Positive Impacts of Tourism On The Environment

Positive Impacts of Tourism on the Environment
If you asked random people from different countries whether tourism has negative or positive impacts on the
environment, none of the answers would most likely prevail since their opinion will be based on their personal
experience from travels. Tourism and environment have important, yet controversial relationship, that needs to be
in a perfect balance to benefit each other.
Beautiful natural landscapes or unique flora and fauna are the main drivers of tourism into an area. But when too
many tourists visit natural sites, environment and its inhabitants rather suffer from the negative impacts, which
easily outweigh all the benefits due to exceeding the natural carrying capacity of a place.
On the other hand, when the number of visitors is balanced with respect for the natural environment, tourism has
great potential in supporting or even starting out new conservation projects that protect unique areas and benefit
local residents.
Quick Navigation for The Positive Tourism Impacts on the Environment
1. Awareness raising and experience
2. Skills and education
3. Conservation activities and biodiversity
4. Endangered species protection
5. Illegal trade prevention
6. Finance & jobs
7. Sustainable practices & legislation
Sustainable tourism helps protect the environment
Many countries around the world depend on tourism as their main industry in providing jobs in rural areas and
bringing in funds that would be otherwise out of their reach. Financial resources and employment are critical for
local livelihoods and security. But as more and more countries focus on expanding their tourism sites, they often
encounter problems with overconsumption of their finite natural resources, pollution, and degradation. This easily
spirals into undesirable situations of negative impacts on the local environment and society.
Tourism as a fast-growing industry must follow the principles of sustainability in order to last long term while
maintaining positive impacts for an area. In terms of environment, this means consumption of natural resources
within acceptable limits, protecting biodiversity and making sure that essential ecological processes can take place,
while providing a pleasant experience to visiting tourists [1].
A part of striving towards sustainability is also raising awareness about the unique natural features of an area and
educating visitors about their sustainable management. This helps them to understand the rules set in place and
respect differences.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to tourism
Tourism represents 10 percent of world GDP. The industry increasingly affects the environment, culture, and socio-
economic development of a country. Due to such a great reach, it is a powerful tool in facilitating change.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), tourism contributes directly or indirectly to all the 17 goals
of sustainable development (SDGs) that were defined together with additional 169 SDG targets to ensure safer
future for life on Earth by 2030.
Since 2018, UNWTO operates even an online platform dedicated to achievement of SDGs through tourism. You can
visit it here: https://tourism4sdgs.org/. On the platform is detailed description of each sustainable development
goal in relation to tourism. SDGs address areas ranging from the importance of biodiversity, protection of marine
ecosystems to urgent call for sustainable production and consumption.
Following the guidelines, UNWTO has, for example, partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme
and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and launched a Global Tourism Plastics Initiative to mitigate the problem of
plastic pollution in the industry.
What are the positive impacts of tourism on the environment?
Sustainable tourism is the only way to go forward if the industry wants to grow. But throughout the last couple
decades, tourism has been already growing and has introduced many new places to foreign visitors. In some
regions, having the option of welcoming paying guests, tourism has brought many positive impacts on the
environment. Let’s see their examples.
Awareness raising and first-hand experience
Tourism for skills learning and education
Support of conservation and biodiversity protection activities
Protection of endangered species
Prevention of illegal trade and exploitation
Finance and job opportunities
Adoption of sustainable practices and new legislation
Tourism and the environment could go well together

The success of tourism relies on good infrastructure and decent quality of services. The industry therefore helps
the community development and brings new sources of inspiration and motivation for protection of biodiversity
rich natural areas, wildlife, or whole ecosystems.
Tourism can have a great transformative power to improve wellbeing of us all. When you head out on your first
adventures, keep that in mind and set a good example. Show your support to environmentally meaningful projects,
encourage those who are involved in them and be mindful of your impact.
Many new conservation projects raise hope of local people in being able to sustain their families, while taking care
of their home, of their legacy, of a place shaped by the nurturing hands of their ancestors. They hope that their
effort will be appreciated and rewarded by respectful visitors.
https://greentumble.com/positive-impacts-of-tourism-on-environment#:~:text=Sustainable%20tourism%20helps
%20protect%20the%20environment&text=Financial%20resources%20and%20employment%20are,resources%2C
%20pollution%2C%20and%20degradation.
[1] https://www.unwto.org/sustainable-development
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/04/balis-beaches-buried-in-tide-of-plastic-rubbish-as-monsoon
[3] https://borgenproject.org/wildlife-tourism-in-africa/
[4] https://isimangaliso.com/
[5] https://www.virungaparkcongo.com/
[6] https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/mountain-gorilla
Environmental Tourism
Environmental tourism typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural
heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the
adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of
local people. Concept of environmental tourism is that people will become more engaged with the
ecological and sociocultural concerns of the world through firsthand experience, and thus be more active
in conservation and making change.
https://www.omicsonline.org/scholarly/environmental-tourism-journals-articles-ppts-
list.php#:~:text=Environmental%20tourism%20typically%20defined%20as,cultural%20integrity%20of
%20local%20people.
7 Benefits of Sustainable Tourism & How to Travel
Responsibly
Because of this, sustainable tourism has become an afterthought rather than a norm. To help you travel
more responsibly, we’re here to walk you through the benefits of eco tourism and how you can make a
difference.
What is sustainable tourism?
Sustainable tourism is traveling with the purpose of creating a positive impact on the environment,
society, and economy.
It Involves minimizing negative impact on the places you visit, and contributing to the overall
development and conservation of travel destinations by protecting the environment and the welfare of
the people who depend on it.

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Positive Impacts of Tourism on the Environment

Quick Navigation for The Positive Tourism Impacts on the Environment

1. Awareness raising and experience

2. Skills and education

3. Conservation activities and biodiversity

4. Endangered species protection

5. Illegal trade prevention

6. Finance & jobs

7. Sustainable practices & legislation

Sustainable tourism helps protect the environment

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to tourism

What are the positive impacts of tourism on the environment?

Awareness raising and first-hand experience

Tourism for skills learning and education

Support of conservation and biodiversity protection activities

Protection of endangered species

Prevention of illegal trade and exploitation

Finance and job opportunities

Adoption of sustainable practices and new legislation

Tourism and the environment could go well together

What is sustainable tourism?

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