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 ecotourist.
What exactly does that entail? Well, in short ecotourists aim to conserve the environment and preserve the well-being of local people in the places where they travel.
Ecotourism 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)
