Source Tourism is a sector that provides not only economic, but also social and environmental benefits. However, in its development, tourism can also have negative consequences, including excessive consumption of resources, environmental pollution, and adverse impacts on local communities. In order to preserve the sustainability of tourism, Zagreb County is paying increasing attention to the concept of the circular economy, with one of the key aspects in this context being support for local procurement, especially local food products.
What is the circular economy?
The circular economy represents a concept that aims to minimize waste and use resources in a way that supports economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Instead of the linear model of “take, use, dispose,” the circular economy promotes the use of resources in ways that enable reuse, recycling, and regeneration. This approach encourages innovation in product design, promotes energy efficiency, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Circular Economy in Tourism
Tourism can often be a source of intensive resource consumption and waste generation. The tourism industry requires food, energy, water, and other resources, often leading to the overexploitation of natural resources and negative environmental impacts. The circular economy offers solutions to these challenges, particularly when it comes to food procurement.
The importance of local procurement
One of the key ways tourism can support the circular economy is by promoting local procurement, especially of local food products. Instead of importing food from distant regions or even from abroad, tourist destinations should encourage sourcing food from local producers.
This brings a number of benefits:
1. Environmental protection
Buying local food reduces the need for long-distance transportation, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and a reduced environmental footprint of tourism. In addition, supporting local farmers decreases the need for intensive use of pesticides and herbicides, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity.
2. Support for the local economy
Purchasing local food directly supports local farmers and producers, contributing to the sustainable development of rural areas and reducing income inequality. It also helps preserve traditional food production methods and the cultural identities of communities, which is ranked high among the strategic priorities of Zagreb County.
3. Higher-quality and more authentic experiences for tourists
Consuming local food allows tourists to experience authentic flavors and culinary traditions of the destinations they visit. This is not only a gastronomic experience but also a cultural journey that promotes understanding and respect for local culture and tradition.
Examples of good practice
Many tourist destinations already apply the concept of the circular economy through support for local food procurement. For example, in some rural areas of Spain, France, and Italy, tourist farms and rural restaurants offer visitors the opportunity to participate in fruit and vegetable harvesting or to enjoy meals prepared from local ingredients. However, good practice examples need not be sought beyond national borders, as Zagreb County itself offers an authentic enogastronomic experience. Most restaurants and small family-run excursion sites offer local food grown within the county, with the aim not only of stimulating the local economy but also of providing a unique experience that can be offered to tourists, while continuously working on the sustainability of the entire supply system.
The circular economy represents a key concept for sustainable tourism, and support for local food procurement is one of the ways the tourism industry can contribute to this goal. Investing in local food procurement is not only an environmental responsibility, but also a strategy that brings benefits to all stakeholders in the tourism value chain.
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