Tourism, by its very nature, appreciates the most valuable aspects of our world: breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, history, culture, and people.
Tourism can help a community’s economy flourish by offering good-paying jobs, business opportunities, and funding for conservation. However, if tourism is not adequately managed, it can have detrimental effects on local communities and surroundings, causing long-term problems for populations and resulting in a fall in tourism in the destination.
The goal of sustainable tourism is to improve the benefits of tourism while reducing the negative effects it has on nature and local communities. This can be accomplished by being a responsible traveller. Wild Safari Guide has included a list of how to be a responsible traveller and ensure sustainable tourism in Africa:
- Take care of the people and the environment in the places you visit.
- Please don’t litter.
- Keep a shopping bag with you to prevent contributing to the world’s plastic problem, which affects many countries.
- Before leaving the house, remove all wrapping from any new toiletries or clothing you buy for vacation.
- Avoid generating a lot of waste and using a lot of plastic bottles (in many countries there is no way of disposing of these.
- Bring a reusable straw if you prefer to drink from one.
- Reduce your energy usage. Turn off the lights and unplug your phone charger.
- Water should be conserved as much as possible.
- Respect and learn from cultural differences. People in different places have different ways of doing things so don’t try to change them, but instead, enjoy them.
- Dress appropriately. Away from the beach, wear a cover-up, and in religious areas, you should cover your head. Know before you go.
- Do not buy or consume endangered wildlife (e.g. turtle egg soup, crocodile handbags).
- Opt for seafood that is environmentally friendly.
- Contribute to the local economy. Buy goods created locally, eat at local eateries, and soak up the culture.
- Support responsible tourism businesses, which are businesses that make a public effort to make tourism more responsible.
- Support local, whether in the area you are visiting or in the area where you live.
