What is Sustainable Tourism?

Summary

The video highlights the importance of sustainable tourism through the story of Olivia, a young girl troubled by the environmental impact of tourism in her town. With her mother struggling to compete with large international malls, the video explores how responsible tourism can help local economies, preserve cultural heritage, and protect the environment. It emphasizes the need for tourists to respect local cultures, conserve resources, support local businesses, and minimize their ecological footprint, ultimately contributing to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sustainable tourism respects local cultures, conserves resources, and supports the economy.
• 😀 Olivia's situation highlights the negative effects of unsustainable tourism on local environments and businesses.
• 😀 Tourists can help by respecting local customs and traditions, minimizing their impact on the local community.
• 😀 Sustainable tourism benefits both the traveler and the host country, fostering a balance between enjoyment and preservation.
• 😀 Olivia’s mother’s struggle shows how local businesses can suffer when tourists favor international malls over local shops.
• 😀 To contribute to sustainable tourism, tourists should support local businesses by purchasing local goods and services.
• 😀 Sustainable tourism ensures that future generations can enjoy the beauty and cultural heritage of the planet.
• 😀 Being environmentally conscious during travel, such as avoiding littering, can have a significant positive impact on the environment.
• 😀 Sustainable tourism is a key aspect of achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically in terms of responsible consumption.
• 😀 Travelers should aim for an educational and exciting holiday while being mindful of their environmental and cultural impact.

Q & A

What is the main issue Olivia is facing in the script?

Olivia is disappointed because her favorite playground is full of plastic bottles and garbage left behind by a high number of tourists visiting her town.

How does Olivia's mother's business struggle due to tourism?

Olivia's mother struggles to make a living because tourists prefer purchasing from large international malls instead of supporting local businesses like her shop.

What is sustainable tourism as defined in the script?

Sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that respects local people, cultural heritage, and the environment while providing an educational and exciting holiday that benefits the host country's people.

What can tourists do to contribute to sustainable tourism?

Tourists can contribute by respecting local cultures, conserving resources, supporting businesses that preserve cultural heritage, purchasing local goods, and acting in an environmentally conscious way.

Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are addressed by sustainable tourism in the script?

The script addresses several SDGs, including Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 13 (Climate Action).

Why is it important to support local businesses in sustainable tourism?

Supporting local businesses helps to strengthen the local economy, provide income for local families, and preserve the cultural identity of the region, all of which are key aspects of sustainable tourism.

How does sustainable tourism help reduce environmental impact?

Sustainable tourism reduces environmental impact by encouraging practices such as resource conservation, reducing plastic waste, and preserving ecosystems, ensuring that tourism does not harm the environment.

What is the long-term benefit of sustainable tourism mentioned in the script?

Sustainable tourism ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of our planet, making it possible for both tourists and locals to experience a balanced and harmonious relationship with the environment.

How can tourists be more responsible when visiting a destination?

Tourists can be more responsible by being mindful of their environmental footprint, such as avoiding plastic waste, supporting local businesses, respecting local traditions, and conserving natural resources.

What does the script suggest as a solution to the issues Olivia and her mother face?

The solution is for tourists to become responsible by engaging in sustainable practices, which would help reduce the negative effects of tourism on the environment and support local economies like Olivia's mother's shop.