Today is World Tourism Day, and we're here for it because we believe that travel can bridge differences, encourage understanding and spark wonder in even the most jaded of souls. Team Bond has worked with tons of destination marketing organizations because we love telling stories that showcase people in their places. (The best ambassadors are locals who love where they live!)
And while travel has huge benefits for humankind, it can play a role in the destruction of historic sites and wild habitats. That, and huge crowds are super annoying. Overtourism since the COVID pandemic – perhaps thanks to the revenge travel trend – has recently sparked protests and unrest in destination hot spots worldwide.
Angry locals have taunted and thrown water on tour groups as they dined in Barcelona, while officials in Japan put up view-blocking barriers of Mount Fuji to prevent crowds from swarming nearby towns in search of the perfect photo. Other destinations are charging to visit: Bali introduced a tourist entry tax for foreign visitors in February, and Venice has begun issuing day-trippers a fee to step foot on the island city.
So, in 2024 and beyond, how can we wander and adventure without causing harm? Start by using these top tips for traveling responsibly:
SLOW DOWN Choose to travel during slower periods, and hire locals to help you tour off the beaten path. Rates are better and popular places are less crowded during shoulder seasons, and by hiring local experts to guide you, you're supporting their local economy year-round while getting to known the true heart and soul of a place.
AVOID EXPLOITATION Stay clear of tourist-trap attractions where wild or captive animals are being starved or overfed, coerced or exploited for a photo op. Wild babies like tiger cubs shouldn’t become entertainment and Insta-fodder for tourists. And when wild animals get conditioned to expect food from humans, all sorts of tragedies can result.
STAY ON THE RIGHT PATH Don't hike in closed parklands, camp in protected preserves or walk in forbidden areas to snap a photo or get that bucket-list experience. These places are off-limits for a reason and you could harm ancient or sacred sites, historic trails or fragile ecosystems just by walking through them.
SPEAK UP If you see tourists (intentionally or unintentionally) destroying historic sites or something else that's concerning, don't stay quiet or look the other way. Report what you witnessed to local authorities.
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