Travelling and the environment
In recent years, awareness of sustainable tourism has increased significantly in Europe. Given the challenges posed by climate change and the impact of mass tourism, it is more important than ever to promote responsible travel practices. Sustainable tourism not only offers an opportunity to protect the environment, but also to support local culture and economy.
What does sustainable tourism mean?
Sustainable tourism encompasses practices that take both environmental and social aspects into account. The aim is to minimise the negative effects of travel while maximising the positive effects for the regions visited. This includes protecting natural resources, supporting local communities and promoting cultural diversity.
Advantages of sustainable tourism
The advantages of sustainable travelling are manifold:
- Environmental protection: Environmentally friendly practices minimise the CO2 footprint and conserve natural resources.
- Economic support: Local businesses benefit directly from the income generated by sustainable tourism.
- Cultural exchange: Travellers have the opportunity to gain authentic experiences and contribute to the preservation of local traditions.
Examples of sustainable tourism in Europe
Europe offers numerous inspiring examples of sustainable travel destinations:
1 Austria: The “Alpine Pearls” region promotes environmentally friendly tourism through car-free resorts and an extensive network of public transport. Here, visitors can enjoy the impressive natural surroundings while travelling in an environmentally conscious way.
2 Norway: Norway is considered a pioneer in ecotourism. The capital Oslo was named “European Green Capital” in 2019. Travellers can explore the city in a sustainable way with e-bikes or kayaks and benefit from a wide range of environmentally friendly accommodation.
3 Slovenia: Slovenia was named Europe’s first “green destination” in 2016. The capital Ljubljana has created a car-free centre that is rich in green spaces. The country is focussing on nature conservation and promoting rural tourism at the same time.
4 Valencia, Spain: Valencia has been honoured as the European Green Capital in 2024. The city invests in sustainable initiatives such as new pedestrian zones and cycle paths as well as environmentally friendly means of transport.
5 Gothenburg, Sweden: This city has become one of the most sustainable destinations by banning single-use plastic and focussing on renewable energy. Visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor activities while doing their bit for the environment.
Tips for sustainable travelling
Every traveller can make a contribution to sustainable tourism:
– Choose environmentally friendly means of transport such as trains or bicycles.
– Support local businesses by buying regional products.
– Respect local cultures and traditions.
– Reduce waste and use reusable products.
– Choose accommodation that has sustainability certificates.
The future of tourism in Europe
The European Union actively promotes sustainable tourism concepts through various programmes and initiatives. These efforts aim to support lesser-known destinations while raising awareness of the importance of responsible travel.
Sustainable tourism in Europe is not only a way of travelling responsibly; it also opens up opportunities for deeper experiences and enriching encounters with the nature and culture of the places visited. By travelling consciously, we contribute to preserving the beauty of Europe for future generations.