For the love of Road Trips
December 16, 2021Join the Responsible Travel Movement: Be Part of the Solution to Over Tourism
Hey Travellers! Let’s talk about something on everyone’s mind lately – Over Tourism!
We’ve all seen it – popular destinations swarming with tourists, overcrowded streets, and locals struggling to cope with the influx of visitors. It’s not a good look, and it’s starting to have some serious consequences.
A recent movie I watched that brought attention to this issue is “The Last Tourist.” It explores our ability to harness tourism’s power in a way that creates shared value for all – travellers and host communities alike. Spoiler alert – it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
But don’t worry – there’s hope! Small group touring companies are stepping up and offering sustainable and responsible travel options. These companies focus on giving back to local communities and preserving the environment while offering incredible travel experiences.
Here are three examples of companies that are doing it right:
G Adventures
These guys offer tours to over 100 countries and are about sustainability and community development. They even have a program called G Adventures for Good that supports social and environmental projects in the communities they visit.
Intrepid Travel
With tours to over 120 countries, Intrepid puts responsible travel at the forefront. They make a point to stay in locally owned accommodations, support local businesses, and minimize their environmental impact.
Bench Africa
This company specializes in eco-friendly tours to Africa, focusing on conservation and community development. They partner with local organizations to support sustainable development projects in the areas they visit.
Now, let’s talk about some examples of over-tourism that we should all know. Think of places like Venice, Italy, where the sheer number of visitors strains the city’s infrastructure and resources. Or Santorini, Greece, where the small island is struggling to accommodate the millions of tourists who visit each year. Even popular national parks like Yellowstone in the US feel the impact of over-tourism.
When it comes to travelling to Africa in particular, it’s essential to be mindful of the impact of tourism on local communities and the environment.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Avoid tours promoting animal tourism or exploiting animals for entertainment, like riding elephants or petting lions.
- Look for tour companies that support local communities by staying in locally-owned accommodations, eating at local restaurants, and purchasing goods from local markets.
- Choose companies that prioritize environmental sustainability by minimizing waste and supporting conservation efforts.
So there you have it – over-tourism is a real problem, but there are plenty of ways we can be part of the solution. By choosing responsible and sustainable travel options, we can positively impact the world and still have a fantastic time exploring new places.
