Ensuring that tourism is truly sustainable - improving the lives of travellers and people in the destination communities – is a team effort. All the tourism system members must contribute in their own way to achieve the best possible outcomes. Travellers must be part of the solution. As Jane Goodall says, “ You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make”. Each traveller...

25 June, 2023 /

Citizen scientists play an important role in gathering scientific data for research projects around the world, from counting birdlife to monitoring winter storms. But could they help in the work of making destinations more sustainable? Working with Dr. Cristina Cavaliere, Julia Branstrator, and Dr. Kelly Bricker, we set out to examine the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Destination Criteria to see if there were indicators that citizen scientists might be able to observe and report on. Our question was: “could citizen scientists help monitor sustainable tourism?” The Answer: Yes. We found many...

28 January, 2023 /

Should I travel if my travel contributes to climate change? Tourism certainly contributes to climate change. Air travel in particular generates significant amounts of greenhouse gases. It is important that the industry acts and uses all its influence to change parts of eth tourism system that contribute to the climate crisis. To make significant change requires system change. We need to change our sources of energy from fossil fuels to renewables, we need to improve the energy efficiency of hotels and other buildings, and we need to transition our...

06 January, 2022 /

With freedom comes responsibility. As travelers, we have never had more freedom to explore the world – but with that freedom comes a responsibility to be good guests and care for the places we visit. Sustainability in the tourism system requires everyone to do their part… including travelers. There is no doubt that tourism that is completely traveler-centric at the expense of host communities and the environment - needs a “rethink”. But it doesn’t help to shame tourists. Research shows us that people want to travel more sustainably. But like...

10 August, 2021 /

I declare a climate emergency that is impacting tourism, society, and our home planet. The impacts of climate change on society are becoming more and more clear with each passing day. So too is the influence of climate change on the sustainability of tourism. I am committed to working to ensure tourism is a force for good in our world, and it is clear that climate change intersects with many of the challenges faced by tourism. The challenges of sustainability in the tourism system – environmental issues, preserving biodiversity,...

31 July, 2021 /

It is fantastic to see so many people talking about various types of sustainable and ethical tourism. The energy and enthusiasm for positive change is starting to gain traction and all around the world, there are destinations, companies, and people making a difference. As we race forward it is important to remember the work that has already been done so we avoid "reinventing the wheel". For instance, did you know there is a Code of Ethics for Tourism? The Code of Ethics has 10 “articles” and outlines...

14 July, 2021 /

How do you even start to become a more responsible traveler? The Travel Care Code identifies 10 easy steps to ensure that your travels are better for the communities you visit and the planet. Learn about your destinationDon’t leave your good habits at homeBe a fuel-efficient travelerMake informed decisionsBe a good guestSupport the localsDispose of Waste ProperlyProtect your Natural SurroundingsMake your travel zero emissionsBring your experiences home. Changing behavior is hard – but here’s a good place to start. Click through to learn more about the Travel Care Code Initiative. ...

01 July, 2021 /

What will you change to help address the climate emergency? What are you doing to meet the Sustainable Development Goals? Traveling responsibly is a good place to start. If you are thinking about how you will make your travel more sustainable, consider the tips in the Travel Care Code. Your travel can be more sustainable with just a little mindfulness. Safe travels! ...

02 January, 2020 /

"With freedom comes responsibility" Eleanor Roosevelt. The ability to travel freely is an amazing privilege for a growing number of people. The growth of travel is a testament to both the lowering of barriers to travel and the increasing wealth of many around the world. As we wrap up the second decade of the 21st Century, I believe that the last decade has seen a growing awareness that, with the freedom that enables the growth of tourism, travelers and other tourism system members must take greater responsibility for...

01 January, 2020 /

The growth in travel has been mind-boggling. The change has taken place in front of our eyes and we are only starting to come to terms with what it means. To put it all in perspective, let me share the numbers in terms of my life so far. I did my first international trip as a student in grade 10. It was 1980 and we went to New Caledonia on a school trip. It was awesome – and started my lifelong love of tourism. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) In...

20 November, 2019 /
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