Selene Orellana

Just a short two-hour drive from the well-known Uyuni town, you’ll find the peaceful village of Santiago de Agencha. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, offering a break from the rush of everyday life. But underneath this calm surface, the village faced some big challenges.

With only about 280 people living here, Santiago de Agencha deals with issues similar to many small towns. Younger people often leave for cities in search of better jobs, leaving behind mostly older folks and kids. This makes it tough for the village to keep up its traditions and culture.

Living here is also pricey because the village is far from big cities, even though most people don’t earn much. And on top of that, there are often droughts that threaten the crops they rely on, like quinoa, which makes life even harder.

Despite challenges,  the people of Santiago de Agencha are dedicated to keeping their way of life alive. Through things like sustainable farming and eco-tourism, they’re working toward a better future while honouring their heritage.

Tourism, especially at places like Jukil Lodge, plays a big part in this. It brings in money for the village and helps people from different places learn about their way of life. It’s a way for visitors to really connect with Santiago de Agencha and its people.

Thanks to travellers passing through from Uyuni to the Atacama Desert in Chile, places like Jukil Lodge (a homestay located in Santiago de Agencha) have popped up, offering a cozy place to stay in the mountains.

Before Jukil Lodge teamed up with Planeterra, things were tough. Not many tourists came, and it was hard for the locals to make a living. But now, with about 300 visitors every month, the lodge has become more than just a place to stay—it’s a way for six local families to earn a living.

My own trip to Jukil Lodge was amazing. As we drove through the winding roads, surrounded by stunning views, I knew I was in for something special. The staff were so friendly, and the cabins were cozy and welcoming. Waking up to the sounds of nature outside my window was pure joy.

As travellers, it’s important for us to be respectful and mindful of the impact we have on places we visit. By supporting places like Jukil Lodge and embracing the culture of places like Santiago de Agencha, we can help make the world a better and more connected place.

So, if you’re looking for an adventure that’s exciting and peaceful at the same time, I highly recommend visiting Jukil Lodge in Bolivia. It’s an experience you’ll remember for years to come.

About the author:

Serena Hejazi is a passionate traveler and the author of Sere Travels, a blog that focuses on sustainable tourism. Visit http://seretravels.com/ to learn more about Serena’s travels. 

Tourism plays a vital role in India’s economy, cultural exchange, and global recognition. The country’s rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant traditions make it a compelling destination for travellers worldwide. However, with the rapid growth of the tourism industry, it is essential to prioritize sustainability and minimize the environmental and socio-cultural impacts of tourism activities. 

This article explores the concept of tourism sustainability in India, highlighting the initiatives, challenges, and the path to achieving a greener and more responsible tourism sector. 

Tourism sustainability refers to the practice of promoting responsible tourism development that conserves natural resources, preserves cultural heritage, and benefits local communities. Embracing sustainability in the tourism sector is crucial for several reasons:

• Environmental Protection: Sustainable tourism minimizes the ecological footprint by promoting resource conservation, reducing pollution, and protecting fragile ecosystems.
• Socio-cultural Preservation: It aims to safeguard the cultural authenticity of destinations, preserve local traditions, and support the well-being of host communities.
• Economic Benefits: Sustainable tourism generates long-term economic opportunities, including job creation, community empowerment, and inclusive growth.

India strives towards sustainable tourism; it faces various challenges while also uncovering opportunities for progress. One major hurdle lies in balancing infrastructure development with eco-friendly practices, necessitating meticulous planning and innovative design solutions.

Waste management remains another critical issue, requiring effective systems for disposal and recycling alongside efforts to cultivate responsible tourist behaviour. Moreover, engaging local communities in tourism planning is imperative to ensure their active involvement, foster socio-economic benefits, and safeguard cultural heritage. Promoting awareness among tourists, industry players, and communities about sustainable practices is pivotal for driving positive change.

Moving forward, collaborative endeavours are essential to realize the vision of sustainable tourism in India. Governments must enact and enforce policies conducive to sustainability while providing incentives and clear guidelines for developers and operators. Industry stakeholders, including tour operators and hoteliers, should prioritize sustainability in their operations and offer eco-friendly options to travellers.

Community participation is paramount, necessitating involvement in decision-making processes, capacity building, and equitable distribution of benefits. Concurrently, raising awareness through campaigns, workshops, and educational initiatives will instil a culture of responsible tourism, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for India’s tourism sector. 

In India, community organizations are pioneering innovative approaches to sustainable tourism, fostering positive impacts on both local communities and travellers. Two notable examples include the “City Walk” program by Salaam Baalak Trust and the “Women with Wheels” initiative led by Sakha Consulting Wings.

This youth-led walking tour of Delhi not only offers a fresh perspective of the city but also serves as a platform for youth to develop essential skills. Funds generated from the program support scholarships, job placements, and shelter resources. Over 33 guides, including girls, have participated, with many leveraging their experiences to pursue higher education and careers in various sectors.

• 37 Youth Guides Trained
• 8,000+ Children and Youth Benefitting

Challenging societal norms, this program empowers women by providing opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as professional driving and logistics. With over 1,193 women trained as professional drivers and initiatives like “Swayam Sakha” catering to the differently-abled, Sakha is making strides in promoting gender equality and safe transportation across India.

• 2.4 million Safe Rides Provided to Date by Sakha Drivers!
• 85 Women Employed
• 425 Community Members Indirectly Benefitting

Tourism continues to thrive in India, so it is imperative to prioritize sustainability and ensure the long-term well-being of the environment, communities, and cultural heritage. 

Embracing sustainable tourism practices, India can lead the way in creating a greener and more responsible tourism sector. It requires a collective effort from government bodies, tourism industry stakeholders, local communities, and tourists themselves.

The path ahead for tourism sustainability in India lies in continued collaboration among various stakeholders. Governments need to provide policy and regulatory support that incentivizes sustainable practices and sets clear guidelines. 

The tourism industry must take responsibility by adopting sustainable practices and offering eco-friendly options. Local communities need to actively participate in decision-making and receive the benefits of tourism development. Lastly, tourists themselves should embrace responsible behaviour and support sustainable initiatives.

By nurturing tourism sustainability, India can showcase its natural and cultural treasures while ensuring their preservation for future generations. A greener and more responsible tourism sector will not only benefit the environment and local communities but also enhance the overall tourism experience. 

Let’s all work together to make India the capital of Sustainable Tourism for travellers worldwide.

About the author:

Dr. Niraalee Shah is the founder of Image Building and Etiquette Mapping, aimed at assisting entrepreneurs in establishing profitable businesses and brands that attract their target clientele. Her expertise lies in enabling brands to showcase their expertise, command premium pricing, and enhance customer experience through brand and customer experience strategies. As a Corporate Trainer, Author, and Consultant in various fields including Tourism, Sustainability, Hospitality, Digital Marketing, and Branding, she collaborates with entrepreneurs, professionals, and corporate entities to drive innovation and development. Dr. Shah’s work emphasizes embracing change to achieve breakthrough performance, demonstrating the significant impact even minor changes can have.

Studies show that 83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress, and 25% say that their job is the number one stress in their lives.

Practicing self-care can make a big difference in managing stress, and one of the ways many people enjoy relaxing is by traveling and experiencing other cultures. However, it’s important to find ways to travel affordably and with a lower impact on the environment.

Here are some ways that you can travel sustainably while immersing yourself in a new culture.

One of the stressful things about daily life is that it can feel very repetitive. You go to work, come home, have supper, go to bed, and do it all over again. It’s easy to feel like what you’re doing doesn’t make a difference and isn’t appreciated. 

Unfortunately, this repetition and discouragement can lead to burnout, which can have long-term negative effects on your life.

Burnout happens when you’re doing stressful work for long hours without much of a break. You can feel tired all the time, struggle with sleep, and have mood swings. Long-term burnout can cause headaches, high blood pressure, and digestive issues.

The good news is that travel can help you break up your routine, have new experiences, and get a renewed perspective on life, especially when you experience new cultures. Travel can increase your creativity, allow you to reset, and improve your mental health and overall well-being.

As you take care of yourself, it’s essential to also take care of the communities you visit and the planet by traveling sustainably. Start with what you decide to bring with you. The lighter you travel, the lower your carbon footprint and impact on the places you visit.

For example, instead of buying mass-produced fast fashion to wear on your trip, choose a high-quality wardrobe that will last for years. For example, you might choose durable Wrangler jeans, a high-quality Carhartt jacket, or a genuine leather belt.

Next, think about the sustainable habits you can practice as you travel. Remember that sustainable travel is about protecting both the environment and the local communities you visit. Each individual makes a difference with their choices. 

Consider supporting local businesses as you travel rather than national or international chains. You can choose local transportation that has lower emissions and prioritize spending money with companies that have strong sustainability practices.

Best of all, immersing yourself fully in the culture of your destination can help you break out of the rut you’ve been in. By going to locally-owned restaurants and businesses, you can experience the true essence of a place, whether it’s near where you live or quite far away.

It’s easy to intend to relax as you travel, only to get caught up in stressful situations, unmet expectations, and unexpected challenges. Having the right mindset as you go on vacation can make a big difference.

Start by thinking about where you’re headed and how you can embrace the culture. Tourism can help preserve local traditions and foster your awareness of new cultures. And you don’t have to leave the country to find unique heritages — simply visiting a subculture within your state, such as visiting the Amish in Pennsylvania or the Cajuns in Louisiana, can open your eyes to an entirely different way of life.

As you make plans to enjoy the local communities you visit, focus on mindfulness to boost your resilience to unexpected challenges.

Remember that vacation isn’t automatically stress-free, but having an adaptable attitude and sense of exploration can help you adjust to changes more easily.

Sustainable travel, where you immerse yourself in a local culture, can help you break free of the treadmill that is leading you toward burnout. 

About the author:

Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer who lives in the Northwest region of the United States. She has a particular interest in covering topics related to travel, sustainability, tech, and accessibility. When not writing, her free time is spent reading and researching to learn more about her cultural and environmental surroundings.

Spending time in nature does wonders for your mental health. Today, 98% of studies confirm that nature boosts physical and cognitive health, and many suggest that time in the wilderness is particularly powerful.

However, left unchecked, our love of the great outdoors can inadvertently harm the natural world. This is a real issue if you run a tourism business but care about preserving local ecology while combating climate change.

You can continue to support environmental causes while running a tourism business embracing responsible travel. Responsible travel can even strengthen the environment by raising funds for conservation efforts and your local community.

If you run an eco-friendly tourism business, you probably appeal to folks who want to actively help the natural world. However, many well-intentioned tourists trample on green spaces when exploring a nature reserve or animal sanctuary.

You can help folks minimize their impact by hosting an eco-friendly outdoor event. When planning the event, focus on key details like:

• Replace single-use plastics with reusable cutlery and crockery.
• Avoid paper products and opt for digital tickets and programs instead.
• Provide local, responsibly sourced food.
• Encourage folks to ride-share or hire a minibus to reduce transport emissions.

Consider partnering with like-minded organizations when organizing your event. These organizations can provide educational materials for participants and assist you in refining your approach to hosting an eco-friendly event. An example of such an organization could be Soa Zara.

Theme your eco-adventures around an outdoor activity that excites your clientele. The outdoor activity industry is booming now, as many of us feel the urge to reconnect with nature while having fun. Your eco-friendly tourism business can take advantage of this surge in interest by providing accommodations for activities like:

• Hiking tours on pre-established trails.
• Equipment rental to reduce waste.
• Offer horse riding in place of car safari tours to minimize disruption.

These outdoor activities are designed to work with the natural world, rather than against it. If you do decide to take a group hiking, keep folks on predetermined trails. This mitigates potential disruption and teaches folks to care for the natural world.

Try to educate eco-tourists while they are on your outdoor eco-adventure. For example, if you’re hiking into the wilderness, use your pre-trip planning time to introduce folks to leave-no-trace principles. This will ensure that your guests respect the local wildlife and take steps to leave the area as they found it.

Low-impact, educational eco-adventures can make a world of difference. Even small changes to your operations — like offering free rental equipment to reduce the impact of consumerism — can reduce waste on your site and help folks understand the key principles behind eco-tourism.

However, if you want to maximize your impact, you should consider teaming up with charities to raise funds for sustainable causes. Many eco-friendly charities require a steady stream of donations to keep the lights on, meaning your donations will always be well received.

If you suspect that your guests can’t afford to donate, consider offering alternative ways to raise funds and help. Run fundraisers like sponsored marathons or ask your corporate partners to match your donations. Even small donations help in the fight against climate change, poverty, and ecological damage.

If you run a tourism business, you may be alarmed to find that your company causes a lot of ecological harm. You can take action to prevent harm and support eco-friendly causes by making strategic changes to your events and activities. Encourage folks to rideshare en route to your location and use your time together to educate your guests. Give people plenty of opportunities to donate to charitable causes and try to run as many fundraisers as possible during your busy season.

About the author:

Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer who lives in the Northwest region of the United States. She has a particular interest in covering topics related to travel, sustainability, tech, and accessibility. When not writing, her free time is spent reading and researching to learn more about her cultural and environmental surroundings.