Sustainable tourism? Responsible? Find the 7 differences!

2017 is the year of sustainable tourism. We do not say it, but the United Nations. It is time to raise awareness about the power of the sector to contribute to sustainable development. travel can have positive or negative consequences about the places we visit. It all depends on us, the people who travel.

But, before packing our bags, do we really know what it means to travel sustainably? Is it the same as responsible tourism? We propose a game: the 7 differences! between these two concepts! How many will you hit? 🙂

1. Politics or attitude?

For many people, sustainability is a policy while what is responsible is an attitude. According to this approach, we need sustainable tourism policies that attract responsible tourists.

choose to scroll by car or by bike it would be a matter of responsible tourism. Create a program for promote ecological and respectful tourist accommodation with local culture would be a sustainable tourism initiative.

2. Dimension + or less wide
Sustainable tourism has a broader dimension than responsible tourism. Responsible tourism revolves around the social and environmental awareness of the traveler. Instead, sustainable tourism takes into account 3 dimensions: economic, social and environmental. It aims to meet current needs without compromising the possibilities of future generations.

Choosing a small family hotel instead of a large hotel chain is a responsible tourism decision. Protect a natural space and restrict the number of visits to preserve the fauna, flora and the communities that live in it is a sustainable tourism project.

3. Short or long term
While responsible tourism demands a series of conditions from the industry (respect for the environment, for example), sustainable tourism encourages long-term economic development of the area. For example, it requires the creation of employment and the generation of well-distributed benefits.

Not using plastic utensils in restaurants would be a responsible tourism decision. Promote small local businesses favoring social inclusion, employment and poverty reduction It would be sustainable tourism.

4. Agents involved
Responsible tourism can, for example, require a hotel to meet a series of requirements that ensure a more equitable industry. The sustainable one, on the other hand, does not imply only one agent, but rather takes into account the industry, the local community and governments.

5. Legal changes
Responsible tourism is characterized by the social activism. People or entities press for the creation of legal regulations that guarantee the responsible development of tourist activity. Sustainable tourism does not only require concrete change, but has a longer-term vision.

6. Certifications and CSR
Responsible tourism is often associated with corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies. The tourist company decides follow a certain road map, ethical code, etc Sustainable tourism, as we have seen, always takes into account the 3 agents involved in the sector: the industry, the local community and the rulers.

7. Respect for the local culture
The sustainable tourist, in addition to asking for responsibility, respects the social and cultural reality of local people and preserves its culture, architecture, customs and traditions. In addition, the trip fosters tolerance and understanding between diverse cultures.

During 2017, from Tumaini we will promote responsible and sustainable tourism as a tool to build a better world. whatYou sign up?
Post by Vanesa Sánchez, Tumaini Communication