enhances their vacation – and would be keen to visit a popular destination during off-peak seasons or opt for an alternative, less-travelled destination to help combat over-tourism. 

TRANSPARENCY IS CRUCIAL

Travellers are willing to pay more to travel responsibly, if they know how the funds are being used.

They expressed a strong desire for assistance with making more informed decisions around sustainable travel and encouraged to do so, if they have the guidance from a trusted source – such as a Professional Travel Advisor (that’d be me!) 

The pandemic led to an interesting phenomenon, taking sustainable travel from afterthought to forethought for travellers.  As they seek more meaning in their lives, their actions and ultimately their spend - they want to know they and their money, are making a difference. 

WAYS TRAVELLERS CAN SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

-      Reduce food and plastic waste by bringing their own water bottle, carrying reusable bags, etc

-      Support wildlife conservation

-      Travel during the off-season or to lesser-known destinations

-      Contribute to causes that benefit the destination and community they’re visiting

       Photo: Thailand Chiang Mai Pha Mon Village - Local Meal Experience 

-      Support Travel Companies with a strong sustainability policy

TRIP STYLES TRAVELLERS ASSOCIATE WITH / PRIORITIZE FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

-      Cultural tours (land-based)

-      River cruising

-      Heritage sites

-      African safaris and expedition cruising

      Photo: Antarctic Landscape - Expedition Ship

-      Island destinations

Many responsible tour operators are removing single-use plastics, responsibly sourcing local seafood and adopting policies toward being carbon neutral by 2030. 

Booking with a travel company that promotes local accommodations, guides, transportation, businesses, eateries and putting money directly back into community initiatives.

WHAT IS LOCAL? 

To qualify as a local business or service, 50% or more must be owned by a legal resident or national citizen of the country where it operates. The more local operation costs (of the tour operator) that stay locally, the better the ripple effect or score is generated.

Some of the world’s most desirable locations are blessed with virgin beaches, turquoise seas and sunny weather.  These stunning qualities are what draw visitors in, but they must be protected to enable tourism to be an engine for their economy for future generations.

SOME TOP SUSTAINABLE DESTINATIONS IN 2022 – PRACTICING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

SPAIN is a prime example of a destination taking steps toward restoring ecosystems, reducing emissions, and maintaining historical tourist center.  Sun and beach destinations, rural and urban destinations – The Government of Spain has launched an ambitious scheme, seeking to promote the transformation of tourist destinations towards sustainability in 3 ways: environmental, socioeconomic and territorial.

Photo: Baleares - Mallorca - Spain

In 2021, three of the new sites added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, were in Italy.  Equally stunning and without crowds, consider blending in with the locals in Padua, Bologna and Montecatini (which we had the pleasure of going in 2019 with our Discover Italy with Me group tour!). 

Photo: Padova - Veneto - Padua, Italy 

Each can easily be reached by short train rides from Venice or Florence, making for perfect day trips.

SLOVENIA – Sustainable Diversity on a Plate.  Believe it or not, they boast as many as 24 gastronomic regions, three wine-growing areas with 14 wine-growing districts to welcome you. 

Their secret?  Fresh, locally grown and diverse ingredients – foraged and sourced from nearby fields and gardens.  Authentic fresh tastes, paired with top chefs and excellent award-winning local wines, will impress even the most demanding foodies.

Photo:  Dining al fresco in one of Slovenia's many local vineyards

The choices you make as a responsible tourist, allow you to focus on what really matters – creating lifelong memories.

Does making a difference in your world, matter to you?  CLICK HERE for How You’re Giving Back – by booking with me.

Need my help to plan that next sustainable vacation?  CONTACT ME cause Planning A Vacation Makes You Happy (me too!).

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