For sustainable tourism, we need to protect the cultural environment as well as the natural environment.  We need to respect local cultures and ways of life, and contribute positively to local communities.  

The potential negative effects of tourism are both local and global… but if we practice sustainable tourism, we can keep the negative effects to a minimum.   

If we’re not careful, we’ll degrade the environment and the cultures we travel to see.What ever your destination, the locals depend on toursim profits to support their economy.  If you go someplace because there are wonderful native handicrafts, you need to buy some of those handicrafts from locals, so they get the money.  

If you’re visiting a national park, you need to employ locals as guides so they will continue to value and protect the park.  Those are the kinds of things that make for sustainable tourism.

Here are some more things to think about when choosing a hotel, a tour group or activity…..

Is the hotel locally owned and operated so that the profits stay in the community?  If not, is it at least staffed by local employees?

How does the hotel contribute to the local community?Does the restaurant’s fruit and vegetables come from local farms?  Do they sell local handicrafts in their gift shop?

If you’re taking a tour, travel with a tour operator who is environmentally responsible.  Smaller group sizes make less of an impact… and make for a more enjoyable tour for you!

Is the group lead by a local guide?  Does the tour company contribute to the local community in some way?  To have sustainable tourism, the local community needs to benefit; not just some global tour company.

Don’t get off the trail when you are hiking.  Maintain safe distances from any wildlife you encounter… for your safety AND for theirs.  “Leave only footprints”… carry your trash out or use trash bins.

If you’re snorkeling or diving, don’t touch the coral.It is easy to stir up sediment or damage corals with your fins, so pay close attention.  Either way you can damage the reef’s fragile ecosystem… and most reefs are in trouble now, so they need all of our help.

Try to buy local products…  You’ll support the local economy… and we all need that now no matter what country you’re visiting.  Foods will be fresher, give you a taste of local cuisine and save fuel because they haven’t traveled half way around the world… only YOU have!Less imported goods will be required.  

Don’t buy souvenirs or other products made from endangered animals or plants.  You probably can’t get it through customs, and if you believe in sustainable tourism, you don’t want to contribute to the extinction of another species!  

Treat locals with respect.  You went there to learn about their culture!Know several words… at least hello, good-bye and thank you.  Be open to our cultural differences.  Read up on the area you’ll be visiting so you’ll know how to dress so you don’t offend anyone.  Check to see if there are any behaviors or gestures that will offend your hosts.

Rejoice in our positive differences.  Support them, and you’ll be contributing to sustainable tourism.