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 /

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 /

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 /

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 /

My team in Purdue's Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Travel Lab are doing fantastic work. Check out this introduction to our work that recently aired on the Big 10 network...

19 August, 2019 /

Monterey is a leader in promoting responsible travel. Their "Sustainable Moments" tips help travelers minimize the negative impacts of travel. Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCCVB), the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the region, has been an important catalyst in developing this program. They work with the destination community, particularly the tourism industry, to help them encourage responsible travel. While sustainability is always a team effort, MCCVB shows some of the ways DMOs can make a difference. Enjoy this video featuring their groundbreaking program. https://youtu.be/1xY9bh-Ns3A Credit...

09 June, 2019 /

[caption id="attachment_748" align="alignleft" width="228"] Plastic Bottles on the road to Everest[/caption] It is rare that we ever pay the full cost of a product. The reality of this fact came to me as I was walking through the SolumKumba in Nepal last month and bought water in a plastic bottle of water. Sure, the water was more expensive in the village – almost 4 times more expensive as down in Kathmandu – but that was understandable given the transportation costs of getting the water to me. It had come by...

24 August, 2018 /