Which is more important, Sustainable or Eco-tourism?

Tourism is destructive to our planet. It is impossible to go from Point A to Point B without consuming resources. Tourism does have more positives than negatives however. Tourism has formed friendships between countries like France and the United States, and it has educated the world of Ireland's rich history and so much more. If everyone acts responsibly, we may continue forming these bonds, and leave beautiful destinations for generations. This means sustainable tourism is definitively more important than 'eco-tourism.'

What is Eco-Tourism?

Eco-tourism is really a new term to the old way of immersing oneself with nature but now with an educational emphasis. It could be argued that camping, or as the French say 'bivouac,' is eco-tourism. Some common examples of 'eco-tourism' are;

Glacier tours in Alaska
Zip lining across a rainforest
Walking high thru a jungle canopy by rope bridge
Snorkeling around coral reefs

or spelunking while your guide educates you about rare bio-luminescent life forms surviving within cave systems, such as the 'Rio Secreto' in Mexico. As long as there is an educational component linked to the outdoor experience, it is essentially 'eco-tourism.'

What is Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable tourism certainly overlaps with Eco-Tourism in regards to where and how we travel as well as the activities involved and resources consumed. Sustainable Tourism is, however, the act of traveling with as little of an environmental impact as possible. Things like, reducing natural resource consumption and waste connected with tourism are simple examples. Sustainable tourism is not limited to the responsibility of cruise companies, hotels and airlines. Everyone plays a part while on holiday to reduce the impact on earth from our travels, such as using fewer towels, or packing lighter luggage. If you are interested in learning what sustainable tourism solutions MSC Cruise Lines is doing, (see previous story).

Final thoughts:

Sustainable Tourism or 'Green Tourism' involves making environmentally responsible decisions and is what everyone should already be doing everyday. It is like our oceans. Everything depends upon healthy oceans. Without healthy oceans, the greenery will not survive. Without Sustainable Tourism, Eco-tourism will eventually die. Countries like Finland have already embraced these steps as a part of their everyday lives.

For more information about sustainable tourism initiatives in the Cruise Industry please see Cruise Lines International Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to Tourism Professionals and the Cruise Industry.

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