What is Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable tourism is tourism development that avoids damage to the environment, economy and cultures of the locations where it takes place. The aim of sustainable tourism is to ensure that development is a positive experience for local people; tourism companies; and tourists themselves.

According to the World Tourism Organization, sustainable tourism is tourism that leads to the management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems

Some terms related to Sustainable Tourism

Responsible Tourism

Responsible tourism is the closest definition to sustainable tourism; however it tends to refer to the consumers’ choice of destination and mode of transport based on their ethical, political and racial sensitivities as well as being concerned for the environment and local culture.

In conclusion, Responsible tourism is any form of tourism that can be consumed in a more responsible way.

Ethical Tourism

Ethical tourism is when one considers travelling to, or developing tourism in a destination where ethical issues are the key driver, e.g. social injustice, human rights, animal welfare or the environment. Ethical tourism is geared towards encouraging both the consumer and industry to avoid participation in activities that contribute or support negative ethical issues.

Ecotourism

Ecotourism, also known as ecological tourism, is a subset of sustainable tourism which focuses on ecology. Ecotourism tends to be encountered in destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. The industry actively works towards conserving or improving the natural and cultural heritage through managing its own operations to help conserve the environment, organizing conservation projects, offering volunteering and educating visitors.

 Tips for becoming a Responsible Traveller

• Be considerate with the communities and environment you visit.
• Try to avoid excessive waste and the use of plastic bottles.
• Reduce energy consumption. Unplug your mobile phone charger, turn off the lights when you leave your hotel room, shut off your computer when not in use.
• Wear more clothes instead of turning up the thermostat.
• Conserve water. Take shorter showers.
• Always ask before taking photographs. If someone says no, respect their wishes.
• Educate yourself about the place you are visiting and the people.
• Respect cultural differences – and learn from it! People in different places do things differently – don’t try to change them – enjoy them.
• Dress respectively. Notice local dress codes and adhere to them.
• Do not purchase or eat endangered species.
• Do not support the illegal drug trade or the sex trade.
• Support the local economy. Buy locally made souvenirs, eat at local restaurants – enjoy the local culture!
• Use public transportation wherever possible, such as the train, bus, cycle, or just walk.

First, it is important to know that rural tourism is any activity carried out in rural areas; with local peasant populations, located in the main tourist destinations in Peru. Rural tourism is characterized by the search for the rescue of traditions and the culture of the peoples, in a sustainable way, generating socioeconomic development and improving the quality of life of its inhabitants.

The beginnings of rural tourism in Peru occurred in the 70s with ventures on the Taquile Island, Titicaca Lake, in the Puno region. Then, in the 80s and 90s, it was followed by ventures in the Sacred Valley in Cusco, Colca Canyon in Arequipa, the Cordillera Blanca (white range) in Ancash and the Manu and Tambopata National Park in Madre de Dios.

Rural tourism in Peru has become more important in recent years. Thus, in the country, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR) has been supporting thousands of ventures through the Community Tourism Strategy, whose main objective is to support the Peruvian rural communities in the development and strengthening of their tourist products.

So far there are 76 rural tourism ventures in Peru. Among the main regions where these undertakings are carried out are: Puno, Cusco, Lambayeque, Apurimac, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Amazonas, Ancash, Lima, Arequipa, Loreto, San Martín and Madre de Dios. Being Puno and Cusco the ones with the most amount of enterprises.

Here are some of the main rural tourism ventures in Peru:

Rural tourism in Puno

Here we can find a large number of rural tourism initiatives in the different communities of Titicaca Lake. Among the most important, we can mention the Uros and Taquile Islands, so visited by national and foreign tourists. There are also the Islands of Amantani, Llachon, Atuncalla, Chifron and Luquina.

In these adventures, agricultural and livestock work is practiced for each community. Tourists can participate in typical dances, boating and artisanal fishing. Regarding the type of accommodation, it is the houses of the same inhabitants that are used to welcome tourists visiting the destination.

Rural tourism in Cusco

Here we find ventures along the Sacred Valley, such as Maras, Huilloc, Patacancha, Chichubamba, Mullakas Misminay, the Land of the Yachaqs and Chinchero. Other rural tourism projects are the Potato and Patabamba Park, located in the province of Calca, and the ecolodges project called Andean Lodges in the province of Canchis.

In Cusco, a rural culture characterized by the practice of ancient techniques, participation in the agricultural work of the community, as well as in rituals and festivities of each town predominates.

The type of accommodation offered in Cusco is mainly in the houses of the community members, although in recent years some glamping-type accommodation options have been developed.

Rural tourism in Cajamarca

Here is one of the most outstanding rural tourism projects in Peru, the Porcón Farm. This place offers lodging in its comfortable bungalows and the opportunity to participate in agricultural and livestock work typical of the area. Various activities are also offered, such as horseback riding, sport fishing, bread preparation and something very characteristic of the place, the call of cows by name.

Rural tourism in Lima

In Lima we find a rural tourism project located in the Pachacámac district. Here you can do two circuits, one of 3 hours and the other of 5 hours. From june to november it is where you can enjoy the hills in their entire splendor, since the hills turn green and are covered with moss.

It is in these months where varieties of plants and animals are observed. Among the flora, the Amancaes flower stands out and among the animals; you can see the turtupilin, vizcachas, foxes and hawks, during the tour. In addition, different rock formations and cave paintings can be seen along the way.

Rural tourism has as its main objective the eradication of poverty in the communities where it is carried out. Likewise, this tourist activity seeks the conservation of natural resources and the strengthening of social identity. That is why rural tourism is an activity that is closely linked to sustainable development, and the emergence of this type of undertaking will help, not only to increase tourist arrivals in Peru, but also to generate social, economic and environmental benefits in local populations.