The author suggests that tourism should only ever add value to - and not determine the value of – our cultural and natural heritage. Tourism should help protect natural areas instead of justifying their protection and should celebrate existing cultures instead of altering, exploiting, or creating new ones.
Stopping tourism leakage requires long-term strategic goals and new success metrics. It also requires a holistic approach that focuses on niche markets, supports local businesses and workers, and protects destinations’ unique social and natural assets.
As tourists begin to tentatively spread their wings once more, the hope is that we will begin to travel with a newly acquired consciousness, which could have far-reaching consequences on both people and the planet.
While tourism is on pause, there has been much discussion about how we can improve the sector from an environmental and overcrowding standpoint. But we also need to improve it for local people by respecting them and their culture and ensuring they have equal access to the infrastructure and economic opportunities that tourism can bring.
Founded in 2018, Indigenous Women Hike are raising awareness of indigenous history on one of the most popular hikes in the US. The group challenges the racism of the early conservationist movement in the U.S, and the idea of pristine wilderness, uninhabited and untouched by man.
Sustainability is a top priority for a small minority of travelers, ranging from 7% to 11%, according to a survey from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
