GECO - Sustainability virtual italian fair
Sustainability is one of the most important goals that the tourism industry needs to achieve - as do all areas of the economy. While corporate efforts to create sustainable tourism packages are essential to bring the industry's standards in line with climate objectives, it is also necessary to nurture an eco-friendly travel culture and create a collective awareness, motivating travellers to be increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of each trip. Travel is a culturally enriching experience and one of life's greatest pleasures. If not managed consciously, however, it can also be one of the most environmentally harmful activities a human being can undertake. If you are looking for inspiration on sustainable tourism, whether for your own travels or to create appropriate offers for your clients, this post is for you!
When embarking on a journey you should ask yourself how much of your investment will benefit the economy of the place you are visiting. Supporting local culture, economy and small-scale craftsmanship is a great way to make your trip socially sustainable by preserving the unique characteristics of the area, as well as environmentally sustainable by boying local goods that have a lower carbon footprint. On the other hand, choosing to shop for big international brands while travelling is usually unsustainable, as it encourages the globalisation of distribution to the detriment of local products. Moreover, choosing to try local delicacies and buy nauthentic handicrafts as souvenirs and gifts has a positive impact on small businesses and guarantees a more intense and meaningful cultural experience.
In the case of tour operators, this advice translates into: "make your offsetting programmes known". We all know that, if possible, favouring alternative means of transport to air travel can reduce the environmental impact of our journey. However, if air travel is your only option, there are ways to make it (more) sustainable. Offsetting programmes allow tour operators, as well as other kinds of companies, to invest in projects such as reforestation, which commit reducing global emissions by offsetting their own. Airlines using these programmes offer their passengers the opportunity to travel sustainably. Some airlines have started to use biomass fuels, produced from agricultural and livestock waste, which reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil fuels.
When travelling, you should ask yourself how much plastic you leave behind. Water bottles, disposable disinfectant containers, and small tubs of cream and other beauty products for your hand luggage. There are several ways to reduce plastic consumption and we should all endeavour to do it. The first step is to take a reusable bottle or flask with you to avoid buying disposable water bottles. You can do something similar for your toiletries too. A clever solution has been available on the market for several years now. Buy a set of small, reusable and hand-luggage-friendly bottles and tubs, designed for different types of products, such as creams, shower gels, lotions and even perfumes. Before travelling, simply transfer the contents from family-size bottles or tubs (which also offer better value for money). Once you are done, just chuck all the containers in the dishwasher and they will be ready for your next trip.
Are you interested in sustainable tourism and eco-friendly business travel? Attend GECO Expo!
Published on 19-01-2022
