If you want to travel the world but avoid treading on Mother Nature’s toes while you’re at it, then you’ll need to be an eco-tourist.
What exactly does that entail? Well, in short eco-tourists aim to conserve the environment and preserve the well-being of local people in the places where they travel.
Eco-tourism does take a little more planning, but you don’t have to sacrifice luxury, pay a premium or become a backpacker to be an eco-tourist.
According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) ecotourism starts with making informed choices. “Eco” is a fashionable term these days, so it’s important to delve beyond marketing and establish the eco-credentials of the businesses operating in the places you want to visit.
A number of guidebooks can offer suggestions about a destination’s environmental, social and political issues. Also check into the social and environmental practices of any potential tour operators and hotels and make them aware of your eco-minded intentions.
One thing to ask about is what percentage of the hotel’s employees are locals, and whether the hotel supports projects that benefit the local community.
Finally, see if a business has been awarded an eco-label rating or won an eco-award. Certification from bodies like TIES is one of the strongest indicators of a business’ care for its environment and community.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Image: palestrina55)
