What are the advantages of sustainable tourism ?
Tourism is a very important industry in the world economy. With the ever-increasing number of travelers and the volume of revenue they generate, it is important to know the concept of sustainable tourism and the benefits of practicing this type of tourism. In the following article, we will explain why it is important to switch to sustainable tourism for our vacations.
Protection of the environment
Sustainable tourism has a minimal impact on the environment, as environmental resources are used optimally, while preserving essential ecological processes and contributing to the conservation of natural resources and biological diversity. With sustainable travel, we will achieve a balanced development with the environment, through environmental impact studies and environmental monitoring.
Adventure travel fits perfectly into the concept of sustainable tourism. For example, Explora Project reinvents travel by offering expeditions in the wilderness with many activities (hiking, initiation to bivouac, etc.).
Respect for local communities
The socio-cultural authenticity of local communities is respected by preserving their cultural and architectural assets as well as their traditional values and by contributing to intercultural understanding and tolerance. Moreover, sustainable tourism integrates local communities into tourism activities. It generates local employment, both directly and indirectly. In concrete terms, for each direct job generated, there are three indirect jobs.
Sustainable tourism enhances, preserves and generates economic benefits from the flora and fauna resources, for the benefit of local communities.
Development of the economy
Sustainable tourism stimulates the development of tourism businesses (travel agencies, transportation, housing, food, recreation and supplements), as well as businesses engaged in supplementary activities (livestock, agriculture, communications, etc.). It generates foreign currency for the state and provides capital to the local economy. The profits are destined for conservation or local development, distributed among all the local actors thus contributing to the reduction of poverty.
In addition, it promotes regional planning and the harmonious development of all sectors of the economy.
Awareness
This type of tourism raises awareness of local political, social and environmental issues, promoting responsible consumption and respect for the environment. For tourists, it is an important experience that enriches and encourages sustainable tourism practices in their own environment. In this way, it stimulates the improvement of the infrastructure of service to the tourism (roads, telecommunications, drinking water, sanitary sewers, collection and final deposit of solids, airports, etc).
Protecting our heritage
Sustainable travel promotes the restoration, conservation and use of archaeological sites, architectural monuments and any physical work of collective and national interest. This concept allows for a portion of the profits from the trips to be used to build community facilities such as schools, medical centers, sports facilities, cultural centers, etc. It also promotes local, regional and national cultural events (dances, crafts, gastronomy, etc.).