Are you an ethical tourist?
Every traveller needs to think about the impact that their actions have on the world around them. It is extremely difficult (if possible at all) to be 100% ethical 100% of the time, but there are many things that tourists can do to help to protect and preserve the environment, society and the economy of the places they visit. This article outlines practical ways to be a more ethical tourist.
What is an ethical tourist?
Ethical tourism is a concept that developed in response to criticisms of mass tourism. Some academics describe it as a move away from ‘the four Ss’ (sun, sea, sand and sex) towards ‘the three Ts’ (travelling, trekking and trucking).
To put it simply, ethical tourism is a form of responsible tourism. An ethical tourist considers the impact of their actions with regards to the three pillars of sustainable tourism– the environment, the economy and society. They minimise negative impacts and maximise the positive impacts.
The problem, however, is that many people do not know how to be an ethical tourist, and that is where this article comes in.
Video: Why ethical tourism is the future
How to be an ethical tourist
As explained in this article on sustainable tourism, there are three pillars of sustainability: the environment, society and the economy. To be an ethical tourist, you should consider these three areas and how your actions could have negative consequences. Here are some examples from each pillar.
How to be an ethical tourist: Protect the environment
If you want to be an ethical tourist, you must demonstrate a commitment to reducing any negative impacts on the environment. Some of the things that you can do include:
Don’t buy animal souvenirs
Animal souvenirs, like ivory or teeth, fur rugs or reptile-skin fashion accessories, are unethical in many ways. They often perpetuate a black market environment. In many cases animals are treated poorly and then killed just for their teeth, skin, fur, tusks, bones, blood and so on.
Don’t touch animals
Animals are sentient beings and if they don’t want to be touched, we should respect that. It can also be dangerous for you, if they attack, and for the animals if you pass on any germs. Your scent may linger, too, making the animal a target. It is better to just leave animals alone unless this is a safe and organised activity.
Don’t feed wild animals
Feeding wild animals is a no-go in terms of being an ethical tourist. Not only can it lead to animals becoming dependent on this food source, it can also lead to artificially high population sizes. This is unsustainable, especially in places where tourism is seasonal.
Avoid unethical wildlife tourism
If you are planning an animal experience as part of your trip, do your research. Some wildlife experiences, such as accredited sanctuaries and well-run safaris in the wild, can support conservation, but many attractions keep animals in poor conditions or use them for entertainment. Avoid experiences such as elephant riding, swimming with captive dolphins and posing for photos with sedated animals. Read more about wildlife tourism and whether zoos are ethical.
Don’t drop litter
Dropping litter is terrible for the environment. It can be dangerous to animals, it looks ugly and it is generally an environmental pollutant. Keep it in your bag or pocket if there is no bin nearby!
Don’t touch coral
Coral is beautiful. There is no denying this, but you cannot touch it. Be an ethical tourist and admire it from a distance, and choose reef-safe sun cream. Coral is a living organism and it is very delicate – human touch and the oils from our skin can break it down, killing not only the coral itself but the creatures who live among it.
Try slow tourism
Slow tourism is a brilliant way to practise ethical tourism. It steers away from mass tourism and busy days, cramming everything in before you move on to the next place. It focuses on spending longer in one area, getting to know the environment and getting involved in local life. Just as enjoyable as general tourism, and much more rewarding!
Opt for eco-friendly transportation options
Walking somewhere is always the best option. It actually gives you more chance to see the sights and get to know your location, plus it’s FREE. If your destination is too far to walk to, consider the bus, train or tram. This is often a low-cost way to get from A to B, and much more eco-friendly than hiring a car or booking an Uber.
Turn off the lights
Just as you would at home, turn off the lights in your accommodation when you don’t need them on. This is a simple way to ensure that you are being as much of an ethical tourist as possible!
Try ecotourism
Ecotourism is generally much more ethical than many other forms of tourism. It helps you to keep your environmental impact low, give back to the community and appreciate the natural beauty of an area. Staying in an eco-lodge is a good place to start.
Avoid plastic
Take reusable straws and canvas bags with you, fill up your water bottle before you head out for the day… Avoiding plastic on holiday really isn’t that difficult, and it is so important in terms of being an ethical tourist. You’ll definitely be looking after the environment!
Recycle
Make a conscious effort to recycle what you can. If you’re staying in an Airbnb for example, check out whether or not there is separate bin section for recyclable waste. And when you’re out and about, see if the public bins have a recycling option too. In Germany, for example, plastic bottles and cans can be returned to machines in supermarkets for a deposit refund.
Don’t waste water
Again, another simple but effective way to be an ethical tourist. Turn the tap off while you’re doing your teeth, take shorter showers and so on.
Stick to main paths
Avoid wandering off into the wilderness, as it may be quite a delicate area. Stick to the official paths and you won’t risk endangering any form of wildlife!
How to be an ethical tourist: Protect society
Ethical tourists also have a care and consideration for society and the communities that they interact with as part of their tourist experience. Here are some things that you can do to be an ethical tourist:
Learn the local language
A great way to be an ethical tourist is to learn a few phrases in the local language. It shows that you are willing to connect with your destination. Some phrases to translate are:
- Hello
- Please
- Thank you (so much)
- Can I have the bill please?
- Where is the [insert destination here e.g train station]?
- What time is it?
- Can I have a bag please?
- How are you?
- I’d like to check in/check out please
Be respectful of local customs and traditions
If there are rules regarding clothing – like what you should wear when visiting a mosque, for example – then respecting this is very important. Don’t mock local traditions. Take part if invited to; otherwise, watch respectfully and appreciate local culture.
Immerse yourself into local life
Eat at small local restaurants, ask local people for their recommendations and chat to the people around you. Don’t spend all of your time ticking off the top 10 guidebook sights: explore different neighbourhoods and support community projects. If you want to volunteer, choose reputable projects and avoid orphanage tourism, which can do more harm than good.
Be sensitive
When it comes to interacting with locals, just be sensitive. Think about what you’re saying, and what you’re doing. Be careful, and you will find yourself rewarded. Being an ethical tourist means supporting the locals, looking after the area and paying attention to what you do/say.
Don’t give to beggars
This may seem surprising, but giving money directly to people who are begging, especially children, can sometimes do more harm than good. In some places begging is linked to organised exploitation, and giving money to children can keep them out of school. If you want to help, look out for reputable local charities and initiatives that you can donate to or raise awareness of.
Treat people fairly
When visiting a new place, just treat people how you want to be treated. Be kind, be fair and be polite.
Avoid sex tourism
Sex tourism is a large industry in many parts of the world, but there is a great deal of exploitation and law-breaking involved, including human trafficking. Engaging in it is not compatible with being an ethical tourist, and any form of child sexual exploitation is a serious crime that can be prosecuted in a traveller’s home country.
Don’t take photos of people without their permission
This is a big one. People going about their daily lives should not be treated as photo opportunities. If you want to photograph someone, ask first, and respect their answer.
How to be an ethical tourist: Protect the economy
Lastly, an ethical tourist should be mindful of the economic impacts of their behaviour. Here are some things that you can do to ensure that you have a positive impact, where possible:
Shop local
This is a great way to be an ethical tourist. Shopping local means that your money is supporting the economy directly, rather than going through corporations. It also means that you are supporting small business owners and local craftspeople.
Avoid multinational chain hotels
When it comes to finding accommodation, independent and locally owned options usually keep more of your money in the local economy than multinational chain hotels. If you do stay in a chain hotel, look for one with recognised sustainability certification and fair employment practices.
Limit economic leakage where you can
Economic leakage in tourism occurs when the money tourists spend in a destination ends up elsewhere. For example, booking a tour through a multinational corporation instead of directly through a local business – this is an example of economic leakage. Try to avoid this in order to be an ethical tourist.
Leave positive reviews for local businesses
A positive review can help a small or local business a great deal. It is free to do and can attract attention and new customers, making it a simple way to give back to the community.
Consider who you are booking your holiday with
When booking a trip, check that the businesses you are using have ethical values that align with your own. Look for recognised sustainability certification, such as schemes accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and check how they treat their staff, the local community and the environment. If a company has been involved in scandals exploiting its staff or the local community, or damaging the environment, it is best to book elsewhere.
Haggle fairly
Haggling is a huge part of shopping as a tourist, especially in markets in places like Greece, Turkey and Morocco. But when you do haggle, remember that these people are trying to make a living. Don’t push for unreasonably low prices, and be respectful as you try to get your bargain.
Are you an ethical tourist?
Being an ethical tourist does not mean giving up travel. It means making more informed choices about how you travel, where you spend your money and how you treat the people and places you visit. Even small changes can make a big difference when millions of tourists make them.
Ethical tourism: FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about ethical tourism.
What is an ethical tourist?
An ethical tourist is someone who considers the impact of their travel on the environment, local communities and the local economy, and who tries to minimise negative impacts and maximise positive ones.
What is the difference between ethical tourism and responsible tourism?
The terms overlap and are often used interchangeably. Ethical tourism focuses on the moral choices that tourists make, while responsible tourism is a broader term covering the actions of tourists, businesses and governments.
How can I be an ethical tourist?
You can be an ethical tourist by shopping locally, staying in locally owned accommodation, avoiding unethical animal attractions, reducing waste and water use, respecting local customs and asking before you take photos of people.
Which animal attractions should ethical tourists avoid?
Ethical tourists should avoid attractions that involve riding, performing or posing with wild animals, such as elephant rides, captive dolphin swims and tiger selfies. Choose accredited sanctuaries and responsible wildlife viewing in the wild instead.
Why is ethical tourism important?
Ethical tourism is important because poorly managed tourism can damage the environment, exploit people and animals and take money away from local communities. Ethical choices help to make tourism more sustainable.
