Author – Sri Swawidyo Arumbono (Associate Urban and Landscape Designer – TOWNLAND)

The definition of tourism according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is “Traveling for recreation or holiday and also the planning and preparations for this activity. A tourist is someone who travels at least 80 kilometres (50 miles) from their home for recreation purposes.”

In a more detailed explanation by Sugiama (2013), tourism is described as a series of activities and the provision of services for attractions, transportation, accommodation, and other services aimed at meeting the travel needs of an individual or group of people. The travel is done only temporarily, leaving their place of residence with the intention of resting, doing business, or for other purposes.

In line with the growing awareness of the impact of carbon footprints, and the lessons we have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic about the importance of environmental conservation and strengthening community economies, there is one concept of tourism that is gaining prominence, that of Sustainable-Tourism.

According to the UNWTO, Sustainable Tourism is “Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of the visitors, the industry, the environment, and the host communities.”

Therefore, Sustainable Tourism is a form of tourism activity that considers the long-term impacts of tourism on local culture, on the economy and on the environment. Its goal is to minimize the negative impacts of tourism (such as environmental damage and cultural exploitation) and maximize positive impacts (such as economic development and cultural exchange). Three main factors are the focus of Sustainable Tourism: cultural, environmental, and community economic factors.

Some examples of Sustainable Tourism in Indonesia that are commonly known feature natural attractions such as nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and the like. Meanwhile, those that are man-made include conservation villages (such as Kampung Naga, Baduy), cultural reserves, thematic ecotourism areas, and tourist villages that are currently being promoted.

Preservation of culture is not only about preserving historical objects at tourist sites but also about efforts to promote a deeper understanding and respect for local culture and traditions, thus helping to preserve them for future generations. It also offers educational experiences that help tourists understand the importance of conservation and respect for different cultures. Its physical manifestation can be in the form of cultural centres, galleries, or art studios managed by artists or local residents. Of course, for programs to be implemented successfully, the involvement of stakeholders (communities, various institutions, foundations, and related agencies) as curators is crucial.

Preservation of the environment in Sustainable Tourism can be translated through several actions, such as protecting ecologically important areas, using locally available supplies, maintaining the presence of existing plants or trees in the landscape, using environmentally friendly materials, and focusing on pedestrian movement, cycling, and electric mass transportation. Equally important is the effort to apply principles such as energy consumption savings and the use of renewable energy followed by water conservation and waste management, as well as recycling in all its technical aspects.

The economic factors in Sustainable Tourism focus on how local communities can benefit maximally from tourism activities. Sustainable Tourism often ensures that more money circulates in the local community, benefiting local businesses and individuals, especially through the provision of more stable and sustainable job opportunities. Commonly practiced methods include collaborating with local communities in managing operational activities where locals can be employed as staff and conducting workshops for tourists by empowering the local community in producing handicrafts or souvenirs, waste management, biodiversity protection activities, and more.

In addition to considering the above three factors, some Sustainable Tourism Destinations can also solidify their commitment to sustainability by obtaining a Sustainable Tourism Certification (STC). The certification process aims to determine the value, standards and quality of a destination  through assessment or audits conducted by certification bodies using Sustainable Tourism criteria that have been established. The criteria and indicators used refer to the International Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards recognized by the UNWTO. These standards consist of four categories (Sustainable Management, Socioeconomic Sustainability, Cultural Sustainability, and Environmental Sustainability). This certification not only demonstrates compliance with environmental criteria but also contributes to the global promotion of responsible tourism. By providing a transparent framework for assessing sustainability initiatives, this certification builds trust among tourists and stakeholders.

Despite the various advantages discussed above, Sustainable Tourism also has some disadvantages. Sustainable practices often require a higher level of investment which can result in higher prices for tourists compared to mass tourism options. Sustainable Tourism also often focuses on long-term benefits, which may result in slower growth rates compared to quick short-term profits seen in mass tourism, requiring investors who understand this concept well and share the same ideals. Additionally, some Sustainable Tourism destinations may have underdeveloped infrastructure, which can be inconvenient for novice tourists. The sometimes highly exclusive nature of its activities also requires more planning and research from tourists.

In the end, a high concern for environmental sustainability, an interest in local culture and a desire to delve deeper into it, and a willingness to support the local economy along with a preference for vacationing in less crowded places, make Sustainable Tourism the right choice for travel destinations. By choosing Sustainable Tourism, we can also help preserve the places we visit for future generations.