When we talk about tourism, we are not just talking about a place that tourists can visit. Tourism is more than that. It also entails the sociocultural, economic, and environmental conditions of a place.

While tourism can have positive impacts on certain places, it can also have negative social and environmental consequences. Therefore, the term “sustainable tourism” came up and it is believed to be able to answer questions about the negative impacts of tourism.

Many sources have different perspectives on sustainable tourism. However, the exact point of sustainable tourism is the concept of applying sustainable practices in the tourism industry.

The basic principle of sustainable tourism does not only cover one part of the tourism industry. It can also include concern for social, environmental, and even economic issues. Sustainable tourism exists in order to balance the needs of tourists, industries, and communities.

In sum, sustainable tourism helps each part that creates the tourism itself to grow and serves a good impact, not only for the tourists but also communities and the environment around tourist places.

As many people become more aware of how important it is to take attention to the impacts of tourism, many tourist destinations now apply the sustainable tourism concept.

If you are wondering how the concept of sustainable tourism is applied in a destination, here are some examples of places that apply the concept.

Also read: 10 Top Ecotourism Destinations in the World

We all know that Singapore, a country in Southeast Asia, is a developed country. This country has so many parks that offer green sights and make you feel comfortable while walking around the country.

The gardens in Singapore are actually in line with the government’s vision to make Singapore ‘a city that lives in a forest’. These gardens are giving a great impact not only on the environment but also on the economy and the communities around it.

One of the gardens in Singapore which apply the sustainable tourism concept is Jewel Changi Singapore. You can find this urban garden in front of Changi Airport Terminal 1.

This garden is full of plants, a huge indoor waterfall, and it even has climate protection! Furthermore, its infrastructure was influenced by Singapore's economic development.

When we hear the name Bhutan, we immediately imagine a country with stunning views and landscapes that entice us to plan a trip there.

However, you may be surprised to learn that Bhutan practices sustainable tourism by controlling tourism in the country. Their tourism motto is “high value, low impact”.

As one of the happiest countries in the world that serves not only great air quality but also a sustainable way of life, Bhutan has its way of making the economy grow as the people visit Bhutan.

One method is to impose strict entry requirements and tariffs on visitors to Bhutan's destinations. A large portion of the tariffs can give free health care and education to the people of Bhutan.

South Africa also applies the sustainable tourism concept to one of its famous destinations, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. This attraction operates similarly to a cable car, transporting you to the 1086-foot peak of Table Mountain.

The cable car runs every 10 to 20 minutes. For your information, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway places a high priority on sustainability and environmental responsibility. It also uses compostable materials, recycles, and operates in a water-efficient manner.

Not only that, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway also became carbon neutral in 2016. As its popularity grew year after year, this attraction also reduced its waste.

There is a resort in Fiji that is powered by the solar system. The resort's name is Six Senses Fiji, and it is located on Malolo Island. Despite being environmentally conscious, the five-star resort still offers the luxury and comfort you would expect from a vacation.

The resort uses 100% solar power and has its own water filtration system that uses rainwater to reduce the use of plastic bottles. This resort's vision is to minimize waste production and practice the recycling and composting self-system with a worm-based septic system.

In addition, Six Senses Fiji grows herbs and vegetables for its guests. Besides, the villagers handmade most of the artwork and handiwork around the resort.

For your information, this hotel also supports the Rise Beyond the Reef Charity, which aims to build a bridge between the community, government, and private sector of the South Pacific, to create a better world for children and women.

That concludes the explanation of sustainable tourism and examples of destinations that use the concept. Are you ready to have a fantastic vacation by visiting a destination that practices sustainable tourism? Plan your vacation now only with Traveloka!