Simple ways to be a SUSTAINABLE TOURIST

JUMP ON THE TREND OF EXPLORING THE PLANET WHILE STILL PROTECTING MOTHER NATURE

- Zoe Snell and Allison Yee

We've heard the expression: "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos," but in the last few years the philosophy of sustainable travel has really taken off. In fact, recent booking.com research shows that 83 per cent of Aussies say it's important to them, with 50 per cent of us saying climate change news has caused us to rethink the way we holiday.

From long-haul air travel that causes harmful CO2 emissions to luxury resorts built on top of natural habitats, tourism and international travel is far from sustainable for the earth. Our planet has many stunning destinations, from beautiful rainforests to breathtaking mountains, but excessive travel and tourism threatens the very existence of these wonders.

Here's everything you need to know about travelling sustainably to ensure you leave behind a lighter footprint.

WHAT IS IT?

According to the World Tourism Organisation, sustainable tourism is that which "takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities".

Essentially, it's about changing the focus of travel to minimise the negative impacts, maximise the positive ones, and avoid contributing to long-term environmental and social impacts on the destination.

THE THREE PILLARS OF SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL