“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”
Travel has become a way of life for many of us. Holidays rejuvenate the soul and refresh the mind. In recent times, the tourism industry faced a major ‘heartbreak’ during the Covid-19 pandemic, when it almost came to a standstill. However, thanks to the resilience of governments, market players, technology innovators, and of course, travelers, the industry has bounced back strongly.
As travelers, we now have a moral, social, and personal responsibility to sustain the trend of responsible tourism.
Protect the Environment
“Travel safely” and “Travel green” must become our guiding principles.
- Choose eco-friendly homestays or camps that promote a greener environment.
- Reduce non-recyclable waste; for example, Himachal Pradesh banned non-woven plastic bags in January 2023, and tourists should respect such rules.
- Minimize food wastage and dispose of waste properly using bins.
- Treat accommodations like your own home—switch off lights, air conditioners, and taps when not in use.
- Opt for eco-friendly or public transport to reduce carbon footprints; for example, explore Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary by bicycle or hand-pulled rickshaw instead of an auto.
Respect Socio-Cultural Practices
Travel must respect the cultures and traditions of the destination.
- Follow local customs; for example, cover your head in Gurdwaras.
- Ask permission before clicking photos of people or their belongings.
- Respect local laws; for instance, if public drinking is prohibited, adhere strictly.
Support Local Businesses
Supporting local livelihoods is an essential part of responsible tourism.
- Choose local eateries over global chains. For example, in McLeodganj, explore Tibetan cuisine and bakeries instead of McDonald’s or KFC.
- Buy local handicrafts like candles from Nainital, dolls from Jaipur, jootis from Amritsar, or homemade chocolates from Munnar.
- Participate in community-based tours where profits support local NGOs.
Be Mindful of Wildlife
Sustaining wildlife is crucial when visiting their habitats.
- Stay on designated trails and avoid disturbing animals’ natural behaviors.
- Never feed wildlife; remember, we are visitors in their homes.
- Avoid strong perfumes or deodorants near wildlife, as they may disturb them.
Conclusion
Travel is enriching only when it spreads joy to both visitors and hosts. Practicing responsible tourism ensures that nature, culture, and livelihoods continue to thrive for generations to come.
By Manjusha Dutta
Manjusha Dutta is a Senior Manager with a Software Insurance organization. A movie buff and an amateur dancer, she rocks in the videos that she creates for her YouTube channel. She can be reached at manjushadutta@gmail.com.
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