How does sustainable tourism differ from traditional tourism?

Sustainable tourism focuses on minimising negative environmental, social and economic impacts, unlike traditional tourism.

Sustainable tourism, also known as ecotourism, is a form of tourism that aims to have a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income, employment, and the conservation of local ecosystems. It is responsible tourism that is both ecologically and culturally sensitive. Unlike traditional tourism, sustainable tourism is designed to be low impact, non-consumptive, and locally oriented (control, benefits, and scale). It typically involves travel to natural destinations, respects local culture, promotes conservation, and has low visitor impact.

Traditional tourism, on the other hand, often focuses on the needs and desires of the tourists without considering the impact on the environment and local communities. This can lead to overconsumption of natural resources, pollution, degradation of landscapes, and disruption of local cultures. Traditional tourism is often mass tourism, which can lead to overcrowding, strain on infrastructure and resources, and the commodification of culture and nature.

Sustainable tourism differs from traditional tourism in its approach to interacting with the environment and local communities. It seeks to minimise negative impacts and maximise positive ones. For example, sustainable tourism promotes the use of renewable resources, such as solar power, and encourages tourists to reduce their waste and consumption. It also aims to protect and enhance local cultures and traditions, rather than commodifying them for tourist consumption.

In terms of economic impacts, sustainable tourism seeks to ensure that the financial benefits of tourism are retained locally. This can be achieved by employing local people, using local products and services, and supporting local conservation efforts. In contrast, traditional tourism often results in a significant proportion of the profits being taken out of the local area, which can exacerbate poverty and inequality.

In conclusion, while both forms of tourism aim to provide enjoyable experiences for visitors, sustainable tourism does so in a way that is mindful of the long-term health and wellbeing of the environment and local communities. It is a more holistic and responsible approach to tourism that seeks to balance the needs of tourists, the environment, and local communities.