With people around the world begging for tourists not to come to their homes for a holiday, it’s time to question whether we can ever be ethical tourists.
Tourism has undeniable social, economic and individual benefits. For individuals, tourism offers a chance to break away from routine, explore new cultures, and broaden horizons. It provides an opportunity for personal growth, fostering tolerance, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world. Tourism also stimulates the economy by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and generating revenue for communities. It can lead to infrastructure development, improved living standards, and cultural preservation. Tourism promotes cultural exchange, fostering mutual respect and appreciation among people from different backgrounds. Overall, tourism has the potential to enhance the well-being of individuals and contribute positively to society.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that tourism can also have detrimental effects.To start: tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, roughly half of which comes from transport. From here, overtourism becomes a concern in specific destinations with overcrowding putting a strain on resources, infrastructure, and local residents. This can lead to further environmental degradation, the loss of cultural authenticity, and increased living costs for locals. Additionally, tourism can perpetuate social inequalities as wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, while many local communities struggle to benefit from the industry. There can also be negative impacts on wildlife, as tourism activities may disrupt ecosystems and contribute to habitat destruction. It’s crucial to address these issues and adopt sustainable practices to mitigate the harmful effects of tourism and ensure a more balanced and responsible approach to travel.
Locals are over it
People in Japan have been voicing their concerns about tourists disrespecting their land and culture. Arguably the most infamous incident came in 2018, when influencer Logan Paul went on a ‘loitering tour’ around Japan, crossing the biggest line when he filmed a body in the Aokigahara forest – a site frequented with suicides. Although this is an extreme example, dissatisfaction extends to typical tourist activities too – in 2022, 80% of Kyoto residents complained about public transport and the streets being overly filled with tourists, and 75% expressed concern over behaviour like littering or eating while walking. It’s having an impact on the housing market too, with the rise of short-term holiday rentals making property more expensive for locals (an increasing problem in Australia’s holiday regions too). But with tourism accounting for almost 20% of Kyotot’s GDP, it’s unlikely the government or even locals will push for people not to come.
The best example of the tension between tourism’s economic appeal and destructive effects is Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands are known for their stunning beauty and unique culture, attracting millions of tourists each year. In fact in 2021 around 6,7 million people visited the islands and spent $13.15 billion during that time. However, in recent years, there has been a growing sentiment amongst locals urging visitors to reconsider their travel plans and not visit Hawaii. They have taken to the news and social media to argue that the influx of tourists is straining the islands’ resources, damaging fragile ecosystems, and eroding Hawaiian culture. This came to a head when the 2023 Maui wildfires claimed at least 101 lives. TikTokker and Kānaka Maoli (Indigenous Hawaiian) Camille Leihulu Slagle said in one of her videos: “We’ve been telling people not to go to Hawaii for years now; this is not something new. But it’s certainly been amplified by COVID-19 and especially natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires – things that really put a strain on Hawaii’s resources. We can barely sustain our own people.”
Can you be an ethical tourist?
According to self-proclaimed “impactful traveller” @kaylessgo, you should aways travel with the “intention of contribution”. They encourage tourists to “give back to the communities that welcome you”. This doesn’t mean coming into a country or new destination with the intention of saving them. Noo building houses that will fall down in a week or teaching a day of English to kids for the pics, because that is definitely problematic and a whole other article. But we must strive to come to a new place with the intention of respecting them, just like you would when visiting a friend’s home.
This is where the concept of decolonizing travel comes in. The approach emphasizes the need to examine and address the power dynamics between travelers and locals, aiming for a more equitable exchange. It involves actively supporting local businesses and engaging with community-led initiatives. By doing so, travelers can contribute directly to the economic empowerment of local communities, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared more fairly.
Decolonizing travel also requires challenging the narratives that perpetuate stereotypes and exploitation. This means questioning preconceived notions about certain destinations or cultures and seeking authentic experiences that go beyond surface-level interactions. It shouldn’t all be beach hopping and hunting for Insta-worthy cafes. To be clear I’m not trying to shame you for wanting a relaxing holiday, but by embracing a more nuanced understanding of the places we visit, we can foster genuine connections and break away from perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
However, it is crucial to recognize that ethical tourism is not solely dependent on the actions of individuals. Governments and the tourism industry as a whole play a critical role in shaping the ethics of travel. They can contribute by implementing policies that prioritize sustainability, supporting locally-owned businesses, and preserving cultural heritage. By creating a regulatory framework that encourages responsible practices, governments can help ensure that tourism benefits both the host communities and the environment.
It is important to acknowledge that ethical tourism is a complex and evolving concept. What may be considered ethical today might need reassessment in the future. As our understanding of social, environmental, and cultural impacts evolves, ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and adaptation are necessary. By engaging in conversations with locals, listening to their concerns, and being open to feedback, we can continually improve our approach to ethical tourism.
Tourism has the potential to facilitate personal and societal growth in various ways. For individuals, travel offers opportunities for self-discovery, learning, and personal development. It broadens perspectives, fosters empathy, and promotes cross-cultural understanding. Moreover, tourism can drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve living standards in local communities. It can support the preservation of cultural heritage, encourage environmental conservation, and contribute to the overall well-being of societies.
However, it is essential to strike a balance between individual growth and collective good when it comes to tourism. Prioritizing only individual growth can lead to the exploitation of local communities and the environment. It is crucial to consider the long-term impacts of tourism on host destinations and to prioritize the well-being and interests of local communities over short-term individual gains. By embracing a collective growth mindset, we can ensure that tourism becomes a force for positive change, benefitting both individuals and society as a whole.
Smart people read more:
Maui Fires: Recovery Challenges Stem From Years of Colonialism and Tourism – Teen Vogue
Climate Change Is Destroying Australia’s Third Places
Wish you weren’t here! How tourists are ruining the world’s greatest destinations – The Guardian
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