What's "green" travel versus "eco" travel versus...?
Phi Phi Lei Lagoon, Thailand: Sustainable travel, first and foremost (Courtesy: Gap Adventures)
Today, September 27, is World Tourism Day. The United Nations has chosen as the theme for this global event: "Tourism – Linking Cultures."
Never before have Canadians been travelling to so many international destinations nor have we been exposed to so many other new cultures and traditions - the very interaction which many world leaders insist is key to building blocks for tolerance, respect, mutual understanding, in other words, towards a more peaceful world.
And the timing for World Tourism Day is perfect, as it coincides with the beginning of the tourist season in the southern hemisphere where hundreds of thousands of Canadians will be vacationing in the upcoming (colder) months. Most of us are making plans right about now.
To mark this day, Gap Adventures is hosting an event in Toronto billed as Future of Tourism, an evening session (open to the public) of discussion and debate to raise awareness of sustainable tourism.
Panelists include industry experts Bruce Poon Tip (Gap Adventures), Erika Harms (Global Sustainable Tourism Council), Megan Epler Wood ( The International Ecotourism Society) and Travel Blogger Gary Arndt (everything-everywhere.com). There will also be a special message from Canada's very own David Suzuki.
(Note: you can also join the event via live webcast.)
It's no secret that many of us travel consumers get bug-eyed when hoteliers and tour operators bandy about such terms as 'green,' 'ethical,' 'eco,' 'responsible travel' and "sustainable" tourism." How do they differ? Aren't they the same? How do I, as a Canadian traveler, vacation wisely and respectfully of the place I'm fortunate enough to visit?
Scientist and environmental activist David Suzuki (Courtesy: David Suzuki Foundation)
Tonight's discussion promises a lot of take-away for those of us who are enthusiastic - but concerned travellers. I promise to report back.
I'm particularly keen to hear what Bruce Poon Tip has to say about travelling wisely in an era when pollution and global warming are such important issues, among others. Global traveller Nomadic Matt quizzed Poon Tip on this very topic not long ago. Here are a few snippets from that interview:
Nomadic Matt: "What can consumers do to help?"
Bruce Poon Tip: "Consumers have to ask the right questions. They have to find out what companies are doing and how they are contributing to sustainability and local economies. You have to find out how companies develop their programs and how they communicate their commitment.
With any great company you should be able to ask anyone, from receptionist to management, about the company’s stance on sustainability and what they are doing. Any company that is truly dedicated to sustainability at the core should have staff that knows about it.
Bruce Poon Tip, Founder of Gap Adventures (Courtesy: Gap Adventures)
Nomadic Matt: "A lot of the time, you hear tourism is bad because tourists come and ruin places. However, I think that the real problem is greed. Countries have a slash and burn mentality and often don’t think about long-term growth. What do you think?"
Bruce Poon Tip: "Every country is different and has their individual challenges with tourism. I find that countries that are more popular with travelers tend to care more about the conservation of their tourism assets. They are also likely to have a more developed infrastructure to manage tourists...
The harsh truth is that tourism cannot have zero impact; so to try to achieve that is impossible. Once that is understood, then real change can happen. The goal needs to be about conservation for future generations. You can achieve that through better business practices and by promoting more sustainable forms of tourism.
I am a firm believer that the benefits of tourism far outweigh the negative, because if it is done right, it can transform economies of some of the poorest countries in the world. Creating employment and the benefit of cultural exchange are often underestimated.
Question for you readers: When booking your vacation plans, do you factor in environmental impact issues when choosing a trip or accommodation?
