Sustainable Tourism, Authenticity and Identity | Nélida Marques | TEDxPraia

Summary

In this insightful talk, the speaker explores the significance of sustainable tourism, emphasizing the need for a shift from profit-driven models to those that prioritize environmental and cultural preservation. Through vivid examples from Cape Verde, the speaker illustrates how tourism can enrich local communities while safeguarding the planet. The importance of blending local heritage, such as traditional crafts, with modern eco-conscious practices is highlighted. The speaker advocates for a circular economy approach in tourism, showcasing how authentic, sustainable experiences can benefit both locals and visitors, while positioning Cape Verde as a leading destination for responsible tourism.

Takeaways

• 😀 Traveling is an enriching experience that connects us to people, cultures, and the world around us.
• 😀 Tourism is described as the 'industry of dreams and memories', highlighting its emotional and cultural significance.
• 😀 Sustainable tourism is crucial to avoid environmental and social damage, as tourism is one of the fastest growing industries worldwide.
• 😀 A sustainable tourism model must balance environmental preservation, cultural respect, and economic benefits for all stakeholders.
• 😀 Tourism cannot simply focus on profit; it must prioritize people and the planet for a true sustainable model.
• 😀 Real sustainability requires systemic changes beyond eco-friendly practices, including waste management and improving local living conditions.
• 😀 A paradigm shift is needed in tourism, moving from a business-as-usual model to one that values the preservation of local communities and ecosystems.
• 😀 The circular economy principles—reuse, reduce, and recycle—should be integrated into tourism practices to foster sustainability.
• 😀 Cabo Verde offers real-world examples of sustainable tourism, such as a hotel in Boa Vista built with local materials and powered by solar energy.
• 😀 Local food sourcing in tourism can reduce waste, support the local economy, and enhance authenticity, as seen in the Boa Vista hotel project.
• 😀 Cultural preservation is essential for sustainable tourism, such as revitalizing ancient crafts and integrating local traditions into modern tourism offerings.

Q & A

What inspired the speaker to shift from working in a hotel to focusing on sustainable tourism?

The speaker lost their job during the pandemic at a five-star hotel and decided to explore a new career path as a trainer, diving deeper into sustainable tourism.

Why does the speaker consider tourism to be the 'industry of dreams and memories'?

Tourism connects people to new cultures and experiences, allowing them to create meaningful memories, which is why the speaker refers to it as the 'industry of dreams and memories'.

What is the main message behind the speaker's visualization of a trip to Cabo Verde?

The visualization aims to immerse the audience in the authentic and sensory experiences tourists might have in Cabo Verde, emphasizing the connection to nature, culture, and local life.

What are the key elements that define a sustainable tourism destination, according to the World Tourism Organization?

A sustainable tourism destination should preserve environmental resources, protect biodiversity, respect local cultures, benefit local communities, and address the needs of both visitors and the industry.

What does the speaker mean by the need to 'change the paradigm' in tourism?

The speaker advocates shifting from a profit-driven tourism model to one that prioritizes people and the planet, ensuring that sustainability is central to tourism practices.

What examples does the speaker provide to illustrate successful sustainable tourism projects?

The speaker cites the Boa Vista hotel in Cabo Verde, which revitalized an abandoned village using local materials and sustainable practices, and the Taza project in Japan, which blends traditional artisan skills with modern design for social and cultural benefits.

How does the Boa Vista hotel contribute to sustainable tourism?

The Boa Vista hotel uses local materials for construction, generates 70% of its electricity from solar energy, and supports the local economy by sourcing food from nearby farmers and fishermen.

What role does the circular economy play in sustainable tourism, as discussed in the script?

The circular economy principles of reuse, reduce, and recycle are essential for sustainable tourism, helping to minimize waste and promote the use of existing resources, which in turn supports local culture and identity.

How can Cabo Verde further develop sustainable tourism, according to the speaker?

Cabo Verde can further develop sustainable tourism by rehabilitating historic buildings, creating programs for local communities to host tourists, preserving traditional techniques, and integrating local culture into modern tourism practices.

What is the significance of the colorful fans from Santiago in the context of sustainable tourism?

The colorful fans from Santiago are unique to the region and represent local craftsmanship. The speaker suggests that they could be integrated into tourism by sharing their story, thus preserving the cultural heritage and creating new opportunities for local artisans.