I Am For…Eco Tourism

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Rethinking Tourism: How to Reduce Emissions Without Sacrificing Adventure

Tourism is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it creates jobs, drives economies, and connects cultures. On the other, it significantly contributes to climate change — largely through air travel, road transport, energy use, and waste. As we face the growing threat of a warming planet, it’s crucial that the travel industry — and travellers themselves — find more sustainable ways to explore the world.

The Climate Cost of Travel and Tourism

Tourism accounts for about 8–11% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The biggest culprits?

• Air travel (the most carbon-intensive part)

• Road transport (especially rental cars, taxis, and buses)

• Hotel energy use (heating, cooling, lighting, laundry)

• Food waste and overconsumption

• Plastic and general waste from tourist activities

The irony is painful: many of the beautiful natural places we travel to see — coral reefs, snowy peaks, ancient rainforests — are under threat because of the emissions created by our journeys to them.

Why Reducing Tourism Isn’t So Simple

In several cities in Europe, locals have been protesting over the sheer volume of tourists and the unsustainable use of accommodation converted for tourist use instead being available for the local rental market.

However, tourism is a lifeline for many countries. Small island nations, alpine villages, and developing economies rely on international visitors for income, infrastructure funding, and employment. In places like Thailand, Maldives, and Fiji, tourism contributes up to 20–60% of GDP.

So reducing tourism altogether isn’t the answer — reimagining it is.

How We Can Reduce Emissions in Travel and Tourism

Here are the key strategies for making tourism more climate-friendly — without taking the joy out of it:

Fly Less — or Fly Better
Reduce long-haul flights by holidaying closer to home or choosing fewer, longer trips instead of multiple short ones. Try a ‘Staycation’ – holidaying at home.

Book flights with airlines using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) — it can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.

Offset carbon footprints (although offsetting should complement, not replace, emission reduction).

Choose Local Adventures
Opt for road trips, trains, or regional escapes rather than international flights.

Support eco-tourism experiences in your own country — they reduce emissions and often have less environmental impact.

Stay longer in one destination rather than hopping between several.

Eco-Conscious Accommodation Practices

Tourism operators and hotels can reduce their footprint — and inspire guests to do the same — through clever design and gentle nudges:

Recycling bins in hotel rooms for waste separation.

Incentives for towel/linen reuse, such as restaurant or café vouchers.

Room key cards that control electricity, ensuring lights and air-con are off when guests are out.

Rooms designed to maximise airflow with fans and openable windows, reducing reliance on air conditioning.

Water-saving signage and low-flow taps/showers to remind guests to be mindful.

Efficient food resourcing and portion control to minimise food waste in buffets and restaurants.

Sustainable Food & Transport Choices

Partner with local food producers and reduce meat-heavy menus to lower the carbon footprint of meals.

Use signage to prevent food waste, such as at a buffet restaurant ‘Take all you want, eat all you take. Let’s help reduce food waste together’.

Provide bike hire, electric shuttle buses, or discounts for guests using public transport.

Encourage carpooling for tours or attractions.

Use Tourism to Inspire Conservation

Tourism can be a powerful tool for environmental education. Operators can:

Offer guided nature tours led by experienced locals or ecologists who teach visitors about biodiversity and conservation.

Use signage to share fun facts about local ecosystems, how climate change affects them, and what tourists can do to help or signage to avoid waste such as ‘Leave only footprints’.

Create eco-passport challenges with stamps or rewards for participating in sustainable activities like recycling, hiking instead of driving, or visiting wildlife sanctuaries.

Green Building and Operations

Use solar power, natural lighting, and energy-efficient appliances.

Design hotels and lodges with local, sustainable materials and proper insulation to reduce heating/cooling needs.

Install rainwater harvesting systems and greywater reuse for irrigation.

Choose Eco Tourism companies

Companies such as Hurtigruten, and Intrepid include sustainability into their business plans and Intrepid is the first tourism company to be B Corp Certified for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Many airlines, including Qantas are investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to reduce carbon emissions.

Making Sustainable Travel the New Norm

Reducing emissions from travel and tourism isn’t about giving up experiences — it’s about transforming how we travel and what we value.

Tourism operators must lead with innovation, incentives, and infrastructure that supports lower-impact experiences. Travellers, in turn, can make more mindful choices, supporting businesses that prioritise sustainability.

Together, we can ensure that future generations don’t just read about the world’s natural wonders in history books — but get to experience them, too.

Case study: Destination 2045

Queensland aspires to become the world’s leading ecotourism destination, leveraging its incredible biodiversity and natural environments that already attract visitors from across the globe under the plan, Destination 2045.

Destination 2045 aims to deliver

• Deliver 45 world-class ecotourism projects.
• Increase dark sky tourism experiences.
• Increase light footprint accommodation options in protected areas.
• Natural assets are conserved.

Learn more about Destination 2045 here →

Ready to travel lighter?

We can’t all travel, but if you do be mindful and make eco-tourism your first choice. Start by choosing one change for your next trip: take a train instead of a plane, pack your own reusable water bottle, or stay somewhere that cares as much for the planet as you do. 

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