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3. Tourism is a social, economic and cultural
phenomenon where people travel for professional
or personal purposes. It is a commercial activity
that supports and provides such travel.
What are some examples of tourism?
Let’s face it, tourism
is addictive.

4. Tourism contributes to local infrastructure, can
reduce poverty and inequality and creates jobs. It
also preserves culture and heritage, and
strengthens communities.
It’s a very important part of the 21st century, and a
way for many people to escape or recover from the
weary routine of work and home.
But……

5. The effects of tourism

6. Tourism is not sustainable and also
causes problems socially.
• Tensions can emerge over land use and how decisions are made, who gets
what etc when tourist hotspots try to find solutions to overcrowding
• Can lead to cultural degradation if local customs are adapted to suit the tastes
of visitors
• When there is an influx of tourists, this can burden local facilities and services,
and put a strain on the relations between locals and businesses
• Increase in crime rates in tourist destinations. A study showed that a 1%
increase in the number tourists leads to a 0.18% increase in crime.

7. Additionally….
When places quickly rise in popularity, it can lead to the
destruction of ecosystems, loss of flora and fauna, and
the displacement of indigenous groups.

8. VS
Travellers…. Tourists….
• Stay in hostels or guest houses
• Carry backpacks or carry-ons
• Go where locals go
• No tour guide
• Rough planning
• Stay in hotels
• Bring suitcases
• Eat at restaurants
• Have an itinerary or plan
• Visit attractions

9. So….. what IS conscious *travel*?
Conscious travel means responsible travel.
It means making socially, culturally and
economically conscious decisions.
It is travel that minimizes negative impact, whether
on the environment or on people.
It assists conservation efforts, and prioritises
people over profit.

11. Barriers to sustainable travel
51% There aren’t enough sustainable options
available
49% want economic incentives in order to opt for
such options
44% don’t know where to find such options
39% don’t trust that the options are truly sustainable
Half of travellers believe sustainable options are too
expensive.

12. 43%
A major city or town
34%
A lesser known city or
town 23%
A resort
Consumers want sustainable options
in destination types
Data from Travelner.

13. How can we contribute to as
well as encourage conscious
travel and sustainable
tourism?

14. To get started, ask yourself these questions:
• Am I supporting local businesses and local tour operators?
• Who is my money actually going to?
• How can I be respectful when I’m at my location?
• Are there cultural behaviours that I need to be aware of?
• Is my accommodation eco-friendly?
• Are there any ecotourism activities I can participate in?
• How will my actions impact this community?
• What can I learn from this experience?

15. Anything that reduces your trail of waste and
replaces single-use plastic!
Bring reusable items
This supports their economy, and makes for a
more interesting trip
Join tours by local guides
This can help to protect endangered species and
save wildlife.
Travel to ecotourism destinations
Bike rentals, public transit, car-shares. If you don’t
need to fly, try not to. Guesthouses, hostels, bed &
breakfasts are some accommodation options.
Look for alternative modes of transport or accommodation

16. Panama launched its tourism brand platform with the tagline ’Live for
More’ in 2021.
This is supplemented by their 5-year Master Plan for Sustainable
Tourism, in an aim to attract quality travelers through enrichingand
innovative experiences that connect travelers with Panamanian
culture while also regenerating their ethno- and biodiversity.

18. UNESCO Creative Cities Network
• Programme established in 2004 to promote cooperation among
countries who recognize culture and creativity as strategic drivers of
sustainable urban development.
• It maps out a network of vibrant cities, their talents and creatives,
initiatives, events and key players.
• There are Cities of Music, Cities of Design, Cities of Literature etc.

19. At the heart of it, conscious travel
prioritises people over profit.
Sustainable tourism should make
destinations better for people to *live*
in as well as *visit*.

20. THANK YOU FOR
YOUR ATTENTION
