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Sustainable tourism

Responsible tourism for the planet

Sustainable tourism is not simply a way of exploring the world, but a conscious commitment to the preservation of the planet. More and more travelers are becoming aware of the effects of tourism and are trying to minimize the environmental impact of their trips.

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What is sustainable tourism?

Sustainable tourism is more than a trend; it is a travel philosophy that seeks to reduce the ecological footprint, promote social and economic responsibility, and preserve the cultural authenticity of the destinations visited.

Against the backdrop of this growing commitment, alternatives based on sustainable tourism are emerging. These types of responsible tourism initiatives seek to strike a balance between traveler enjoyment and the preservation of resources for future generations.

It is a conscious response to the environmental and social challenges facing the planet, proposing tourism practices that allow future generations to enjoy the same destinations as we do. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the world's leading authority on tourism, describes it as "tourism that 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".

Conducting an environmental and social impact assessment to understand the potential impacts of tourism activities is a good first step in developing sustainable tourism models. From this point on, it is also crucial to focus on measures that minimize the environmental impact of the activity, as well as to encourage the participation of local communities. Furthermore, educating travelers about responsible practices and promoting the conservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage helps to boost tourism sustainability, which, in the long run, not only preserves destinations for future generations, but also offers enriching and authentic experiences for travelers.

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Sustainable tourism principles

Reduced ecological footprint

Minimizing environmental impact is essential to the sustainable tourism model. This chapter includes, for example, habitual decisions for travelers such as choosing more environmentally friendly transportation options -from carpooling to trains, electric transport, biofuel-powered airplanes...- or choosing accommodation that is committed to sustainable tourism, i.e. establishments that not only try to optimize environmental resources, but are also respectful to the environment in which they are located and contribute to the local economy.

Repsol aims to be a net zero emissions company by 2050. This commitment translates into our promotion of 100% renewable fuels such as biofuels or synthetic fuels with the challenge of reducing CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere in sectors such as air transport. We also support tourist accommodation that is committed to sustainability by recognizing those involved in environmental protection and energy efficiency projects through initiatives such as the 'Efficient and Sustainable Kitchen' certificate. To achieve the certification, not only criteria such as energy efficiency of the facilities, measurement and reduction of emissions, electric mobility, or awareness and training are taken into account. Other issues such as the reuse and recovery of waste or food waste are also taken into account.

Natural and cultural heritage conservation

Preserving cultural and natural heritage is another fundamental pillar of sustainable tourism. Travelers committed to sustainable tourism strive to understand, respect, and participate in local traditions and products, thus contributing to the preservation of the destination's cultural identity.

Similarly, the optimal use of environmental resources is essential for sustainable tourism. Participating in activities that do not harm the local flora and fauna, for example, is common for this approach, which offers travelers experiences that respect the environment's biodiversity. A kayak trip to enjoy unique aquatic habitats while minimizing the impact of the visit, a day of bird watching with local guides so as not to disturb the wildlife populations, hiking tours along nature trails with experts... These types of initiatives are multiplying, as are the proposals that defend sustainable tourism.

Responsible, fair, and viable tourism

Sustainable tourism seeks not only economic growth, but also a significant improvement in the quality of life and well-being of the populations involved, both locals and travelers. Responsible tourism seeks to generate socioeconomic benefits that are well distributed among all stakeholders. This involves, for example, the creation of sustainable employment opportunities, the fair distribution of income, and the provision of social services to host communities.

Imagine, for example, a rural community in which its neighbors are trained as tour guides sharing their knowledge of the area's biodiversity, its traditions... At the same time, jobs can be created in the construction and maintenance of tourist accommodation. The benefits of tourism are shared equitably, financing community projects and providing opportunities for growth, where each visit leaves a lasting impact on prosperity. The goal is to establish economic practices that are not only profitable, but also actively contribute to social engagement.

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Sustainable tourism examples

More and more people are committed to practicing responsible tourism, but the list of destinations committed to sustainable tourism is also growing. Together, these two factors prove that the formula not only allows us to explore the world in an authentic way, but also to become guarantors of the planet's natural and cultural wealth.

Walking around cities is one of the keys to sustainable tourism and, in this regard, the so-called 15-minute cities are an ideal destination. These are urban proposals where the design gives priority to a design that makes all essential services available within a 15-minute radius on foot, by bicycle, or public transport. The result? A significant reduction in car use, travel times, and pollution.

We find cities like Barcelona where its system of 'superblocks' combines efficient public transport, the promotion of the use of electric bicycles, and walking routes with a city model that creates priority circulation areas for pedestrians and bicycles with more green areas, play parks, and spaces to practice sports. Beyond Spain, cities such as Melbourne, Bogota, or Shanghai would also meet the requirements of this type of city, which, especially in terms of mobility, are committed to sustainable tourism.

But if we are talking about responsible tourism, sustainable mobility, and charming destinations, here are some places you can't miss:

Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

It has been several decades since the city of canals decided to develop a circular economy model, and in 2009 it became the first European smart city. The key? Urban planning that respects natural resources and promotes sustainable mobility with its network of bicycles and public transport, electric boat tours along its canals, and eco-friendly accommodation options that make sustainable tourism an integral part of the experience.

Copenhagen (Denmark)

The economic and environmental development of the Danish capital, coupled with its low pollution and contamination rates and its social cohesion are key to considering it an ideal destination for sustainable tourism. The efficiency of its public transport system, its fleet of shared electric vehicles, or its proposals for sustainable tourism excursions - which include solar-powered boat trips and visits to offshore wind farms, promoting environmental awareness - are of great interest.

Bhutan

In Bhutan, where the government uses the GNHI or Gross National Happiness Index to measure the population's well-being, sustainable tourism is a priority. From trekking in the Himalayas to participating in local festivals, each experience is an opportunity to support sustainable tourism, something to which, in addition, is added the so-called 'eco-tax' or tourist tax with which, since it began receiving visitors in 1974, has managed to preserve traditions, temples, and villages that do not seem to have changed in centuries.

Mobility in our travels

Every decision you make as a tourist can make a difference, and sustainable tourism provides the opportunity to make choices that benefit everyone.

Planning a trip prioritizing routes with sustainable mobility options, choosing shared means of transport, or opting for renewable fuels, as well as designing routes where sustainability and tourism go hand in hand -whether in terms of the routes, accommodation, or the activities themselves- with the experience is a good step. Adopting responsible tourism practices allows us to enjoy the beauty of the world while contributing to its preservation. It is a commitment to the future that not only enriches our lives as travelers, but also leaves a positive legacy for future generations.

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