Sustainable tourism: what it is and what its importance is

A way of travelling that respects the environment as well as the customs and society of the destinations visited. Sustainable tourism: we explain what it is exactly and why it is so necessary for the planet’s sustainability.

Around 79% of users of travel booking platforms consider choosing accommodations that are more environmentally responsible (report Booking Sustainable Travel Report 2023) and 81% of travelers believe that starting to travel sustainably is key (Statista). What exactly is sustainable tourism? What does it consist of and why is it considered essential in the current international socio-economic context?

What is sustainable tourism?

Sustainable tourism: what is it? UN Tourism, the specialized agency of the United Nations, describes this market segment as “tourism that fully takes into account current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts to meet the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.” In other words, it is a form of tourism that promotes travel based on a set of sustainability principles in order to avoid the negative consequences that this activity may have on visited destinations.

And not only that. The idea is also to generate positive impacts on the communities and environments visited, by promoting economic activities, sharing cultures and communities, and encouraging respect for different societies and ethnicities, among other aspects. These are, in fact, some of the objectives of sustainable tourism, which is increasingly attracting travelers who are aware of their surroundings and willing to contribute positively to the places they visit.

Objectives of sustainable tourism

At the beginning of this article, we mentioned figures showing that this is not a trend, but a long-term movement. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) states that in the previous year, 69% of travelers chose this sustainable and responsible approach to destinations and their communities.

Objectives of sustainable tourism:

1. Optimize environmental resources and use them responsibly, avoiding overexploitation of certain areas, especially natural environments, and respecting ecological processes.
2. Help conserve natural resources and support the preservation of the planet’s biodiversity, especially in areas that have suffered excessive tourism exploitation.
3. Respect host communities, their cultures, and local traditions. This form of tourism should promote tolerance between cultures and enhance the value of global identities.
4. Promote economic activities that benefit local stakeholders and support the empowerment and development of local communities. One of the advantages of sustainable tourism is reducing economic and social inequalities in destination populations.

Advantages of sustainable tourism

The definition of this model highlights a number of advantages of sustainable tourism that are driving its growth within the tourism industry. There are many positive consequences, but the most notable include:

• It improves the global economy and positively impacts the economic health of destination countries, especially in less developed regions (boosting local prosperity).
• It promotes higher-quality jobs, both in terms of conditions and equal access (supporting non-discrimination) and encourages job stability.
• Tourist satisfaction: improved offerings lead to more loyal travelers and safer, more enjoyable experiences.
• Respect for local communities and cultural diversity. Sustainable tourism allows people to discover other societies and promotes respect for different identities and ethnicities.
• It encourages the conservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity, providing resources to support environmental protection and raising awareness about caring for the planet.
• Efficient use of natural resources and reduction of pollutant emissions into the atmosphere and environment.

Types of sustainable tourism

Currently, within this market segment, there are different types of sustainable tourism, as discussed in specialized programs such as the Master in Sustainable Tourism Management of Resources and Destinations at EAE Barcelona. What types are we referring to?

1. Ecological tourism (ecotourism), which promotes the well-being of local populations while preserving their environment and biodiversity, minimizing resource consumption.
2. Solidarity tourism, a growing type promoted by NGOs aimed at supporting local development projects and increasing visibility of communities, cultures, and traditions.
3. Agritourism. It promotes direct contact with traditional agricultural activities at risk of disappearing, boosting rural tourism and creating new income streams for the tertiary sector.
4. Community tourism, which focuses on cultural exchange between local communities and tourists, optimizing natural resources and promoting knowledge of different regions.

In all cases, these sustainable tourism proposals share the objectives mentioned above, and users are increasingly aware of the importance of respecting places, ecosystems, populations, customs, and cultures. For those who want to deepen their knowledge in this field, EAE Barcelona also offers another program, the Master in Event Management, Protocol, and Business Tourism. The teaching team can advise prospective students to help them choose the program that best fits their needs and preferences.