Introduction
Very often, travel packages and travel agencies advertise themselves as sustainable trips, responsible trips, eco-tourism trips, solidarity trips, etc.
It’s clear that these “adjectives” have a significant place in the world of travel. And that many potential travelers are drawn to these beautiful words, making their travel experience truly complete.
Since our agency SRI LANKA VIAJES EDÉN’s main policy is honesty with our clients and with the people of Sri Lanka, the country where we live and work, we will explain in the following article what these concepts mean and what is true and false within the world of tourism. Or, if you prefer, what is possible and what is not if you want to travel beyond your own borders as a responsible traveler.
What is Sustainable Tourism?
Sustainable tourism is tourism that promotes a type of tourism that is respectful of both travelers and local people, their culture, and the environment. It also takes into account the present and future impacts of tourism activity.
As the World Tourism Organization states, ” it takes full account of current and future economic, social and environmental impacts to meet the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”
There are several types of sustainable tourism:
- Environmental. One who promotes the conservation of the environment and biodiversity.
- Socio-cultural. One who respects the social and cultural reality of the hosts by preserving their culture, architecture, customs and traditions, fostering tolerance and understanding between diverse cultures and religions.
- Economic. That which seeks the economic development of the area.
What is Responsible Tourism?
Responsible tourism places emphasis on individuals and groups in matters of sustainability in tourist destinations, addressing local priorities, and transparently reporting what they have done to address these priorities.
Other meanings: Ecotourism and solidarity tourism
Ecological tourism or Ecotourism
Ecotourism is an approach to tourism activities that prioritizes the preservation and appreciation of the natural environment that hosts travelers.
Solidarity tourism
Solidarity Tourism is the type of tourism that allows us to enjoy the country and at the same time collaborate with the development of the destination.
Reflection as a local agency in Sri Lanka
After several years working in the travel industry in a developing country like Sri Lanka, we can say that every trip brings both positive and negative things to the country and its inhabitants.
It’s clear that tourism fosters economic development in a country and creates many jobs. Our agency’s operations have improved the lives of many people and their families, both through direct bookings and through the services we offer on our trips to Sri Lanka.
It is also true that the cultural exchange that takes place between Sri Lankans and foreigners can be very positive for both parties.
Similarly, preserving the green spaces and natural parks so abundant in Sri Lanka is everyone’s responsibility. It’s important to remember that many travelers are drawn to Sri Lanka primarily by its natural beauty and biodiversity.
But we must offer constructive criticism on these same points, both for our travelers and for the Sri Lankans.
Tourism development inherently involves the construction and maintenance of hotels, which obviously consume land and lead to water and electricity consumption, waste generation, and so on. There are no truly eco-friendly hotels. Some are more environmentally conscious than others, but all consume natural resources.
Nature-related activities can sometimes be difficult to market as environmentally friendly. Much as we might dislike it. We all enjoy seeing elephants, leopards, bears, and the many other animals we have in Sri Lanka, but to do so, we have to interfere with the peaceful lives of wild animals.
Unfortunately, many organizations and companies create and purchase labels and certifications based on responsible travel, eco-friendly travel, solidarity travel, and ethical travel. These are market products like any other.
The World Tourism Organization itself is aware that this so-called “Green” or “Solidarity” makeover only serves to sell trips (and not many), but does not solve the problem of the environment and poverty in the world.
According to a 2017 study by the World Tourism Organization, tourism activity accounts for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and half of that comes from passenger air travel. Therefore, the basic act of traveling—taking a plane—is inherently a polluting activity.
At Sri Lanka Eden Travel Agency, we address these issues in a more accessible way. Our Responsible Travel model is based on the aspects we can actually implement. They aren’t everything we’d like, not by a long shot. But they are what we truly must and can do for the benefit of all:
- Honesty with travelers, clients, or anyone interested in traveling with our local agency in Sri Lanka. When you inquire about or book a tour with us, you won’t receive any “false” or “embellished” information. This is the policy of our small business, which has led to such positive feedback and reviews on travel forums, Google reviews, and more.
- Respect and fair pay for our employees and collaborators. A large part of our company’s success is due to our loyal employees who have long-term employment. To achieve this, we have simply maintained a fair, honest, and respectful working relationship and compensation structure. Furthermore, our workforce reflects the diverse religious and cultural backgrounds found in this country.
- We usually book with small and medium-sized hotels that belong to local small and medium-sized business owners.
- We hire mountain guides, jeeps, boats and other services from people who only have that single means of livelihood, that is, they are individual entrepreneurs who, most of the time, have families to support.
- We encourage buying from small businesses and small communities, especially those with women entrepreneurs who are just starting a job or service.
- We take our travelers to eat at small local restaurants.
- Our Spanish-speaking drivers and guides inform you of what to do or not to do according to local customs, so as not to cause a negative social impact on the conservative Sri Lankan mentality.
- We have complete respect for the diverse cultures and religions of this country. Although the country is predominantly Buddhist, our visits focus on teaching about these different religions and cultures.
- Our goal is to move towards a model more closely aligned with corporate social responsibility. This involves implementing best practices in our operations, benefiting travelers, those interested in visiting Sri Lanka, and Sri Lankans alike. We operate within a framework of respect for the environment and local culture, and, of course, promote economic development for individuals and businesses with limited resources.
What can you do as the responsible traveler that you are?
- Try to leave all visited places as they are, without touching or taking any element, living or dead, such as stones, flowers, corals, shells, etc.
- Please do not leave any waste in the natural parks, temples, gardens, etc. Any plastic bottle or even a piece of paper has a considerable environmental impact. Please take everything you generate with you and leave it at the hotel or as directed by your driver.
- Ask the hotel not to change your sheets and towels daily. Not only will you save a considerable amount of water, but you’ll also prevent the tiny particles generated by washing machines during spin cycles from being released into the environment.
- Do not take photos with your back to a Buddha. It is a very serious offense to Buddhists, who make up more than 70% of the country’s population.
- Avoid wearing skirts and/or shorts. Clothing should not exceed knee length. Similarly, low-cut tops are frowned upon. This country is extremely conservative, and seeing tourists wearing provocative clothing in the streets or even near the beaches can cause a social uproar. While swimsuits or bikinis are permitted on the beach, topless sunbathing is strictly prohibited.
- Please refrain from raising your voice in temples or sacred sites. Modest behavior is expected in these places. If you have any questions during the tour, please ask your driver or guide. They will be best equipped to advise you on what to do and what not to do in each situation.
- Maintain a respectful attitude towards everyone. While travelers are generally very respectful and this advice might not be necessary, a lack of familiarity with a new country can lead to mistakes due to insufficient information. Therefore, it’s advisable to read about Sri Lanka before your trip. It’s also very important to ask questions of the SRI LANKA VIAJES EDÉN travel agency while planning your trip. Your driver or guide will then continue to provide you with information on all these matters during your tour.
- Don’t haggle when buying from street vendors. The vendors you’ll find are usually humble people who depend on their families, friends, etc.
Traveling is an enriching experience that allows us to open ourselves to the world by meeting other people, new cultures and different places.
All these things will make us wiser people, with the ability to understand, appreciate, and accept differences more.
Sri Lanka boasts such a rich cultural and natural diversity that it will feel like taking several trips in one. You’ll feel so welcome that you’ll never want to return home.
That’s why we always tell our new clients the following:
You’ll love Sri Lanka: Guaranteed!!!
