Responsible tourism, solidarity tourism, fair tourism or ecotourism... the field of sustainable tourism has countless variants. The common point between all these notions is the respect of the principles of sustainable development.
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
If the objective of these forms of alternative tourism is to take into account the "current and future economic, social and environmental impacts" (World Tourism Organization), it is difficult today to differentiate these terms. Often confused, the nuances between them are sometimes very subtle. What are the differences between these terms?
In order to help you better understand the notion of sustainable tourism, we propose, in this dedicated page, a series of definitions of the different concepts. The following list is not exhaustive.
The different forms of sustainable tourism:
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines sustainable or responsible tourism as: Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, meeting the needs of visitors, professionals, the environment and host communities.
We propose our own definitions:
Responsible tourism: Responsible tourism is a voluntary approach by the traveler or the tour operator. Responsible travel means minimizing its impact on the environment and on the local way of life.
Sustainable tourism: It is a philosophy directly inspired by sustainable development. It encompasses all forms of tourism that respect the environment and are concerned with the well-being of the host populations.
Community-based tourism: Community-based tourism is a form of tourism in which the reception is entirely managed by the local population.
Slow Tourisme It consists in discovering a destination at one's own pace. More than a form of tourism, this movement is a real way of life that goes to meet the local populations and goes off the beaten track.
Fair tourism: a concept directly inspired by fair trade, fair tourism allows a fairer remuneration of local communities.
Participatory Tourism It aims to build relationships between the host populations and the traveler. Reinvention of hospitality, the traveler actively participates in local life.
Ecotourism: Ecotourism is a form of tourism that respects the environment and the well-being of the people. It is practiced exclusively in natural environments and must be a viable financial source for the host communities.
Solidarity tourism : Solidarity tourism allows the creation of a link of solidarity between the traveler and the populations. A financial contribution from the traveler or the tour operator is given to local development projects. The local communities are stakeholders in these projects, which aim to improve their living conditions.
Agrotourism: Agrotourism is a form of sustainable tourism in agricultural areas. It is practiced in several ways: accommodation in guest rooms, visits to the property, tasting of local products. Its goal is to facilitate the meeting with the producer and to perpetuate their activity by allowing them to diversify.
Humanitarian tourism: As an ethical and sustainable stay, humanitarian tourism contributes to the improvement of the living conditions of local populations. Passing on knowledge and helping local development are tasks in which tourists are encouraged to participate.
