Sustainable Tourism for Tour Operators
Sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly important in the travel industry. Outbound tour operators such as Our Local Tour have a key role to play in promoting these practices and supporting local tourism development in the destinations they serve. Here are some ways that we believe we can work towards becoming a beacon for sustainable tourism and support local tourism development.
Promotion of our beliefs
One of the most important ways that outbound tour operators can improve sustainable tourism is by promoting sustainable tourism practices among customers. This can include encouraging customers to choose eco-friendly accommodation, reducing waste, supporting local businesses, and respecting local cultures and traditions. Tour operators, such as Our Local Tour should also work with local partners to develop initiatives, such as community-based tourism projects, that benefit both the local community and the tourists who visit. Of course, we are already doing this and it is an important part of our ethos and fully built in to our tours.
Support local businesses
Another way that tour operators can help is by working with local businesses. This includes not only accommodation providers, but also restaurants, transportation providers, and activity operators. By working with local businesses, tour operators can help to create a more sustainable tourism economy that benefits the local community. This is also an integral part of our product design and we work closely with our local partners to make sure local businesses are supported by our clients travels. In many of our tours, we do not include meals were there are nearby options to eat out, encouraging travellers to eat in local restaurants and cafes.
Educate customers
Tour operators also need to play an important role in educating their customers about sustainable tourism practices and the importance of supporting local tourism development. This can include providing information about local customs and traditions, promoting responsible travel practices, and encouraging customers to shop locally and support small businesses. Tour operators can also provide customers with information about sustainable tourism certification programs, such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) or the Rainforest Alliance, which can help customers to identify and support sustainable tourism businesses. Our Local Tour is currently a member of the GSTC.
Partner with local organisations
Outbound tour operators should also partner with local organisations, such as community-based tourism initiatives, environmental organisations, or social enterprises, to support sustainable tourism development. By working with local organisations, tour operators can help to promote sustainable tourism practices, support local communities, and protect the environment. You will find that in many of our tours we visit a local community ran program or help to support a social enterprise. We are working hard to embed more of this into our tours.
Measure and report on sustainability
Finally, for tour operators to become a beacon for sustainable tourism it is vital that they are measuring and reporting on their performance. This can include tracking and reporting on carbon emissions, waste reduction efforts, and community investment. By measuring and reporting on sustainability performance, tour operators can demonstrate their commitment and provide customers with transparency and accountability.
It should be obvious to all travellers that their outbound tour operators have a key role to play in promoting sustainable tourism practices and supporting local tourism development in the destinations they serve. By promoting these practices, supporting local businesses, educating customers, partnering with local organisations, and measuring and reporting on sustainability, tour operators can help to create a more sustainable tourism industry for the future.
