What are the best ways to educate and engage tourists on sustainable tourism principles and behaviors?

1 Use pre-travel information

One of the most effective ways to educate and engage tourists on sustainable tourism principles and behaviors is to provide them with relevant and reliable information before they depart for their destination. This can include tips on how to reduce their carbon footprint, how to respect the local culture and customs, how to avoid over-tourism and support local businesses, and how to protect the wildlife and biodiversity. Pre-travel information can be delivered through various channels, such as websites, brochures, videos, podcasts, or social media.

2 Incorporate sustainability into the tour design

Another way to educate and engage tourists on sustainable tourism principles and behaviors is to incorporate them into the tour design and delivery. This means choosing sustainable modes of transportation, accommodation, and activities, as well as partnering with local guides, operators, and organizations that follow ethical and environmental standards. It also means providing opportunities for tourists to interact with the local community, learn about their culture and history, and participate in conservation and social projects.

3 Provide feedback and incentives

A third way to educate and engage tourists on sustainable tourism principles and behaviors is to provide them with feedback and incentives during and after their trip. This can include asking them to fill out surveys, share their stories and photos, or leave reviews and ratings on their experiences. It can also include rewarding them with discounts, vouchers, certificates, or recognition for their sustainable actions and choices. Feedback and incentives can help tourists to reflect on their impact, appreciate their contribution, and motivate them to continue their sustainable practices.

4 Use gamification and storytelling

A fourth way to educate and engage tourists on sustainable tourism principles and behaviors is to use gamification and storytelling techniques to make the learning process more fun and memorable. Gamification involves using elements such as points, badges, levels, challenges, or rewards to stimulate interest, competition, or collaboration among tourists. Storytelling involves using narratives, characters, emotions, or humor to convey messages, values, or lessons about sustainability. Both gamification and storytelling can help tourists to connect with the destination, the locals, and the issues in a more personal and meaningful way.

5 Empower tourists to become ambassadors

A fifth way to educate and engage tourists on sustainable tourism principles and behaviors is to empower them to become ambassadors for sustainability in their own networks and communities. This means encouraging them to spread the word, share their knowledge, inspire others, and advocate for change. Empowering tourists to become ambassadors can help to create a ripple effect of awareness, engagement, and action for sustainability among their peers, families, friends, or colleagues.

6 Support ongoing learning and improvement

A sixth way to educate and engage tourists on sustainable tourism principles and behaviors is to support their ongoing learning and improvement. This means providing them with access to resources, tools, platforms, or networks that can help them to stay informed, updated, and involved in sustainability issues and initiatives. It also means soliciting their feedback, suggestions, or ideas on how to improve the sustainability of the tourism industry and the destinations. Supporting ongoing learning and improvement can help tourists to maintain their interest, commitment, and responsibility for sustainability beyond their trip.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?