Transportation

There are two things that are important to take into account when considering the envirnomental impact we have when going on holiday. Firstly, now that long distance travel is so affordable and fast, most people choose to go abroad on their holidays. One long haul flight for one person releases the same emissions as the average car does in one year. For this reason it is best to try and avoid flying wherever possible, the closer to home our holidays are, the more environmentally friendly they are. It is also good to consider how we get around once we're on holiday, why not take your bike and see the scenery on the cheapest, greenest mode of transport around?

Conserving the Local Environment

The other imprtantant component of a green holiday is preventing damage to the areas you visit by conserving the environment and sustaining the well being of the local people. People travel to experience different cultures and enjoy unspoilt lands, unfortunately it is growing tourism that threatens these places of beauty and risks spoiling them for the people that live there and for the next tourists that visit.

How does tourism negatively impact on an area?

The hugely greater population at certain times of the year can put a great strain on the local environment causing in some cases; soil
erosion, increased pollution, discharges into the sea, natural habitat loss, increased vulnerability of endangered species and heightened
vulnerability to forest fires. It often puts a strain on water resources, and it can force local populations to compete for the use of critical resources. Tourism development can put pressure on natural resources when it increases consumption in the areas where resources are already scarce. Water depletion is one of the biggest concerns for local areas as hotels, swimming pools and golf courses exploit the local water supply causing shortages and degradation.

Positive Environmental Effects of Tourism

When tourism is not overwhealming for an area, it can be beneficial to the local environment. The wealth brought by tourism can contribute to environmental protection and conservation directly, through park entrace fees or indirectly, from government funding through taxed goods and activity liscense fees.

What can you do?

• Think about your mode of transport to reduce pollution wherever possible.
• Don't litter
• Learn about the local culture before you go. Be respectful to local traditions and practices, and be aware of any shortages of resources.
• Try not to travel in high peak season when areas will be most over populated.
• Stay in eco-resorts where possible, or why not camp?!

Further Information
International
Ecotourism Society - destinet.ewindows.eu.org
Tribes
Travel – www.tribes.co.uk
01728 685 871

Centre
for Environmentally friendly tourism - www.c-e-r-t.org

Green
Globe 21 - Supports businesses and communities to develop sustainable
tourism www.greenglobe21.com

North-South
Travel - Travel agent channelling its profits into projects in
developing countries. www.northsouthtravel.co.uk

Organic
Holidays - Guide to organic travel and accommodation
www.organic-holidays.com

Responsible
Travel - Socially responsible holidays in 36 countries world-wide
www.responsibletravel.com