In the dynamic world of travel, professionals must stay attuned to the evolving trends that shape customer needs and desires. One trend that stands out prominently today is responsible travel and tourism—a movement that has captured the attention of both the industry and travelers worldwide. This paradigm shift revolves around minimizing our impact on the planet, ensuring that our actions cause as little harm as possible.

For travel professionals, it is imperative to familiarize ourselves with responsible travel and tourism, as it significantly influences the products and services we offer, as well as the decisions made by today’s discerning business and leisure customers.

International organizations, including the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), are actively focusing on sustainable tourism, with professionals in the travel industry actively collaborating with them. Consequently, forward-thinking travel and tourism businesses now integrate CSR into their practices, creating and promoting products and services that support destinations, their environments, cultures, and communities.

In today’s travel landscape, customers seek products and services that align with their values and consciously avoid those that harm a destination’s natural environment and its people. While travelers are appreciated for the economic contributions they bring, they may unknowingly create negative impacts.

Travelers can contribute to waste pollution by utilizing energy-intensive forms of transportation, leaving behind refuse in the places they visit, or purchasing prohibited souvenirs. Moreover, an influx of tourists to a destination can result in overcrowding, generate frustration or offense among local residents, contribute to crime rates, and rely on foreign services that fail to create local job opportunities.

At its core, responsible travel and tourism is rooted in preservation, encompassing principles of green and sustainable practices. Green tourism involves selecting products and activities that harmonize with the ecosystem and natural environment of a destination.

Guided by responsible travel and tourism guidelines, travel itineraries, packages, tours, and activities are designed to create positive outcomes for both the destination and its people, while leaving visitors with memorable experiences. Responsible travelers demonstrate respect toward the host country, appreciating its history, cultural heritage, and natural surroundings, while consciously avoiding activities that harm local economies, cultures, and the environment.

Suppliers in the responsible travel and tourism industry  actively contribute to enhancing a destination’s environment, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. This can be observed in the use of local, non-toxic materials in hotel construction and the employment of local builders and staff.

Responsible travel agents and tour operators possess in-depth knowledge of travel services, packages, tours, and activities that prioritize destination-friendliness, respecting the environment and communities in the process.

At Lery Hago, our dedication to providing exceptional and luxurious experiences for our valued customers goes hand in hand with our unwavering commitment to responsible travel. We understand the importance of minimizing our environmental impact and supporting the well-being of the destinations we serve. As we continue to create unforgettable memories, we strive to uphold sustainable practices that contribute to a better world.