Let’s face it, without our beautiful surroundings and the natural wonders, tourism would not have such a big influence on the economy or our people’s lives as it currently has. In South Africa, we have some of the world’s most visited destinations, from Cape Town, to Durban, to Kruger National Park, to name just a few. But for us to enjoy the influx of tourists, the growth in tourism and the overall impact it has on our lives, we need to ensure that we look after these attractions and make sure the next generation can experience the same amount of joy we do.
What most people forget, is that sustainability does not only apply to the preservation of the planet and our natural wonders, it also entails the management of the people and the economy.
When it comes to sustainability, there are three “pillars” to consider: Environmental, Socio-cultural, and Economic. Tourism must be sustainable in all three areas to truly be considered as “sustainable tourism.”
Another term used for sustainability across all tree pillars, is the Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet and Profit.
The environment is obviously important to tourism. Both the natural environment (such as the bush, beaches, rivers etc.) and the built environment (such as historic buildings and ruins) must be preserved for an area to be environmentally sustainable. Environmental sustainability means making sure resources in an area (whatever they may be) can be preserved for use by future generations. It is much more than just being “green.”
According to Booking.com there has been an increase in hotel guests willing to accept more sustainable behaviours as part of their travel.
The findings from Booking.com’s global Sustainable Travel Report suggest 65% of global travellers expressed their intention to stay in eco-friendly accommodation versus 34% who stayed in one or more last year.
The results show:
68% confirm they are more likely to consider choosing an accommodation knowing that it was eco-friendly
36% would choose an eco-friendly accommodation because it provides a more locally relevant experience
but
46% of global travellers already consider themselves a sustainable traveller
38% perceive the buying of locally made products and supporting local artisans as sustainable travel
The term ‘sustainable travel’ continues to mean many things to many people, but the role of accommodations in helping travellers to achieve their sustainable travel goals is clear. The research shows that over half (56%) consider staying in eco-friendly accommodation as sustainable travel, topping the list of what travellers think when they hear the term. For well over a third, it means conserving water by reusing towels and bed sheets (38%) and conserving the environment by reducing use of amenity goods such as shampoo, soap, toothbrush, shaving razor (35%)
When an area starts receiving visitors, there are bound to be some social and cultural impacts of those tourists on the host community. Local communities may experience an increase in traffic and overcrowding in towns and cities, perhaps an increase in crime, the introduction of new languages and values, and perhaps even an influx of migrant workers to be employed in the tourist industry. Socio-cultural sustainability means minimizing these negative impacts and focusing on more positive ones, such as promoting cultural exchange, recruiting people from the surrounding villages, and preserving local traditions. This can usually be achieved by getting the communities more involved in the tourism industry. Having them involved will not only offer visitors a more genuine experience, but the local surroundings will be more likely to see tourism in a positive light because they form part of it.
The last pillar of sustainability revolves around perhaps the most important part – the money. Many people do not consider economics when thinking about sustainability, but it is really the key to making a tourism venture sustainable. Economic sustainability means building linkages and reducing leakages – essentially, keeping the money local. Not only should the community be involved in tourism, but they should also all share in the financial benefits gained from it.
Times are changing, and today’s consumers and employees are more engaged and socially conscious. They want to work for and deal with companies and support businesses that make a profit while also positively contributing to society and working for the greater good. They hold businesses accountable for their choices and the impact those choices have on a local and global scale.
Well, the fact is, sustainable tourism benefits everyone involved, and not just one half of the equation. Unsustainable tourism might be fine from the point of view of the tourist, but it is unlikely to benefit or gain support from the host community.
The triple bottom line can also improve your financial performance, reduce operating costs, enhance your brand image and reputation, increase sales and customer loyalty, and boost productivity.
And, at the end of the day, tourism should not be a one-way street. Everyone involved should be benefiting from it in one way or another.
