The different forms of sustainable tourism

As environmental awareness rises among travellers, they are looking for more sustainable ways to travel, in order to limit their impact on the environment. Sustainable tourism aims to minimise the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities while promoting economic development. Its constant evolution has led to the creation of several forms of sustainable tourism, each with its own characteristics and objectives. Among the different variants of sustainable tourism, you will find the one that best suits your values and travel intentions.

What is sustainable tourism?

According to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), sustainable tourism is ‘tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, by meeting the needs of visitors, professionals, the environment and host communities’ (source ATD). Its aim is ‘to make the improvement of environmental and social conditions resulting from the development of tourism compatible with the maintenance of development capacities for future generations’. It was defined by Agenda 21 in 1992.

All tourism stakeholders can adopt a sustainable approach by integrating the three principles of sustainable development – environmental, economic and social – into their management and offerings. Sustainable tourism must develop sustainable solutions for the environment by preserving natural resources and biodiversity. The solutions must also be economically sustainable, offering stable jobs and benefits for the host communities. Finally, they must be socially equitable by preserving the identity and cultural heritage of the host populations.

Accommodation providers, restaurateurs, tourism professionals, towns and cities and all those involved in the tourism sector have a key role to play in developing sustainable tourism. They need to raise travellers’ awareness of sustainability issues and encourage them to adopt more responsible behaviour by proposing practical solutions. Their commitment is rewarded by labels and certifications. Among the best known are Clef Verte, Ecolabel and Ecotable, which are based on criteria relating to energy, water and waste management, the origin of the products used and the selection of suppliers. Numerous tourist establishments in Marseille have obtained these certifications thanks to the various labelling programmes set up by the Marseille Tourism, Leisure and Convention Bureau, with the help of the Region and the City, which has also obtained ISO 20121 certification and been labelled an Innovative and Sustainable Destination. This makes Marseille a tourist destination capable of offering a pleasant experience to travellers, while minimising the negative impacts of the tourism industry.

Sustainable tourism encompasses a number of different forms, all of which have the same objective: to minimise the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local populations while promoting sustainable development. Each of these forms makes unique contributions to achieving this common goal.

Responsible tourism

Responsible tourism involves minimising the impact of travel on the environment and local culture. This means choosing your destination, booking certified and labelled accommodation, using low-carbon transport and taking part in environmentally-friendly activities. Once you’ve taken these practices into account, you can opt for tourism that focuses on an element of sustainable development, such as the environment or social issues, and rediscover France.

Ecotourism

Ecotourism is a form of sustainable tourism that focuses on the environmental pillar of sustainable development. It aims to respect the environment and the desire to protect ecosystems while offering a nature-centred travel experience. It encourages the discovery of nature and culture, while respecting biodiversity and local communities.

Ecotourism activities will focus on immersion in and exploration of the environment, such as hiking, wildlife watching, visiting protected natural sites like the Parc national des Calanques, and discovering places of culture, including must-sees like the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica or the MUCEM. Travellers also have the chance to take part in clean-up events at various locations around the city, organised by local associations such as Clean my Calanques, which campaigns to protect the environment.

Fair tourism

Fair tourism has a major impact on regional development and on bringing local people closer together. It focuses on the social aspects of sustainable development. Its aim is to get travellers to contribute financially to local development projects or simply to more common tasks. Thanks to solidarity tourism, travellers can visit a country or destination in a way that respects the surrounding environment, in the knowledge that the money they spend will benefit the local population. This ethical form of tourism also allows them to make contacts and build relationships with the communities. They discover the place by fully immersing themselves in the local culture.

To practise this form of tourism, choose a destination that is not frequented by tourists, close to nature, in the countryside or by the sea. Opt for family-run accommodation, such as gîtes. If you want to live the experience to the full, you can even stay with a local. In exchange for a place to sleep, you’ll give up your time to your hosts by helping with daily chores, for example.

Slow tourism

The principle of slow tourism is to travel while taking your time, fully immersing yourself in the surrounding nature and the rich heritage of the destination. It is also a way of meeting new people and savouring typical dishes, while respecting the local area and its inhabitants. The aim is to visit the surrounding towns and destinations without having to go far from home, and it guarantees a moment of disconnection and rejuvenation at a leisurely pace.