Travel Green: The Rise of Sustainability in Tourism
This travel season, discover how sustainable travel can minimise impact on the planet while you explore its wonders
Hey everyone!
The holidays are fast approaching and with the travel season in full swing, it’s time to think about how we can explore the world without negatively impacting it. So whether you’re planning a snowy getaway or escaping to a sunny paradise Responsible Tourism and Ecotourism will let you enjoy your adventures all while keeping your carbon footprint light.
This month, we’re focusing on sustainable travel—how you can tread lightly, support local communities, and protect the planet’s coolest places. Ready to travel green and feel good about it?
Let’s jump in.
What is Responsible Tourism?
Responsible tourism is founded on the ethical belief that we should explore the world without causing damage to it. It is centred around being more conscious of the impact we have on the environments we explore and the communities that exist within them. This type of tourism focuses on minimising your environmental impact by taking actions such as choosing eco-friendly travel options, reducing waste, and supporting local businesses. Tourism alone accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so every responsible choice counts.
How Does Responsible Tourism Work?
Responsible tourism requires action from multiple stakeholders:
Tourists make ethical choices about where and how they travel
Tourism businesses adopt sustainable practices and support local communities
Governments implement policies to manage tourism sustainably
Local communities are involved in tourism planning and development
Some key practices include:
Choosing eco-friendly accommodations
Supporting local businesses and guides
Respecting local cultures and customs
Minimising waste and conserving resources
Engaging in community-based tourism initiatives
Participating in wildlife conservation efforts
What is Ecotourism?
The International Ecotourism Society defines it as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education".
Key aspects include:
Travelling to destinations with a focus on experiencing nature in its purest form
Minimising negative impacts on the environment and local cultures
Supporting conservation efforts
Providing economic benefits to local communities
Offering educational experiences to visitors
Why Sustainability in Tourism Matter:
Global tourism is set to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2025, but if we don't rethink our approach to travel we risk exacerbating environmental degradation. Ecotourism offers a solution that allows travellers to see the world, all while protecting it.
Here’s why responsible tourism is essential:
Biodiversity Protection: Over 1 million species are currently at risk of extinction due to human activities. Ecotourism helps protect critical habitats, ensuring that wildlife thrives for generations to come.
Economic Impact: According to the World Travel & Tourism Council 2019 Report, tourism contributes over $8.8 trillion to the global economy. Redirecting even a fraction of that toward responsible tourism initiatives can provide sustainable livelihoods for millions.
Cultural Preservation: By supporting local, small-scale businesses, ecotourism ensures that cultural traditions are maintained and respected. It empowers communities to be stewards of their own heritage.
Spotlight on Canada: Top Eco-Friendly Destinations
Canada is internationally known for its breathtaking landscapes and remarkable natural views. But did you know that we’re leading the way in responsible tourism? According to the 2024 GDS Index Report that assesses sustainability efforts of global cities, the top 5 leading cities in North America are Canadian.
If you’re curious to explore more of your own backyard, whether that be scaling the Rocky Mountains or kayaking through pristine coastal waters, here are some eco-conscious destinations to start with:
Great Bear Rainforest, BC: Spanning 6.4 million hectares, this temperate rainforest is one of the largest in the world. Indigenous-led ecotourism initiatives here are creating jobs while protecting rare species like the Spirit Bear.
Eco-Initiative: The Great Bear Lodge is fully powered by renewable energy and committed to wildlife conservation, offering low-impact wildlife tours.
Haida Gwaii, BC: Home to the Haida Nation, this archipelago offers a blend of cultural immersion and environmental stewardship. Sustainable tourism here is driven by Indigenous knowledge, and visitors can experience rich history while respecting the land.
Eco-Initiative: The Haida House promotes eco-friendly stays, with a focus on cultural education and environmental awareness.
Banff National Park, AB: Canada’s oldest national park is a shining example of responsible tourism. With over 4 million annual visitors, Banff has introduced strict sustainability measures to minimise the environmental impact of tourism.
Eco-Initiative: Banff’s Bus service reduces traffic and emissions by offering eco-friendly public transport options for park visitors.
🧳 How You Can Travel More Responsibly
Ready to start your eco-friendly adventure? Here’s how you can make your next trip more sustainable:
1. Choose Greener Transport 🚂: Opt for trains or buses over short-haul flights to reduce emissions: like if you’re travelling to Montreal or Ottawa from Toronto. Did you know that travelling by train can emit up to 86% less CO2 than flying domestically?
2. Eco-Friendly Stays 🏨: Look for accommodations with green certifications like LEED or Green Key, which ensure energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. Here’s a list of Green Key certified and LEED certified hotel chains you can refer to for your next trip.
3. Support Local 🛍️: Spend your money at local markets, restaurants, and Indigenous-led businesses to ensure your travel dollars stay within the community.
4. Reduce Plastic Waste ♻️: Bring a reusable water bottle, say no to single-use plastics, and choose eco-friendly travel gear.
5. Volunteer on Your Travels 💪: Join conservation projects or community-led initiatives that directly benefit the environment, like reforestation or wildlife conservation.
🔦 IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Canadian Companies Leading the Way
Several Canadian companies are taking ecotourism to the next level:
G Adventures is a Toronto-based company focused on small-group, culturally immersive trips that minimise environmental impact. Their Planet Positive tours ensure that travellers leave a positive footprint everywhere they go.
Intrepid Travel has been pioneering sustainable tourism since 2010 with carbon-neutral adventures focused on local experiences. Through the Intrepid Foundation, they empower travellers to support projects in healthcare, human rights, and wildlife protection.
Eagle-Eye Tours offers eco-educational wildlife adventures led by expert biologists and naturalists, perfect for birders and nature lovers. Their tours emphasise conservation and deep connections with nature through wildlife photography.
Wild Women Expeditions leads women-only adventures that mix empowerment with eco-conscious travel, from canoe trips in Canada to yoga retreats in Bali. Their trips leave a light footprint while supporting women’s livelihoods through partnerships with local initiatives.
Discover Canada Tours provides eco-friendly journeys through Western Canada’s natural beauty, from the Rockies to Vancouver. Their tours, led by passionate guides, emphasise sustainability and connecting travellers to local communities.
Adventure Canada offers Arctic and Atlantic voyages that blend breathtaking scenery with conservation and cultural education. Their trips, guided by experts like marine biologists and Inuit leaders, align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
📨 CN PICKS
Watch: "The Last Tourist" – A powerful documentary on the environmental and social impact of global tourism.
Read: "Overbooked" by Elizabeth Becker – A revealing look at how mass tourism is affecting the planet.
Listen: "Disappearing Destinations by Out Travel The System" – Tips for eco-conscious travellers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
🎤 EVENTS WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Gardiner Signature Lecture Series: Eco-Critical and Sustainable Ceramics
What could the field of ceramics look like in 20, 50, or 100 years? Award-winning contemporary art curator Dr. Wendy Gers invites us to imagine the ceramics of tomorrow, where environmental justice is central.
When: Friday, 8th November
Where: Gardiner Museum, 111 Queen's Park, Toronto
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm ET
Registration and Details: Event Page
CN Member Discount Code (15% off): climatenorth15
Global Adjustment: Future Trends and Battery Storage Success Stories
It’s an exciting opportunity for Ontario energy and industrial facility managers! If you're looking to stay ahead in energy strategy for 2025 and beyond, don’t miss out on this Lunch, Learn, and Network event
Date: Wed Oct 23, 2024
Time: 12:00:00 GMT-0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)
Location: HOTEL OCHO
Registration and Event Agenda: Event Brite Link
Doughnut Economics Collective Toronto (DECTO) Kickoff
This event is an exciting opportunity to learn from a cross-sector panel on doughnut economics and its applications, entertainment from purpose-aligned artists, and networking with diverse people interested in transforming our current economic systems- over free, fresh doughnuts!
Date: Wed, Nov 6, 2024
Time: 7.00 to 9.00 pm (doors open at 6.30 pm)
Location: Centre for Social Innovation - Spadina
Registration and Event Agenda: Event Brite Link
MaRS Climate Impact
Connect with innovators on the frontlines of climate action at #MaRSClimateImpact.
Date: December 3 & 4, 2024
Location: The MaRS Centre Auditorium, Atrium and Collaboration Centre, Toronto
Registration: Link
Discount code (15%): Climatecommunity2024
Climate North November Event
Stay tuned for our next event to be announced shortly. Our theme for next month will be “Engineered Carbon Solutions: Exploring Innovation”. Hope to see you there!
Let’s keep the momentum going—travel green, support communities, and enjoy the ride.
Together, we can make a real difference, one trip at a time.
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Written by Tejas Shah.
The Climate North team –Chloe D'Agostini, Rebeka (Becky) Romanovsky, Fab Barrillot.
Supported by Julian Cheah.