Let's become the generation of responsible travellers!

Hi all!

I am Ciska, passionate about sustainability ànd about travelling the world. I have been following Steemit on the side for a few years now and I finally decided to join the hub. I would love to dedicate my account to sustainable travel and tourism.

Sustainable tourism, you maybe think, you mean these 20 million visitors that flood the streets of Venice right? Or animal exploitation?

Yes! But sustainable tourism is so much more than that! It’s about leaving a place in a better condition than you’ve found it. No matter if you sign up for volunteer work in Mongolia or go on a shop-till-you-drop weekend break in Milan.

Sustainable tourism is about protecting world heritage sites, biodiversity, waste management, efficient use of resources, animal rights, human rights, (striving for) equal distribution of wealth, pollution and pride. Keeping the world in good shape and aiming to make it an even better place.

The travel and tourism industry is a massive 8 trillion dollar industry, representing 10.4% of all total economic activity in the world (1). What was once a hobby of the wealthy minority is now a booming enterprise with a massive footprint on countries, the environment and cultural heritage. The funny thing is that this industry seems to (almost) lack criticism.

Did you ever notice that tourism and travel always get special treatment in mainstream media outlets? It is the only industry that enjoys one-sided, glossy coverage with dreamy pictures and seductive descriptions. From the documentaries on Netflix, to the travel section of the largest newspaper in your area, to your best friend’s Instagram.

If you’re getting curious about the other side, I recommend you to read ‘Overbooked’ by Elizabeth Becker. This Washington Post’s journalist managed to jump into this journalistic gap, where she found a way to expose the underbelly of shiny tourism with some illuminating stories. Because tourism may be a rather unexamined industry, it is essential for global prosperity.

And I will try to contribute too, here in my little corner of the internet :). Not only by addressing some of the questions that need to be asked, but also to write about the numerous creative and innovative solutions. As more individuals, companies and countries become aware of the challenges of over-tourism, the more revolutionary solutions we can share with each other.

Looking forward to becoming part of the Steemit community!

Cheers :)

(1) Forbes - Booming Global Travel Tourism

(2) Images: Christopher Alvarenga & Dan Gold via Unsplash