The summer holidays are approaching, and with that perhaps also the realisation that our choices as tourists matter. Responsible tourism is not just about travelling – it is about doing so in a mindful way. Lotta Braunerhielm and Fredrik Hoppstadius, both part of the Tourism and Place Design Programme at Karlstad University, share their thoughts on how to become a more mindful traveller.
There is a new trend in responsible tourism – can you tell us about that?
– It’s about travelling in a way that minimises negative impact on the environment, respects local culture and the local economy, says Lotta Braunerhielm, docent in human geography. It’s also about being aware, as a tourist, of how travel affects the places and people you visit.
– The reason why people try to travel responsibly instead of sustainably is that sustainability is more of a concept to relate to, while responsible tourism means that you as a traveller or tourist can be placed at the centre of events and take action, says Fredrik Hoppstadius, senior lecturer in human geography.
What does it mean to consume responsibly as a tourist – and how can local businesses benefit from our choices?
– Choosing to travel outside of peak season helps avoid putting additional strain on destinations that are already under pressure, says Lotta Braunerhielm. This benefits both the traveller and local stakeholders. It’s also about supporting local businesses and seeing the local aspect as an opportunity to experience something new. Accommodation is one part of this, where you can choose more local options instead of large hotel chains. You can also opt for small local restaurants instead of fast-food chains, or buy directly from local food producers.
– Travel is a form of consumption, and as a traveller or tourist, you can choose where you spend your money and what you get in return, says Fredrik Hoppstadius.
Why do tourists continue to travel to large-scale traditional destinations where the local population is already protesting and feeling marginalised?
– Many tourists prioritise their “bucket list” over responsibility, says Fredrik Hoppstadius. This also means that the value of completing a bucket list creates status and new forms of value. It becomes a cultural expression in our society and gives us extraordinary stories to bring back home.
– Others don’t see the need to take responsibility as tourists and instead choose to disconnect from responsibility when they’re on holiday, says Lotta Braunerhielm. Travel agencies are very good at packaging a trip and an experience, which makes travelling easy for a lot of people. Some generations don’t know how to travel responsibly, how to book their own trips or how to make conscious choices. This highlights the major travel agencies’ responsibility to create opportunities and offer more options for tourists who lack the commitment or ability to make responsible choices.
How can we as tourists help preserve the cultural and environmental values of places rather than impact them negatively?
– A simple way to approach this is to slow down and lower your own expectations when you go on a holiday, says Lotta Braunerhielm. Try doing things more slowly and make more conscious choices – like renting a bike instead of a car. You can try to create meaning in the place where you are and experience the nuances and differences of your surroundings. Ask yourself, for example: What does the place you’re visiting look like compared to other destinations? What is the history of this place? Why does it look the way it does? What can you learn from the local culture, and what does the local population express about the uniqueness of this place?
What are the concrete effects of tourism on local populations – both positive and negative?
– It offers an opportunity to connect with other people, exchange experiences, boost commerce and highlight what is unique to a specific place and sell knick-knacks tied to the local area that gain value specifically in that place, says Fredrik Hoppstadius. It gives the local population a chance to share what they have to offer and to live out their dreams. It could include renting out spare rooms in your house over the summer for extra income that enables you to start a company and run your own business. It gives people a place in society and a chance to influence their situation.
– But it could also be that you feel unable to influence your situation and trapped in a system that you don’t agree with, says Lotta Braunerhielm. A general rise in prices, more expensive housing – gentrification begins to take hold. The place may start to revolve around the tourists, making locals feel isolated and alone. This can lead to conflicts between tourists and the local population.
How can technology – such as apps, AI and digital guides – help us make more conscious decisions as tourists?
– Find out what’s specific and unique, says Lotta Braunerhielm. What is the local food culture like? When is the most important time of the year in this place? Where can you find scenic surroundings and what sights should you visit? Look for passionate individuals who write about the place and its significance, both in the present and the past. Through technology, it’s possible to access hidden knowledge held by the local population.
Does responsible tourism require new ways of thinking about what a trip is?
– It doesn’t change what a trip is, but it changes what a trip means and my role as a traveller, says Fredrik Hoppstadius. What’s important here is the creation of meaning – just as a traditional trip to an exotic country has meaning and value, so does a local experience. My responsibility as a tourist also gives meaning and a sense of pride in my own choices. You are no longer just a tourist consuming a sustainable package, but a conscious traveller who takes responsibility for yourself, the place you’re visiting and how you travel.
