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We all love to travel, explore new places, and meet different people. But have you ever stopped to think about the negative impacts our travels can have? In this article, I’ll explain—in simple terms—what sustainability, tourism and sustainable tourism mean, why it’s important to adopt sustainable practices when we travel, and I’ll also highlight destinations around the world that are leading the way in sustainable tourism.
To better understand what sustainable tourism means, let’s first clarify what sustainability is.
In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as:
“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Today, when we talk about sustainability, we often associate it with issues such as deforestation, consumerism, ocean pollution, endangered animals, and more. This association makes sense, as all of these problems can seriously threaten the well-being—and even the survival—of future generations. However, sustainability actually goes beyond just the environmental aspect.
The 3 pillars of sustainability
Sustainability has three pillars that must be balanced: economic, social, and environmental.
These pillars were formally recognized during a United Nations (UN) event in 2005. It’s important to emphasize the need to balance them, as this aspect is often overlooked. For example:
Brazil aims to increase its meat exports, which benefits the country’s economy. On the other hand, this growth can lead to greater negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
Examples of negative impacts:
Increase in greenhouse gas emissions
Higher consumption of natural resources, such as water (did you know it takes more than 15,000 liters of water to produce 1 kilogram of beef?)
Deforestation and damage to ecosystems
Greater risk of zoonoses (diseases transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa)
Misappropriation of indigenous territories
And more…
With that in mind, projects need to take into account the possible short- and long-term impacts on each of the three pillars mentioned.
What is tourism?
According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism is:
Tourism is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes.
What is sustainable tourism?
Elaine at Ekôa Park, in Brazil Photo: Brenno Carvalho
The definition of sustainable tourism, according to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), is as follows:
“Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”
Notice how the concept of sustainable tourism essentially brings together the three pillars of sustainability—economic, social, and environmental—and adapts them to the tourism industry.
Why is sustainable tourism important?
According to a 2024 report by the World Travel & Tourism Council, tourism represents 10% of global GDP, making it an extremely important sector in our economy—which is a very good thing! But what will tourism look like in the future if it continues unchecked? What will happen to local communities if large hotels hire only foreigners, or if foreign investors exploit locals with unfair deals and low wages?
And as travelers, do we really need to put wild animals at risk just for a selfie? Are we giving our hard-earned money to responsible companies, or are our trips funding environmental and social crimes? Do we want incredible destinations like Maya Bay in Thailand to be closed due to damage caused by poor industry planning and a lack of traveler awareness? Would we want to find trash on paradise islands during our dream vacation?
Creating sustainable practices in our travels is just as important as developing sustainable habits in our daily lives—at home, at work, or anywhere else. After all, when we talk about sustainability, we are including all living beings on the planet in the discussion.
“Without sustainability, there is no future; without a future, there is no tourism.”
Vicente Ferreyra
Examples of sustainable tourism around the world
Several destinations around the world have made significant efforts to become more sustainable destinations.
Bhutan – One of the most sustainable destinations in the world Photo: Elaine Villatoro
A great example is Bhutan. Did you know that it is the first carbon-negative country in the world? This means its forests absorb more carbon dioxide than the country emits! Tourism there is carefully regulated. In addition to requiring a visa, visitors must pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee, which goes toward environmental preservation and social development projects. To top it off, Bhutan uses the Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index to measure the happiness and well-being of its population. On their website, they also communicate to travelers that it is important to respect local customs.
Traveling to Bhutan in 2018 had a real impact on my life, both as a traveler and as a human being. I remember the signs on the way to Paro Taktsang reminding us to take care of the planet, and the signs along the road telling us to slow down and enjoy the view—all delivered in a very positive and caring way.
Elaine Villatoro
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
With almost 30% of its territory protected and home to about 5% of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica is considered one of the major leaders in sustainable tourism. The country has a program called Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), which certifies hotels and tour operators that follow sustainable practices. Additionally, about 90% of its electricity comes from renewable resources.
Destinations such as Panama, Jordan, and Ecuador are standing out in community-based tourism, ensuring tourism benefits residents directly. Meanwhile, countries like Norway and Switzerland are recognized for their advanced environmental policies and extensive use of renewable energy.
Elaine in Petra, JordanCommunity-based tour promoted by Feynan EcolodgeHana, founder of the Bine Association
In the US, a great highlight is Park City (Utah), known for promoting zero waste, using renewable energy, offering extensive public transit, and aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The city also encourages green practices among local businesses and protects its natural landscapes.
A Brazilian example is Bonito, in Mato Grosso do Sul. The country’s top ecotourism destination is carbon-neutral certified and strictly controls the number of tourists allowed on each tour. It is also home to several climate-positive ecotourism businesses, such as Grupo Rio da Prata and Estância Mimosa. In terms of accessibility, Socorro, in São Paulo, stands out with attractions and accommodations that promote inclusion in tourism for people with disabilities or special needs.
Elaine during floating tour in Mato Grosso do SulElaine during an electric bike tour in Park City
How sustainable tourism came into my life
I’ve not always been a responsible traveler. The awareness of the impact my travels could have on the environment and society only struck me during a 5-month trip I took in 2018.
Experiences such as noticing Bhutan’s respect for nature and its culture, witnessing individuals working in extremely precarious conditions in India’s largest slum, and seeing people wearing masks in Kathmandu, Nepal, to protect themselves from pollution, made me rethink my habits and attitudes.
However, the key experience that made me decide to learn more about sustainable tourism was seeing large amounts of trash on the paradisiacal beaches of the Maldives, and realizing that tourism is one of the main factors responsible for this.
Elaine in the Maldives
After returning to Brazil, I began researching the topic and started sharing what I was learning on my social media and here on the blog. Today, fighting for this cause is part of my life’s purpose, and I continue learning every day. In addition to taking courses such as Sustainable Tourism Destination Management by Cornell University and the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course, I also lived for two and a half years on a small island in Brazil called Boipeba, where I experienced firsthand both the positive and negative impacts of tourism as a local.
How about you? How did sustainable tourism come into your life? And what questions do you have about it?
