We are talking about sustainable and responsible tourism for a long time, but are you sure you know how to be more green and responsible during your holidays?

In this article we want to give you some tips that will allow you to live an experience in contact with nature and respecting the environment!

What is sustainable tourism?

There are two key definitions of sustainable tourism, given by the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) and by AITR (Italian Association of Responsible Tourism).

According to the UNWTO, sustainable tourism "meets the needs of tourists and hosting regions while at the same time protects and enhances opportunities for the future".

For AITR, responsible tourism "is the tourism implemented according to principles of social and economic justice and with full respect for the environment and cultures. Responsible tourism acknowledges the centrality of the host local community and their right to be the protagonist in the sustainable and socially responsible tourism development of their own territory. It operates by promoting positive interaction between the tourism industry, local communities, and travellers."

Therefore, we are not only talking about respect for the environment, but also about culture and the local community, which must be the central focus of the experience. Sustainability in tourism therefore must be applied to 3 areas: economic, social, and environmental.

Is there a difference between sustainable and responsible tourism?

One of the questions travellers often ask is what the difference between sustainable and responsible tourism is. Actually, these terms are both used to indicate tourism that cares about the environment and local culture, so there is no real distinction between the two definitions.

Initially, the term responsible was more applied to the social and economic sphere, therefore to the ethical impact of tourism on the territory and people. On the contrary, the term sustainable was particularly referred to the environment and the ecological footprint of tourism and tourists. Today, the two concepts have merged and we can talk about sustainable and responsible tourism, when both local economic and environmental and social spheres are protected and respected. This type of tourism also includes other typologies, such as ecotourism, bicycle tourism, and walks.

How can I be responsible while travelling?

Let's come to us, now that the different definitions are clear, the most important thing is to understand how to be more sustainable and responsible while travelling, for this we want to give you some useful tips. First, start with the choice of the type of journey: travelling by bike is definitely sustainable!

If you follow us, you will already know that our goal is to take you to discover Europe and its beauties, by bike. Visiting Italy and Europe in the name of slowness and respect for the environment allows us to live unforgettable experiences, discovering corners that could escape with a faster type of journey. We love observing landscapes and discovering cities, with the right times: travelling by bike means fully immersing yourself in the territory. The choice you make for your travel type therefore determines what kind of tourist you want to be!

Here are some other tips for you:

• always inform yourself about the country you are visiting, its history and local culture, because it is important to know what you will encounter during your journey, not to make "mistakes" or find unpleasant surprises;
• do not pollute during your journey, if you travel by bike or on foot you already limiting pollution, but remember not to litter and to consume water and energy mindfully;
• always remember to admire the beauty of the landscape, but without taking home "natural souvenirs". If you change the appearance of the landscape and nature, you risk creating problems;
• the best souvenirs you can bring home are craft objects and typical products, in this way you help the local economy to grow;
• if you can, choose eco-friendly accommodation facilities, which therefore adopt a sustainable policy for resource and staff management;
• respect the local culture, because as a tourist, you are a guest of the country you are visiting.

If you're interested in discovering Europe by bike with us, in full respect of the environment, choose your favourite journey and pack your suitcase: we look forward to having you!