We can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to environmental and social issues such as climate change, deforestation, displacement of indigenous people, and the overuse of natural resources. The next time we consider traveling the world to discover new cultures, food, and communities, it’s important that we try and minimize the negative impact of our travels while considering the needs of host communities, local businesses, and the natural resources. Today, travel is no longer just about jetting off to some far-flung locale for some R&R. Traveling must include respecting the environmental resources and the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, helping conserve natural heritage and biodiversity, and providing socio-economic benefits to local communities. By keeping this in mind, we can significantly reduce the negative impact of tourism while adding value to local communities and the environment.
Now more than ever before, sustainable tourism should be developed, implemented, and embraced by all travelers and tourism stakeholders. As all eyes look to the region ahead of the FIFA 2022 World Cup in November, the challenge to keep tourism sustainable and reduce its negative consequences is more urgent than ever. Fortunately, there are a handful of startups committed to reducing the negative environmental and social impacts of travel on communities, offering innovative solutions to allow travelers to connect with locals while minimizing their carbon footprint. Wearing their green hearts right on their sleeves, these incredible sustainable travel startups are reshaping tourism in the Middle East and North Africa.
Arabian Adventures – UAE
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The UAE is home to one of the best desert safari destinations in the world. But, according to the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD), with the increased number of tourists and visitors, the country’s most pristine places run an additional risk of being harmed. Opting for a sustainable desert safari is the ultimate solution. Arabian Adventures is one of those companies that is aware of the high risk of damage, and subsequently made changes to its operations to tick more than 100 boxes related to sustainability management, office operations, working with suppliers, and customer communication. Its efforts didn’t go unnoticed as the company was rewarded with The Travelife Partner award as a recognition of its commitment toward social and environmental sustainability.
The Boutique Vibe – Mediterranean
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According to reports, hotels and other types of accommodation contribute to 2 percent of the 5 percent global CO2 emission by the tourism sector. Luckily, many travelers are aware of the impact of hotels on the environment and the community and are increasingly opting for alternative accommodations like vacation rentals, hostels, and boutique hotels. Only a few years ago, sustainable hotels were mostly reserved for backpackers and wayfarers, but now, eco-friendly boutique hotels are springing up everywhere, offering an abundance of choice without compromising on style or luxury. And, this is exactly what The Boutique Vibe offers: a variety of boutique hotels in the Mediterranean region with almost zero carbon emissions, as well as local food, fruits, and veggies.
WildyNess – Tunisia
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Mass tourism is a huge threat to many natural areas around the world, including Tunisia. With Hammamet and Djerba used as case studies of how over-tourism led to increased pollution, discharges into the sea, and heightened vulnerability to soil erosion, traveling off the beaten road is a great way to create memorable experiences, do less harm to the environment, and help local communities build sustainable businesses. This is where WildyNess comes into play. The company provides visitors to Tunisia with travel itineraries and sustainable travel experiences that shed light on the hidden regions, beaches, and canyons that make up the North African country, such as the Bouhlel Canyons, Oued Mellegue, and Beni Ghedir. These lesser-known destinations offer some of the best immersive and memorable experiences.
Eco Nubia – Egypt
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Is Egypt on your bucket list? It should be— the country is one of the top must-see travel destinations in the world. But, it’s not immune to the damages of mass tourism. If you want to have a memorable visit while giving back to the local community, consider paying a visit to some of the Nubian villages dotted throughout the country. In Aswan, Ahmed Yehia, an avid traveler, established ECO Nubia to give tourists the opportunity to discover the villages without harming the environment and the local community. The ecolodge is built with sustainable materials and with a keen attention to conserving and honoring the rich Nubian tradition and heritage.
