3 Myths About Sustainable Travel Debunked
Written by Zeldi Smulders
The notion of sustainable travel has been getting some well-deserved attention from the world, but with that, travellers are also getting overloaded with (mis)information. We certainly don’t want you to get burdened with discouraging misconceptions when it comes to travelling sustainably, and that is why we’re taking time to re-evaluate and negate some of the most believed myths about sustainable travel.
What is Sustainable Travel Really?
Travellers need to understand what sustainable tourism is to recognize how these myths came to be and how we can dismiss them. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines sustainable travel as tourism that takes into account its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts. At the same time, this type of tourism should address the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.
Essentially, sustainable tourism is conscious travelling that gives consideration to the effect on destinations while striving to make no negative impact or as little as possible. In addition to the traveller, the hospitality industry and governments have a responsibility to ensure tourism is non-harmful and beneficial.
Sustainable travel is important because it shows respect for local people, cultural heritage, other travellers, and the environment. What’s more, it allows these valuable aspects of tourism to endure. If you are striving to travel more sustainably, you have come to the right place. We are on a quest to find the most unforgettable experiences and pave the way for sustainable travel, but first, we must separate the facts from the myths and the legends.
Here are 3 sustainable travel myths that you need to stop giving credence:
1. Travellers have little control over sustainable tourism
Your demand is what drives change in the industry. Do not underestimate the power that lies in the decisions you make. When planning your next holiday, ask yourself — is the destination committed to systematically working towards more sustainable tourism development? Are the stays locally owned or hiring locally for the most part? What are their energy efficiency and waste management policies? Pro tip: booking with a sustainable travel platform will spare you this step and we know just where to find one.
2. Your carbon footprint will always be sky high
You might have heard of flygskam (flight shame), the anti-flying movement born in Sweden in 2017. We believe that even this well-meaning attitude should not be misused. Sustainability is not purely about sacrifice; it's a matter of trying to reduce negative impact and finding alternatives where possible. You can still discover unique places and connect with different cultures around the world. Although flying emits considerable CO2, your flight choices have the power to reduce your emissions. We recommend taking fewer, longer trips with minimal connecting flights, all with an accountable airline.
3. Sustainable tourism is only about the environment
While protecting biodiversity and ecosystems is fundamental for sustainable travel, it’s far more than that. Protecting cultural heritage and the economic well-being of local communities is just as important. It’s about the planet AND the people. Make sure you are supporting a sustainable travel company that takes all of these aspects into consideration when determining the impact travellers are making when visiting certain destinations or supporting service providers that provide things like activities and accommodation.
Embrace Authentic Sustainable Travel Today
May this give you hope for sustainability, boost your travel confidence, and make you excited for the future of travelling. Sustainability at Viatu is all about reflecting on the way that we travel and demonstrating our values in our approach, which encompasses the destinations we sell, the service providers we partner with, the impact of our travellers, and our internal operations. We welcome a future of sustainable-savvy travellers who can feel the satisfaction of making a positive impact while relishing unforgettable experiences at wild destinations. If you want to find out more about your next steps, read our complete guide to being a sustainable traveller. Discover more sustainable travel ideas and experience the beauty of sustainable travelling with Viatu.
