Ecology in tourism is an attitude that has existed for several decades. It emerged as a reaction to the negative impact of mass tours on the environment. However, the concept is not limited to paying attention to caring for nature. What else is included in it? Find out how to be an ecotourist.
Ecology in tourism - impact of tourism on ecology
Nowadays, green solutions in tourism fall into three types of behaviour - travelling to less popular destinations, own green attitudes and environmental measures taken by tourism service companies.
The reason for the interest in ecology in tourism is its mass character. It contributes not only to the degradation of areas of high natural value, but also to the disappearance of local traditions. This is because the large-scale tourism industry requires, among other things, the preparation of extensive hotel and catering facilities, which leads to the devastation of the environment and the creation of places detached from the traditions and culture of the local community.
Ecology in tourism - which modes of transport are the most eco-friendly?
A negative example of how tourism affects the environment can be seen, for example, in popular health resorts. The large number of people coming to them is associated with a large number of cars that pollute the air in the resort. Fortunately, tourism activities do not always have just this face.
One positive green attitude is to choose public transport over private transport. Whenever possible, instead of travelling by car, it is preferable to take the bus, take an organised coach trip or use rail services. Ecotourism also promotes cycling.
Examples of good practice - ecology in tourism
Conservation efforts are not only about tourists' attitudes and behaviour. Equally important are the conservation strategies undertaken by tourism operators.
Tourism and the environment - how to be a zero waste tourist?
Environmental education, which consists of segregating rubbish and using reusable items, is also worthwhile on holiday. You can help nature by keeping water or other drinking liquid in a bottle or thermos. This avoids the need to buy drinks in plastic bottles or cans.
Zero waste tourism is also about giving up plastic cutlery, which is often added to the order in bars. Instead, eating meals with your own utensils (e.g. pocket knives) is preferable. However, it is not always possible to eat something on the road. When shopping, it is advisable to use cloth bags instead of commercial bags.
Tourism activities of eco-hotels
Caring about sustainability in tourism can also be seen in the measures taken by resorts. Many of them abandon plastic plates, cups and straws, among other things. Eco-hotels must also have bins to segregate waste.
The development of organic tourism is also contributing to changes in hotel menus. Instead of products imported from other regions, they are offering dishes prepared from local ingredients, such as fruit and vegetables bought from local farmers. A shorter journey of food items not only means less fumes, but incidentally a way for the hotel to stand out among the competition.
Ecology in the hotel industry also means a conscious change in the service provided to tourists. It is customary in the tourism industry to change guests' bed linen and towels daily. In ecological hotels, this takes place less frequently, thus saving the water needed to wash them.
How to travel responsibly, or ecology in tourism and practice
The concept of ecology in tourism is not only limited to taking care to recycle and use less energy. It also includes choosing destinations where it is possible to come into contact with nature without human interference. Eco-tourists are also people who appreciate the importance of the regional cultural heritage of a destination.
Untouched wilderness is a way to discover species of flora (plants, fungi) and animals living in their natural ecosystems. It is a chance to see many organisms that, due to their rarity, need to be protected, thus being a unique wealth of the visited region. Such places sometimes also have exceptional scenic qualities.
Regenerating in such a place is not only beneficial for the psyche. The clean air improves health, especially the functioning of the respiratory system. Difficult terrain, on the other hand, is a strain on the muscles, especially when climbing in the mountains.
The idea of ecology in tourism also includes an interest in local culture. By preserving local traditions, it is possible to see how people who have lived in an area for generations live and to learn about their customs and cuisine. Unlike mass tourism, its ecological offshoot emphasises maximum participation in the profits of the local community rather than, for example, large hotel chains. Moreover, ecotourism develops with the least possible interference in the region's infrastructure. 
Growing popularity of eco-travelling
Growing competition for traditional forms of sightseeing, such as ecotourism, is likely to grow in importance in the coming years. The reason for this is the phenomenon of the overtourism of many previously popular destinations.
Touristisation, or the massification of tourism, has many negative effects. These are felt first and foremost by local residents. Adapting infrastructure mainly to the needs of holidaymakers leads to the local community being ignored and the unique character of a place being devastated.
The artificial, tailor-made landscape of the villages and towns that are attractive holiday destinations for the mass tourist also affects them in the end. A stay in such a place in no way allows one to get to know the regional architecture, customs and often also cuisine. It is also difficult to relax amidst the endless crowds on the promenades, beaches and in the mountains. Nature also suffers from tourism. An example is the rubbish left on popular trails.
Challenges and the future of ecology in tourism
Protecting the environment in tourism and respecting local cultures is a task that is difficult to meet. It is necessary to foster attitudes that consciously renounce disposable items, promote environmentally friendly means of transport and prevent mass tourism in areas of particular natural and cultural value.
Unfortunately, ecology in tourism is not always feasible. Reaching a distant country is only possible by air travel. The lack of an environmentally neutral alternative means that tourism will not be fully green for a long time to come.
Creating an aviation fuel that emits a smaller carbon footprint is a challenge that requires huge research funding. Meeting it will make it possible to green not only tourism, but all modern long-distance transport.
Ecology in tourism is an issue that is not yet widely known. The growing awareness of the threat to nature posed by human activity and the fatigue of mass tourism will, however, make ecological tours increasingly popular. We can only hope that places untainted by tourism will not fall victim to their own popularity and will continue to enjoy their beauty for generations to come.
