When looking at sustainable vs ecotourism the two are often used interchangeably, although there are many similarities they are in fact quite different things. So let’s go through Sustainable Tourism vs Ecotourism to help you understand the difference for your travels.
Essentially, sustainable tourism is tourism that is sustainable in all senses of the word. It must be sustainable for the planet, the business itself, and the local community, however it does not have to be located in a ‘nature’ setting. Whereas ecotourism is tourism based in a nature setting – that is also sustainable.
Ecotourism Australia says that ‘all ecotourism is sustainable tourism, but not all sustainable tourism is ecotourism’. However this statement is only correct when ecotourism follows the principles that tourism boards have in place. Unfortunately as we will discuss below, this is not always the case, especially with greenwashing becoming common practice.
But first, what is greenwashing in business?
When we are discussing Sustainable Tourism vs Ecotourism, we need to be aware of the huge issue of greenwashing. Greenwashing is when businesses exaggerate or falsely claim to be more eco-friendly or sustainable than they actually are, usually in their marketing and advertising. Sometimes this can be more subtle or suggestive, leading you with the impression they are eco friendly and/or sustainable.
This can be confusing for you when you are looking to book your next adventure, as some companies look “green” on the the outside. But when you do a bit more digging you find they are not so environmentally ethical at their core.
An example would be a company that is promoting sustainable practices, but their main investor is an oil company.
What is Sustainable Tourism?
The most commonly used definition is by the World Tourism Organization which framed the concept as the “Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”.
Sustainable Tourism Principles
Sustainability and sustainable tourism have been commonly narrowed to four base sustainable tourism principles. These are known as the four pillars of sustainability. Within the tourism industry, for a business to be classified as sustainable, they need to follow all of these pillars.
When travelling, or looking for day trips in your hometown, it’s good to have an idea of these pillars. This will guide you with what kind of tourism companies you want to engage with. The more of these pillars you see in action, the more sustainable the business is!
There are many variations to these sustainable tourism principles or pillars, but these big global organisations: Ecotourism Australia, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) agree on the same four pillars and principles for Sustainable Tourism:
- Sustainable Business Management: For a business to be sustainable it must have a thorough and realistic plan for long-term sustainability of the business. It must have risk and crisis management plans and practices in place. It must also have the other three pillars: socio-economic, environmental and cultural impacts.
- Socio-Economic Impact: Refers to the requirement that local communities must get the most social and economic benefits from the business’ activities.
- Environmental Impact: Refers to needing to manage the environmental impact of the business and its activities and its effects on the local resources. This includes proper waste disposal, minimising energy use, and not overloading the local community infrastructures and other resources.
- Cultural Impact: Includes collaboration and recognition of the local culture and indigenous people, with authentic representation.
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Different types of Sustainable Tourism
There are many different types of sustainable tourism. They each attract a different audience. They can range from tours, accommodation to locations. Remember that when we are comparing sustainable tourism vs ecotourism, sustainable tourism has more of a focus on our impacts – to the industry, the environment, and the local cultures. Here are some great examples:
- Ecotourism: Technically a subset of sustainable tourism, and more on it below in the ecotourism section of this post. Ecotourism is tourism with the goal of enjoying and experiencing nature, respecting local cultures and conservation of the environment. While of course still using sustainable practices.
- Responsible Tourism: While this term is very similar to sustainable tourism, the term responsible tourism refers more specifically to the individual choices we make any time we are out visiting a destination. There are times in life when you will find yourself in a busy city hotspot, where you might feel that there is no sustainable tourism going on. However in your own way you can still practise responsible tourism by taking responsibility for what you can control and using this as a personal ethos.
- Community or Cultural Based Tourism: Tourism that focuses on visiting local cultures and communities, often in more rural areas. This is about experiencing and preserving the cultural heritage of destinations. Examples include historical sites, cultural events and celebrations, supporting local arts and other local initiatives.
- Slow Tourism: This is a very mindful and beautiful approach to travel, characterised by taking longer at one destination, not rushing, travelling simply, taking your time to appreciate and take it all in, having a more minimalist mindset and at the same time being sustainable.
- Sustainability Tours: These are travel destinations characterised by eco-friendliness and sustainability, and you can visit these places to learn more about what they do. For example, visiting the geothermal and hydroelectric power plants in Iceland.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sustainable Tourism
When looking at the advantages and disadvantages of sustainable tourism, you must take into consideration all the impacts. This includes aspects of business, tourism, cultural, economic and societal impacts. Here we have listed some key points.
Advantages:
- Conservation of Natural Resources: Sustainable tourism uses less fossil fuels (ideally none), focusing on not using unnecessary water and energy. All in order to reduce pollution, waste and the overall ecological footprint that is commonly associated with travel.
- Carbon Reduction & Combating Climate Change: Sustainable tourism usually has strategies to decrease carbon emissions and footprint, therefore helping combat climate change. This can involve using renewable energies and promoting low or no carbon transportation options.
- Resilience to External Shocks: Sustainable tourism practices make destinations and businesses more resilient to external shock. They include crisis management plans, and they are diversified, so they are less likely to be impacted by abrupt decreases in visitors.
- Preservation of Ecosystems & Wildlife: Sustainable tourism ensures protection of wildlife and their habitats. It also encourages locals and tourists to maintain good practices such as not damaging the ecosystems or disturbing the local wildlife.
- Enhanced Reputation & Marketing Opportunities: Businesses and destinations that are using sustainable practices get a more positive reputation and many travellers prefer sustainable tourism over non.
Disadvantages:
- Higher Costs: Initial costs of sustainable infrastructure are often more expensive than traditional options. On the customer’s end, sustainable businesses in general are often more expensive than those that do not promote themselves as sustainable.
- Potential for Greenwashing: With sustainability being more in the public eye, greenwashing has become more prevalent. It can be confusing, as a customer, to know if a business is truly sustainable or if they are just using sustainable labels or suggesting sustainability without backing it up.
- Can Cap Customer Numbers: There may be a limit of how many customers can use a business or visit a destination at a time, due to the environmental and cultural impact concerns.
- Conflict with Economic Development: Sometimes the desired economic growth of a business and a community will be at odds with the environmental impacts of that area. A business needs to shift their perspective away from simply financial goals. Instead it needs to fit the business goals into the environmental and cultural goals of the local community.
- Regulatory and Compliance Challenges: Sustainable tourism practices in a business may require strong regulatory frameworks and effective monitoring. Some businesses and destinations find this challenging, particularly those with limited resources.
Sustainable Tourism in Australia
If you’re looking for some sustainable tourism inspiration and locations in Australia, we have two websites for you to check out. The Green Travel Guide by Ecotourism Australia and also see the members of EarthCheck here.
When trying to find a sustainable tourism example in Australia to give you, the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island and the Great Barrier Reef immediately sprang to mind. However when we are talking about Sustainable Tourism vs Ecotourism, we wanted to give you an example of Sustainable Tourism that is not Ecotourism. So we are highlighting Alto Hotel on Bourke in Melbourne’s CBD.
Sustainable Tourism example in Australia
Alto Hotel is Australia’s first carbon-neutral hotel and a 4-star hotel to top it off. It Started simply as a heritage listed space that has been specially redesigned and opening its doors in 2016. Alto has focused on sustainability from all angles and all aspects of their business right from the start.
Alto Hotel has various certificates and has received many awards on their sustainability work. The hotel’s electricity is 100% renewably sourced and they offer free EV recharge stations (that use 100% renewable energy also). The only aspect of their energy that is not renewable is the gas heating, due to various factors that are stated in a case study report done by Melbourne City Council. Because of this they offset their gas usage.
One of the biggest issues in hotel tourism is the single use plastics offered, but Alto Hotel prides themselves on not using any. For example they don’t use miniature toiletry items, instead you will find eco-friendly dispensers in your room and your minibar is still stocked, but with non-plastic goodies. Their keycards are even made out of wood and are recyclable when they replace them and their pens are biodegradable. They have even endeavoured to source furniture from charity op shops (thrift stores) such as Vinnies and Salvos.
Alto Hotel’s list of sustainable practices goes on. You can read about them in the case study report by Melbourne City Council and on their website. And as part of their certificates they also send their energy and environmental impact reports to EarthCheck who audit them. EarthCheck keeps them accountable to their high sustainability standards.
Video about Alto Hotel on Bourke:
Sustainable Tourism Certifications in Australia
In Australia, businesses, companies, tourism boards, and councils can get sustainable tourism certifications from Ecotourism Australia and EarthCheck.
All that are certified go through a detailed application process to ensure they are, and continue to be, truly ‘sustainable’. The businesses or councils will choose the certificate they apply for depending on whether their business is focused on sustainable tourism vs ecotourism.
Ecotourism Australia
Ecotourism Australia is a non-government NFP that was founded in 1991 to support and promote the ecotourism industry in Australia. Their certifications are recognised both all over Australia and internationally. In late 2022, they broadened their audience, by adding these programs and certifications for sustainable tourism:
Strike 4 Sustainability Scorecard: This is a stepping stone to a sustainability certificate. This is not a certificate itself, but takes you through 50 different topics based on globally recognised best practices in sustainable tourism. When a business gets over 50% they get their results and summary to display. As this is not a certificate, businesses do not receive a logo to use, coaching or templates.
Cost: $250+GST
Sustainable Tourism Certifications: These certificates are designed for various tourism businesses that minimise their negative impact on the planet and maximise their positive impact on the local economy, the community and the local culture.
Cost: from $900-$2,800 annually (depending on the size of the business)
Sustainable Tourism Destination Certifications: Launched alongside the Sustainable Tourism Certificates, the sustainable tourism destination certificates are for destinations that are committed to all the sustainability practices. There is both a standard and advanced certificate.
These certificates do not mean or require a destination to be perfect with sustainability. It means that they have proven they are continuously working towards a more sustainable future.
Cost: varied depending on the size of the region
EarthCheck
EarthCheck is a global certification, consulting and advisory group for sustainable destinations and tourism organisations. Founded in 1987, EarthCheck helps businesses, communities and governments become more sustainable through their programs and certifications.
EarthCheck Evaluate: An entry level self-guided program, where businesses assess their social, economic and environmental impact. Upon successful completion businesses get awarded an EarthCheck Evaluate Rating out of 5 and the relevant EarthChest Evaluate Logo.
Cost: $1,600 annually
EarthSafe: Free health and hygiene management system, including Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) templates and guides for destinations and businesses.
Cost: Free
EventCheck: A sustainable framework and toolkit for events and festivals. It helps businesses and hosts create a sustainable event at every stage and includes customisable tools and templates.
Cost: $500
EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations: Similar to Ecotourism Australia’s Sustainable Tourism Destination Certifications, this certification is for destinations and precincts that are committed to sustainability.
Cost: $7,500 annually
EarthCheck Certified: For all tourism businesses, showcases and demonstrates a businesses’ commitment to a sustainable pathway
Cost: $6,600 annually
EarthCheck Design: To certify that building plans and design standards are sustainable, and helps inject sustainability principles into tourism building projects early.
Cost: starting at $40,000
What is Ecotourism?
There are many variations on the definition for ecotourism. The International Ecotourism Society defined it as “responsible travel to natural areas, which conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”. Other definitions also have more of an emphasis on sustainability and environmental education. Either way there is a huge focus on being out in nature!
Different types of Ecotourism
There are many different types of ecotourism. They each attract a different audience. They can range from tours, accommodation to locations. Remember that when we are comparing sustainable tourism vs ecotourism, ecotourism has more of a nature and conservation focus. Here are some great examples:
- Wildlife-based Ecotourism: Tourism that is based around seeing wildlife. For example safari tourism, birdwatching, animal observation tours and marine tours (for example whale watching, diving with dolphins).
- Adventure or Recreational Ecotourism: Tourism that is based around adventure style activities. For example hiking & trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing & caving, mountain biking, water based sports (such as kayaking, canoeing & white water rafting).
- Cultural Ecotourism: Tourism that is based around the local communities. For example Indigenous tourism, community-based ecotourism.
- Agricultural Tourism: Tourism based on various styles of farming and agriculture. Some great examples are paid and volunteer farm stays, vineyard & orchard tours.
- Eco-Lodging & Accommodation: Stays that include tiny homes, off grid houses, farm stays. These all typically are located in rural areas, near nature reserves, on farming property etc. They also tend to be more sustainable no matter the location.
- Educational Ecotourism: Nature based tourism where the main purpose is to educate, generally about nature and sustainable practices. Some examples are field courses & workshops, botanical & zoological gardens (often educating and giving cheap or free tours).
- Volunteer & Conservation Tourism: Volunteer tourism includes volunteering with a focus on actively engaging with conservation efforts, community development or wildlife protection. Participants contribute their time, efforts and skills to particular initiatives with local organisations. An example might be volunteering for an elephant conservation sanctuary in Thailand.
- Green Cruises & Sailing Tours: Eco-friendly cruise ships, sailboat charters. Beware of greenwashing with ‘eco-friendly’ cruises, as this is becoming common.
- Geotourism: Geological Society of Australia describes it as tourism that focuses on geological features and landscapes that shape the character of an area. Such as seeing Uluru or a mountain range.
- Wellbeing Integrated Ecotourism: Yoga, pilates & fitness retreats with a focus on conserving nature and sustainability.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ecotourism
When looking at the advantages and disadvantages of Ecotourism, we must take into consideration all the impacts. These include aspects of business, tourism, cultural, economic, and societal impacts.
Advantages:
- Nature Based: Encourages people to get out of the cities and enjoy nature which is good for physical and mental wellbeing.
- Designed to conserve and preserve nature: Tourism that is designed with a focus on looking after the local ecosystem.
- Increases the local economies: Helps bring tourism and funds to rural areas and developing countries, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
- Educational: Focuses on educating people on travelling more sustainability.
- Helps foster community: includes the locals and empowers locals to take control of how the tourism is managed and therefore their environment and own resources.
- Creates a Positive Feedback Loop for Conservations Efforts: When the money raised from ecotourism is put back into the conservation efforts of the area it creates a positive feedback loop. This leads to preservation and potential restoration of natural species and their habitats.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Ecotourism businesses follow precise guidelines and practices which reduce their impact on the environment. This includes reduction of pollution, policies and practices that conserve energy and water and manage waste in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Disadvantages:
- False or Misleading Labels: Businesses often use terms, logos and labels that imply that they offer services or products that are environmentally friendly, when they are not independently verified or give proper evidence to their sustainable and eco practices. This can confuse consumers as to what true ecotourism is. This is also known as greenwashing.
- Large Scale Ecotourism: Is often funded by large companies and is generally more damaging to the environment and very little of the profit goes to the local communities.
- Overuse of Land and Resources: When more people come to the land there can be a potential for both overcrowding and over use of the local resources, as well as damage to local habitats, erosion of trails and a negative impact on the native wildlife due to excessive crowds.
- ‘It is in Nature therefore it is Ecotourism’: There is a misconception that if we are in nature, it is ecotourism. However, you can be physically in nature and not using any of the principles of ecotourism. This means not taking responsibility and care of the impact you are having on the environment and local cultures.
- Conflict with Indigenous or Local Communities: There is a possibility that locals could feel a loss of authenticity and cultural commodification. They may also be worried about exploitation of their culture and resources. It is important to use respectful and clear communication with local cultures to prevent this.
Although there are disadvantages that do occur, many of these are avoided when companies and businesses adhere to all the principles of ecotourism. Many businesses can be found either greenwashing or thinking they are doing the right thing (and getting confused). This can mean it’s a bit of work for travellers and tourists to research each company’s ethics. Luckily, in Australia, Ecotourism Australia have a strict application process for their qualifications. Globally, EarthCheck has the same high standard. So you have more trust in any company or business that has been certified by either one (more details below).
Ecotourism in Australia
If you’re looking for some ecotourism inspiration and locations in Australia, we have two websites for you to check out. The Green Travel Guide by Ecotourism Australia and also see the members of EarthCheck here.
Australia is a large country with endless opportunities for ecotourism, and many people travel around Australia trying to tick off as many as possible! However we wanted to use the iconic Uluru (formerly called Ayers Rock) as our example.
Ecotourism example in Australia
Uluru, the famous big orange/red rock in the centre of Australia, is an ecotourism example in Australia. An example of how bad ecotourism can negatively affect a landscape, local culture and community. But thankfully this situation has been rectified in recent years and could now be viewed as how ecotourism should be done. Except unfortunately that the damage done to the land and people cannot be undone.
Uluru is an iconic and ancient rock formation, located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, on Anangu land. Uluru has been sacred to local indigenous communities for thousands of years. People were not generally allowed to climb it under Anangu law and culture. In the late 1930s, visitors started to climb Uluru and from 1964 safety rails started to be installed, due to deaths from falls. Since people have been climbing Uluru, an estimated 36 people have died and between 2002 & 2009, 74 people also needed medial rescues (data from National Geographic).
In 1985 the land was handed back to the traditional owners. However tourists continued to flock to the area to climb Uluru in masses. This caused erosions in the rock, as well as the physical alterations to the rock added for safety also eroded it. Tourists also left mass amounts of litter on this sacred site.
Finally in 2019 they closed Uluru for climbing. However that doesn’t mean that you cannot go and visit and see this monumental, sacred and incredible site!
The climbing of Uluru is a perfect example of how ecotourism can wrongly impact the land and the local people. Unless we listen to the locals and all work together, all while remembering that we want to preserve and positively impact the land and environment, not the other way around. Ecotourism, when done correctly, is a great thing. Read more about Uluru and the areas here.
Ecotourism Certifications in Australia
As mentioned in the Sustainable Tourism section, in Australia, businesses, companies, tourism boards and councils can get Ecotourism certifications in Australia by Ecotourism Australia and EarthCheck.
All businesses that are certified go through a detailed application process to ensure they are and continue to be truly ‘Eco’ in all manners. The businesses or councils will choose the certificate they apply for depending on whether their business is focused on: Sustainable Tourism vs Ecotourism. They can also do both if they see fit and even from both companies if they feel it suits them.
There are different levels and types of Ecotourism certifications including Nature Tourism certification, Ecotourism certification and Advanced Ecotourism certification. These can be done for businesses and destinations. For example, East Gippsland in Victoria (Australia) was the first place in Australia to be accredited as an Eco Destination by EcoTourism Australia. Read more about it here.
Ecotourism Australia
As mentioned in the sustainable tourism section, Ecotourism Australia is a non-government NFP that was founded in 1991 to support and promote the ecotourism industry in Australia. As their name suggests, their initial focus was on Ecotourism, with their ECO Certification being their key program/certification to this day.
ECO Certifications: Certifies products like tours, accommodations and attractions with a primary focus on nature. It showcases a businesses’ commitment to sustainable practices in the context of nature based experiences.
Cost: from $900-$2,800 Annually (depending on the size of the business)
ECO Destination Certifications: These certificates showcase that a destination is backed by a commitment to ongoing improvement of sustainable practices and provide excellent nature based experiences within the region.
These certificates do not mean or require a destination to be perfect with sustainability. But it does mean that they have proven they are continuously working towards a more sustainable future.
The Eco Destination Certification Program was created in partnership with Green Destinations.
Cost: Varied depending on the size of the region.
-There are also some addon certifications-
When a business already holds or is applying for an ECO certificate, they can choose to anytime add one or both of these as well:
Climate Action Certification:For businesses or companies that are committed to reducing carbon emissions and this certification shows that they are backed by sustainable practices related to addressing climate change.
Cost: from $900-$2,800 annually (depending on the size of the business).
Respecting Our Culture (ROC) Certification: For businesses or companies that are committed to protecting Indigenous cultural authenticity and integrity. This is also about developing sound business practices, environmental protection and acknowledging Indigenous people’s spiritual connection to the land and water.
Cost: Within the price of the original certification
EarthCheck
EarthCheck is a global certification, consulting and advisory group for sustainable destinations and tourism organisations. Founded in 1987, EarthCheck helps businesses, communities and governments become more sustainable through their programs and certifications.
EarthCheck Eco Certifications: This certification is for Ecotourism providers specifically terrestrial and marine parks of any size. It helps them understand their sustainability footprint and helps with management tools and reduce operating costs.
$1,600 Annually
Non Certified Sustainable and Ecotourism Businesses
The certifications are important as they let travellers know which businesses and destinations have been verified to be eco or sustainable. When you are looking for travel or day trip inspiration, look out for a certification logo. Seeing these on a business’ advertising lets you know at a glance that they have prioritised Sustainable vs. Ecotourism.
However not all businesses or destinations have a certification, some businesses practise sustainable and/or ecotourism without getting certified. They may not feel they need it, or it may be cost prohibitive for smaller businesses.
You can support these businesses when we are travelling, you don’t have to only use certified providers! However it is important to know how to spot an ecotourism business, a sustainable tourism business and how to spot greenwashing. When there is no certification, it is up to you, the traveller, to spot the difference.
So have a look beyond what their point of sale advertising says and investigate more into their website and sustainable practices.
How are they minimising their impact on the environment and how exactly are they implementing sustainable practices into their business? You can call or email businesses about specifics. Businesses with a focus on sustainability should be more than happy to tell you and will be proud to share their journey.
Summary
When it comes to Sustainable vs Ecotourism, we always need to remember that both of these types of tourism businesses are in fact both pushing us towards a better future in the travel industry. They both follow the pillars of sustainability! And they encourage us as both travellers and businesses to take responsibility to reduce our impact and work towards a more sustainable industry.
Ecotourism is in a way a subset of Sustainable Tourism. Remember, Sustainable Tourism has more of a focus on sustainability, and is not necessarily based in a nature setting. Ecotourism on the other hand has more of a focus on nature and conservation.
If you’d like a few tips to take sustainability into your own hands while travelling, check out our Sustainable Tourism Best Practices posts: 21 Sustainability Tips
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