Travelling presents a valuable opportunity for individuals to reacquaint themselves with slow and deliberate living, allowing them to appreciate the world and its inherent beauty. While it is important to acknowledge the adverse impacts of tourism, adopting sustainable practices can mitigate these effects and pave the way for responsible tourism.
With this approach to tourism, we can minimise the negative impact of excessive tourism, empower local and indigenous communities, preserve natural resources, and more.
The UNWTO defines responsible tourism as a practice that fully considers current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, considering visitors' needs, industry, the environment, and local communities.
Let's rally behind our local communities!
Support the local community by directing financial resources toward locally-owned businesses rather than for chain establishments. This practice contributes to the economic growth and sustainability of the area while fostering a sense of community and local identity.
Investing in local restaurants, cafés, and other businesses can help ensure that tourism remains or becomes sustainable.
Supporting local communities can be achieved through various means, such as patronising local markets, dining at small-scale restaurants, and selecting travel services and accommodations operated by local proprietors. Upon reaching the destination, opting for a local tour guide further contributes to community support.
Choose Vacation in Zagreb county
When selecting a travel destination, it is advisable to consider the hidden gems in your local proximity. A single round-trip flight can produce more CO2 emissions than the annual output of certain countries. Opting for a nearby location reduces travel time, allows for selecting more eco-friendly transportation options, and allows additional time to immerse oneself in the destination.
Minimizing Environmental Impact in Travel
Remember to reduce the use of plastic and other disposable products and packaging, as this helps reduce waste. When travelling, we often opt for plastic-packaged food due to its affordability and convenience. However, you can minimize waste by choosing local and seasonal food, which comes without unnecessary packaging and offers unparalleled taste and quality. Remember to refill your water bottle from the tap instead of purchasing disposable plastic ones.
Travel slowly
Take the time to slow down and truly savour your travel experiences. Slowing down allows you to fully embrace the local customs, cuisine, and history and immerse yourself in the richness of local life.