Eco Tours and Responsible Travel: A Guide to Environmental Tourism
Travel is one of life’s greatest joys. It opens your mind, changes your perspective, and helps you see the world in new ways. But with this privilege comes responsibility. Many travellers want to explore ethically but aren’t sure how to start. Before we share practical tips, let’s define what ethical travel means to us at Our Local Tour, because understanding this is the foundation of planning meaningful Eco Tours.
Is Travel Ethical?
Some environmentalists argue that travel is inherently unethical. They point out that it encourages luxury, strains natural resources, and contributes to environmental degradation. To an extent, these concerns are valid. Tourism can harm ecosystems if not managed responsibly. That’s why global organisations like the UNWTO created the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET)—a set of principles guiding sustainable tourism development. These ten articles form a blueprint for responsible travel. If you’re serious about ethical tourism, we recommend visiting the UNWTO website and reviewing these guidelines.
Our Definition of Responsible Travel
For us, ethical travel means looking deeper at where you go and what you do. It’s about understanding how your actions affect the environment and local communities. Responsible travel avoids depleting natural resources and aims to minimise carbon footprints. Ideally, it also contributes positively to the destinations you visit, economically, socially, and environmentally.
How to Travel Ethically
Planning Eco Tours isn’t complicated, but it does require thought and intention. Here are key steps to make your travels more sustainable:
1. Research Your Destination
Before you book, learn about the environmental and social issues affecting your chosen destination. Understand how tourism impacts local ecosystems and communities. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions and avoid activities that cause harm.
2. Choose Responsible Operators
Small group tours generally have a lower environmental impact than large-scale tourism. When selecting a tour operator, check their commitment to sustainability. Do they follow fair trade principles? Do they respect human rights and environmental standards? And, just as importantly, are they experienced in what they do? You do not want to travel to the Danakil with an operator who has never been there before! At Our Local Tour, we ensure every partner meets these criteria.
3. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Flying less is one of the most effective ways to cut emissions. If possible, choose destinations accessible by train or bus. When flights are unavoidable, make your trips longer but less frequent. Once you arrive, use local transport instead of private cars. These small choices add up to a big difference.
4. Respect Local Laws and Customs
Responsible travel includes cultural sensitivity. Follow local regulations and avoid activities that offend or harm indigenous communities. Learn basic phrases in the local language and understand cultural norms. It shows respect and enriches your experience.
5. Support Nature Based Tourism Responsibly
Ecotourism can benefit destinations when managed well. Ask your operator how they limit group sizes and protect natural resources. Overcrowding and overuse of fragile ecosystems can undo the benefits of eco travel. Choose tours that prioritise conservation and community involvement.
6. Contribute to Heritage Preservation
When visiting cultural sites, ensure your money supports their upkeep and development. Many responsible operators allocate a portion of tour fees to heritage conservation. Ask about this before booking.
7. Fair Treatment for Tourism Workers
Ethical travel isn’t just about the environment, it’s about people too. Tour operators should provide fair wages, training, and social protection for staff and freelancers. At Our Local Tour, we work only with partners who uphold these standards.
8. Prepare Before You Go
Travellers share responsibility for safety and sustainability. Learn about health risks, security concerns, and local conditions before departure. Your operator should provide pre-trip guidance to help you minimise risks and travel responsibly.
Why Eco Tours Matter
Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary-General, said: “Tourism is a genuine driver of solidarity and development. Let us all fully harness its power to bring people and communities together. This way tourism can keep delivering better opportunities and sustainable development for millions across the globe.”
This statement captures the essence of Eco Tours. When done right, tourism becomes a force for good, creating jobs, preserving culture, and protecting nature.
Plan Ahead for Responsible Travel
The best way to ensure your trip aligns with ethical principles is thorough research and planning. Choose operators who maintain long-term relationships with local communities and uphold high standards of sustainability. At Our Local Tour, we do exactly that , for example with our Costa Rica ecotourism based trips. Our eco-friendly itineraries combine authentic experiences with environmental responsibility, so you can explore without compromising its future.
Ready to Book Your Eco Tour?
If you want to travel with purpose, Eco Tours are the way forward. Whether you dream of trekking through pristine rainforests, exploring cultural heritage sites, or joining conservation projects, we’ll design a journey that reflects your values.
Get in touch today and start planning your eco-friendly adventure. Together, we can make travel a positive force for people and the planet.
