Tourism is one of the sectors hardest hit by the global health crisis caused by the Coronavirus. In 2020, tourist destinations received 1 billion fewer international arrivals than the previous year. The health crisis has jeopardized between 100 and 120 million jobs in tourism, most of them in small and medium-sized businesses.
A situation that has an impact on the way we “rethink” tourism. Let’s see how this health crisis can have a positive impact on tomorrow’s tourism.
Mass tourism before the pandemic
Environmental impact
Long before the health crisis generated by Covid-19, the mass tourism situation was out of control. So out of control, in fact, that the tourist industry gave the impression of being on a kind of “human safari”. Increased visitor numbers meant saturation, damage to natural areas and biodiversity, which had no time to renew itself. Not to mention pollution and increased use of natural resources. Air transport generates a lot of greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to global warming. With air travel still the main mode of transport, the carbon impact is considerable. The air transport sector accounts for 2 to 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and its use is set to double or even triple by 2050. This is still less than the digital sector (especially video streaming), whose greenhouse gas emissions are at the same level and are set to double by 2025…
A social impact
What’s more, mass tourism enables people with low purchasing power to get away cheaply, but at the cost of environmental degradation. Mass tourism is therefore a threat to the planet.
The seasonal nature of tourism also leads to job insecurity, making cities unliveable during certain periods, even for the tourists themselves. Finally, another scourge is the rise of sex tourism. Particularly in Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, sex tourism increasingly involves minors.
More responsible tourism
A positive impact on the environment
The global pandemic has turned tourism upside down. So much so, in fact, that it prompted some real reflection on the subject. Indeed, the forced halt to mass tourism has fueled reflection on the damage it causes. The environmental stakes have now gone up a notch. On abandoned tourist sites, nature has reclaimed its rights. For example, in Thailand, where the number of foreign tourists fell by over 83% in 2020. More and more marine animals such as dugongs, endangered turtles and whale sharks are being seen.
The trend is towards a more responsible, ecological and humane way of traveling, both for the sake of the planet and the human beings who inhabit it.
Local tourism: a highly sustainable trend
The development of local, relatively local and sustainable tourism could also benefit from renewed interest after the crisis. Local tourism raises hopes. It’s an opportunity to focus on visits close to home, rather than travelling miles to spend a vacation at the other end of the world. Choosing a local destination is a sure bet. Health protocol, ease of access and flexibility are all reassuring features to be valued.
Positive tourism
Positive tourism is the development of a tourism offer that combines economic profitability with reduced environmental impact and social benefits.
In the words of the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization: “This crisis is an opportunity to rethink the tourism sector and its contribution to humanity and the planet. It’s an opportunity to rebuild a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector, so that the benefits of tourism can be enjoyed widely and equitably”.
Glamping: Alternative tourism
More original and often unusual, glamping is a form of camping that combines nature, comfort and ecological awareness.
Glamorous camping is a new trend in responsible outdoor tourism, combining luxury, comfort, nature and respect for the environment. It revises the camping phenomenon upwards. Without totally breaking with traditional camping, and while retaining its authenticity. This form of travel allows you to discover unique spaces and live in designer homes made from noble, eco-friendly materials.
A little touch of luxury in a sustainable journey.
How can we avoid overtourism in the future?
1.8 billion tourists, or 1 in every 5 people in the world, is the impressive figure expected to be reached by 2030, according toUNWTO, the World Tourism Organization.
Tourism starts to pose a problem when, instead of contributing to a city’s economic prosperity, it degrades the living conditions of its inhabitants. The latter can then feel dispossessed.
Tourism marketing
In tourism, this means showing tourist attractions as they really are, but also adopting a strategy of silence. To avoid over-visitation, territories stop promoting certain tourist spots. In other words, tourism demarketing aims to discourage tourists on a temporary or permanent basis.
It’s a strategy already adopted by some over-saturated tourist destinations. Amsterdam is no exception. Faced with an unmanageable influx of tourists (an average of 20 million a year), Amsterdam’s city council intends to return the city to its inhabitants. To achieve this, the city is considering the use of drastic measures, such as bans on guided tours of the Red Light District, taxes on other visits to the capital, and heavy penalties for tourist incivilities. There could also be taxes or tolls on access to natural sites (e.g. the Cassis calanques park), and a ban on access to certain areas or on anchoring boats with endangered ecosystems.
Travel insurance for your trip
Mondassur offers health insurance for your stays in Europe and abroad, always tailored to your needs, whether it’s a short or long stay for your trip. Mondassur offers you insurance tailored to your needs, providing excellent coverage of your medical expenses with a very good price-performance ratio. Travel Pass .
Once you have subscribed, you will receive your insurance certificate by e-mail. What’s more, Mondassur offers you personalized support, with our advisors on hand to answer any questions you may have.
It’s all part of a responsible approach to making tourism a less degrading sector .
