What is Sustainable Tourism?
As defined by the UN Environment Program and UN World Tourism Organization, sustainable tourism 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.
Having said that, it means that sustainable tourism use environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, and ensure viable and long-term economic operations.
Steps to adopt a sustainable approach
- Support local restaurants and businesses: spend time in local and family-run restaurants that way you will be sampling locally-sourced ingredients. In addition, what a great way to learn from the locals!
- Buy souvenirs to support local stores: you will be promoting local artisans and craftsmen promoting their economy and creating more jobs
- Walk when possibile: it is a great way to explore a new place and it reduces your carbon footprints.
- Share your knowledge with your inner circle : knowledge is power. Share your travelling experience with your family, friends, co-workers, and so on.
- Limit your plastic use: Cut back on plastic waste as much as possible so it doesnt contribute to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
- Go GREEN: implement certain lifestyle changes designed to help you live a more eco-friendly way.
A GREEN approach at Varenna Holidays…
To support our local restaurants and businesses, our Experiences office works with locals establishments and suppliers to create unique tours. A few of the proposals that we offer and that support sustainability as well are: cooking classes, ebike and mountain bike rental, trekking with a local guide, and a visit to a local vineyard. Let’s not forget about the possibility to customize experiences, our expert staff is available to create unique and unforgettable memories.
In addition, our Holiday Homes office has been making small changes to be more energy efficient and adopt a sustainable approach. In fact, our rental properties have recently switched to plastic free supplies such as shampoo, shower soap, and soap. We encourage our guests to be conscious about energy expenditure, such as water and electricity consumption, and reclycle.
Finally, our Boutique is consistently looking for items and materials that are eco-friendly. We work with local supplier as a way to support local business and communities. Switching to a digital marketing is becoming our preferred method of communication as a way to save on paper and plastic materials.
“We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” – Howard Zinn