News + Blog

Culinary tourism offers an authentic glimpse into the culture and customs of communities around the world. You’re almost certain to experience new flavours when dining at a farm-to-table restaurant and should expect to have your expectations tested when breaking bread with folks from a different culinary tradition. 

Engaging in authentic culinary tourism is particularly important today, as the globalization of the food industry has made it harder for small restaurants and traditional dishes to survive. There are now over 40,000 McDonald’s and nearly 45,000 Starbucks worldwide, as many folks now automatically opt for the familiarity of burgers and mass-produced coffee when travelling abroad. 

Fighting back against globalized dining can support local food cultures and increase economic independence for at-risk communities. This is crucial, as smaller farm-to-table restaurants are innately sustainable and have a dramatically lower carbon footprint than global brands. 

Globalization is a multi-faceted issue that divides opinions. On the one hand, globalization can usher in a new era of equity and end global hunger. This sentiment is echoed by the World Economic Forum, which posits that global trade can improve resilience and make trade more secure. The WEF points towards a reduction in poverty rates following periods of globalized growth and maintains that the rate of “undernourished” people fell by nearly 170 million from 2009 to 2017 thanks to global trade networks. 

However, globalization shouldn’t be seen as an innately fair or sustainable system. While globalized food markets may protect nations against invasion or famine, an overreliance on globalization may result in the end of authentic world cuisines, as globalization has a homogenizing impact on all aspects of the cultures it affects. 

Similarly, globalization isn’t necessarily sustainable. Foods sourced from overseas typically have a higher carbon cost and may dilute the authenticity of the dishes you experience during your travels. Overfarming in search of higher profits may reduce biodiversity and lead to the loss of natural resources. This is a serious issue in areas with low economic agency, where entire communities are at risk of being dominated by a few major corporations. This creates a mechanism of debt and exploitation that is explored succinctly in documentaries like Life and Debt. 

Ultimately, self-supporting communities are becoming increasingly important because they are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. They allow individuals to be economically independent, meaning they won’t fall prey to the exploitation that plagues large-scale agriculture. 

Supporting local cuisines can bolster the resilience of the community and increase food sovereignty.

As a tourist, you can do your part to combat globalization and support community groups by exploring local food cultures in the area.

As well as being more sustainable, any of these community-led organizations also serve an important social purpose, as farm-to-table restaurants like Beit Khayrat Souf are run entirely by women and aim to combat gender discrimination in the area.

Visiting areas like the Huchuy Qosco community and the Parwa Community Restaurant can support sustainable development and provide young people in the area with a pathway to success.

Community-oriented restaurants like Parwa reinvest their profits, too, meaning local people benefit from every dish served and sale made. 

Similarly, Safi Kitchen in Jordan provides an authentic dining experience for travellers while relying on community agriculture to create an experience that is profitable, environmentally sustainable, and helps rebuild economic independence in the area.

Culinary tourism is crucial for the future of sustainable dining and farm-to-table experiences. As a tourist, you can support efforts to preserve traditional dishes and increase food sovereignty by switching Big Macs for local cuisines that use produce from nearby farms and fields. This rebuffs the advance of globalization and ensures that everyone has equitable access to great food and gainful employment. 

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.

The thought of arriving at a final destination without your bags sends most travellers into a cold sweat. It’s simply undeniable that the stuff we travel with plays a critical role in shaping trip experiences. 

For this reason, intentionality is key when it comes to packing and storing your travel gear—regardless of whether you’re travelling across the globe or around the block. But what if this natural packing intentionality could go beyond having a smooth trip and serve to promote and preserve the world’s resources as well? 

Many travellers are looking for ways to do just that by supporting sustainable tourism initiatives such as: 

• Reducing environmental waste and damage 
• Promoting local economies 
• Preserving global cultures 

Let’s examine several practical ways eco-conscious travellers can prioritize responsible tourism by adopting sustainable habits while planning and packing for trips. (Looking for ideas on a sustainable family adventure? Click here)

Sustainable travel habits start long before you walk out the door on your journey. Consider what resources you use in your daily life and how they will be attended to while you’re away. For most, the focal point of our natural resource consumption revolves around our housing. Everything from water or electricity usage to food waste and transportation is linked to your place of residence, which is why it’s important to establish a plan for these things while you are away. 

For frequent travellers, consider selecting a home or residence tailored to your travel needs that keeps sustainability at the forefront. For instance, if you are choosing a place to live for remote work and travel, you should take into account the local transportation and entertainment options as well as your proximity to family and friends. Selecting a home near the things you prioritize will greatly reduce your environmental impact in fuel and transportation while also saving you time and money. 

If you are planning to travel less frequently, create a plan for repurposing your current home and resources while you are away. Consider having a friend or professional house sit or try renting out your space to a tenant. There are many simple home storage ideas, such as decluttering and utilizing vertical space, that can create more space in your home for a guest or renter. Repurposing your residence and its resources in this way will ensure they won’t be wasted or unused for long periods and can save you on maintenance costs. 

Packing for a trip is a largely personal undertaking. A great deal of personality and security is attached to the things we own and use—especially in a foreign environment—which makes packing for a trip a fairly intentional process. Luckily, this intentionality can be easily linked with several, simple sustainable habits that allow eco-conscious travellers to make a big difference in small ways while packing. 

For example, one practical habit is to resist the urge to purchase lots of new things for a trip. The reality is you will probably feel more comfortable and confident wearing and using items that you are familiar with than purchasing all new things, and reusing and repurposing goods is more sustainable for the environment. If there are items you need for an upcoming trip, consider purchasing durable, fair-trade goods from conscientious business brands. The Planeterra Partner Shop and others like it are great options for using your purchasing power to promote sustainability. 

Another eco-friendly packing habit is to avoid purchasing and using single-use items while travelling. Single-use goods like disposable razors, water bottles, utensils, wipes, and more result in unnecessary waste. Instead, consider packing zero-waste travel essentials such as reusable water bottles, soap bars, and snack bags. Though it may seem insignificant, these small choices can add to a tremendous reduction in global landfill waste.

Packing sustainably can be tricky when you’re trying to prepare for a variety of weather conditions. The more types of weather you’re prepping for, the more clothes and other items you’re going to be packing, which obliterates attempts at packing light. Additionally, if you want to support a cause such as Pack for a Purpose, you want to save space in your luggage for supplies that will benefit those in need. Weather worries and the resulting excess of caution don’t exactly leave extra philanthropic space.

Therefore, keep a careful eye on your destination’s forecast. Try to pack items suited to the predictions from sources such as The Weather Channel and Weather Underground. One great option is to pack a light windbreaker and wear your heavier coat with you on the plane. That way, you’ll be prepared for colder temperatures and rain without using a ton of luggage space. Or, you could pack a backpacking rain poncho, which hardly takes up any space. Additionally, wear a pair of waterproof, comfortable boots. Sandals will take up minimal space in your bag. 

For sunny weather, it’s best to buy sunscreen at your destination. Overall, remember that you can buy weather-specific supplies in most cities, and you could donate things like umbrellas and clothing instead of trying to tote them back home.  

Being mindful of your final destination and where you will stay is another valuable habit for sustainable travel. Planning and packing for a trip isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Having a full picture of what you will be doing and where you will be staying, whether it’s with a host family, at a hotel, or a rental property, will help you prepare to use your travel resources to their fullest potential. 

Start by creating an accurate picture of the residence that best suits your needs and objectives while travelling. For example, if you are choosing a place to live for remote work, consider what you need to do your job, such as the internet or private workspace, and what timezone your working hours will be in. Or if you are choosing a place to stay to recreate and sight-see consider selecting a residence that is centrally located with good transportation to the places and things you wish to see. These types of lodging plans naturally support sustainability by eliminating unnecessary transport or purchases that would otherwise be needed to meet your trip objectives. 

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, be mindful of how where you will stay will impact those around you. Believing that sustainable tourism is only about protecting the environment is one myth of sustainable travel. While the environment should always be prioritized, sustainability in travel goes beyond this and also focuses on celebrating and supporting local cultures. In this way, whether you are working or playing, be intentional to spend your travel dollars and time within a community that is genuinely empowered and enriched by your visit. 

To conclude, the stuff that we pack and travel with matters when it comes to shaping overall trip experiences. For this reason, travellers tend to prioritize intentionality in their packing. This is why eco-conscious travellers who want to support sustainable tourism have a great opportunity to adopt more sustainable habits in their trip planning and packing processes. 

Simple sustainable travel habits like being mindful to repurpose current resources, reduce waste in packing, and accurately plan to meet your trip needs and objectives will help save the world’s resources and better support local communities. So next time, you’re ready to see a new piece of the world, remember to plan and pack with sustainability in mind. 

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.

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.