The travel Industry is very versatile and happening. There are millions of places around us to visit which are extremely beautiful and scenic. The travel industry has its ups and downs. Till 2020 Covid-19 we generally observed that the Travel and Tourism industry (be it sustainable travel) was one of the industries that had a downtime or it’s in the low economy category because travel is one of the basic (necessary) needs of people now.
As the Covid-19 impacted the travel industry like never before which affected the regions where the country’s 70% to 90% economy depends on the Travel and Tourism industry.
International tourist arrivals rose by 18 million in January 2022 compared with a year earlier. This equals the increase for the whole of 2021 from 2020, but January’s numbers were still 67% below the same month in 2019, according to the UNWTO.
2021-2022 was the most impacted year for the travel industry. Because of the lockdown worldwide, travel was the main thing to avoid in that situation.
Travel and tourism are a massive economic and sustainable engine. It creates jobs and businesses for the local people of the destination, for example, the souvenir shops, renting bikes and cars, and local food specialty stalls, all thrive on travel and tourism.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism industry’s contribution to the global GDP was 10.4% in 2019, generating 330 million jobs worldwide. The industry’s growth has been affected by factors such as an increase in disposable income, Technological advancements, and the rise of the middle class in developing countries.
The Impact of Travel and Tourism Industry on Sustainability
The growth of the travel and tourism industry has changed the economic statistics no doubt but parallelly it has impacted the environment, society, and economy. Sustainable travel came into view as a key force for socioeconomic development globally, with the idea of visiting the destination without harming the local community, culture, and nature and having an encouraging impact on the environment, society, and economy of the country.
Sustainable tourism aims to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment, society, and economy while maximizing the positive impact. The industry’s shift towards sustainability has helped increase awareness of environmental issues, and changing consumer preferences, and government policies.
For example, Fiji launched a Blue Lanes initiative that allows yachts to berth in its marinas after meeting strict quarantine and testing requirements. Post-pandemic, a continued shift toward ecotourism, a fast-growing industry focused on conservation and local job employment, could give an additional boost to the industry. This is already an important part of Costa Rica’s tourism strategy. Thailand is also trying to shift the niche markets, including adventure travel and health and wellness tours.
The Travel and tourism industry has the power to boost economies and promote sustainability, but it needs a makeover. It’s time to ditch the old ways of mass tourism and embrace responsible, eco-friendly practices.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope. Sustainable tourism is like the eco-warrior of the industry. It promotes responsible tourism & travel that respects local cultures and ecosystems. It’s all about minimizing the carbon footprint, supporting local communities, and conserving nature.
To achieve more sustainable and resilient Travel & Tourism development, policymakers and industry leaders need to rethink their strategies and practices. There is a need to adopt a holistic approach that balances economic, environmental, and social objectives, as well as considers the short-term and long-term implications of their actions.
Sustainable Travel : The Way Ahead
Travel and tourism are the twin engines that can propel both the economy and sustainability to new heights. It’s not just about ticking places off your bucket list; it’s about leaving a positive footprint.
However, the industry’s growth has also raised concerns about its impact on the environment, society, and economy. Sustainable travel trends & tourism has increased in recent years developing and promoting ecotourism globally.
The industry’s growth and sustainability are not mutually exclusive, and the industry’s stakeholders must work together to ensure the industry’s growth is sustainable and benefits all stakeholders.
