Whilst tourism can help to boost local economies, this is always in a fine balance between preserving the surrounding environment. This is particularly important for places like here in Scotland, where increased footfall can damage the idyllic nature of the destinations around us. So, with this in mind, let’s take a look at some simple ways for visitors and businesses alike to promote sustainable tourism.
Choose Sustainable Alternatives
When it comes to sustainable alternatives, the key is to provide incentives. This tactic is a tried and tested method in entertainment. Just take online casinos, for example. Players can try their hand at digital slot slot games through an online platform, which provides players with an immersive and authentic casino experience. Casino enthusiasts can play daily free spins and get additional free spins on participating slot games with their first deposit, allowing them to see which games best suit their preferred gameplay.
Similarly, smart tourism is on the rise as an alternative to traditional tourism, allowing tourists to experience places they may not otherwise be able to visit, or feel their visit may have negative effects on the environment, using technology. Tourists can experience new places using interactive and immersive platforms, live streams, and even virtual reality. Tourist boards can then incentivise such alternatives to encourage visitors to opt for these experiences.
Pack Thoughtfully
One study found that an average of 1.67kg of waste is generated per tourist. As the number of international travellers has increased by over 50 times those of seven decades ago – and continues to increase annually – waste management is one of the key concerns of sustainable tourism. This can be even more of a major point of contention for small villages like those in rural Scotland that attract many tourists, but larger infrastructure would affect the idyllic nature of the destination.
For travellers, this means investing in sustainable gear and travel essentials. Cutting out single-use plastics and turning instead to things like reusable water bottles, travel mugs, metal straws, cutlery, sandwich bags, and toiletry bottles can all go a long way towards reducing your waste. For tourism businesses, offering these alternatives to those visiting your premises for their products, coffee, or takeaway lunch can help to gently usher in this change.
Do Your Research
As in any industry, consumers look for brands that share the same values as they do. As such, 66% of people report considering sustainability before making any purchase, and 37% said they cared more about environmental impact than price or quality. With this in mind, it is important for both businesses and consumers alike to do their research into the environmental impact of the products and services that they support.
For example, places that attract mass tourism seldom have a street corner without a gift shop. However, these trinkets, items of clothing, and novelty items are often mass produced and imported, neither of which are particularly good for the environment. Instead, you might choose items from a local artist or independent vendor who champions sustainable materials, supporting the local economy and the areas’ natural resources.
And there you have it – just a few simple ways that both tourists and businesses in the industry can promote sustainable tourism. By making small changes and promoting sustainable alternatives, this can go a long w