Seeing unparalleled landscapes, marveling at wildlife, and experiencing the history and traditions of other cultures firsthand is an enriching experience. However, tourism can have a negative impact if travelers are not aware of the importance of protecting natural resources and supporting local communities. Here are some recommendations to help you travel responsibly and support sustainable tourism in Colombia.
What is sustainable tourism?
According to the UNESCO, sustainable or responsible tourism is “tourism that respects both local people and travelers, as well as cultural heritage and the environment,” providing the opportunity to enjoy exciting vacations while also benefiting the residents of regions with a high flow of tourists.
In 2021, the year of tourism recovery, more than 2.1 million international travelers visited Colombia. Between January and October 2022, more than 3.5 million international travelers arrived in the country, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and Migración Colombia. These figures demonstrate Colombia’s consolidation as a key tourist destination in the region. However, they also represent a challenge in terms of responsible tourism, since mass tourism in some regions of Colombia can lead to negative effects such as pollution of natural reserves and soil erosion.
According to Alejandro Arango Ramírez, professor at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at Universidad Piloto de Colombia and an expert in sustainable consumption, it is important for the tourism sector to embrace sustainability in order to unlock the full potential of sustainable tourism in Colombia. “Its role as a driver of decent livelihoods is enormous. A simple example is that, although Colombia is the most biodiverse country in the world relative to its size, according to the World Tourism Organization, while the average traveler spends around US$80 per day, a nature traveler spends approximately US$400,” says Arango.
You may also be interested in: These are the best regions for ecotourism in Colombia
Responsible traveler: What can you do to support sustainable tourism in Colombia?
The key is to “fully consider current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts while addressing the needs of visitors, the tourism industry, the environment, and host communities,” according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
What does this mean in practice? Here are some recommendations to make your trip through Colombia sustainable and responsible toward both local communities and the country's natural wealth.
Minimize your environmental impact
Practicing ethical tourism is easy if you follow many of the same environmental protection recommendations you should already be applying at home. Recycling, carrying reusable shopping bags, reducing plastic use, turning off the lights in your hotel room, and unplugging chargers when not in use are just some of the actions you can take to protect the wildlife, plant life, and natural resources of the destinations on your itinerary.
Support the local economy
Artisans and Indigenous communities create numerous products that are perfect for taking home a reminder of your trip to Colombia.
The selection is extensive: jewelry, backpacks, woven goods, hats, and decorative items for your home or office are all part of Colombia’s rich handicrafts tradition. By purchasing one of these items, you are supporting the work and way of life of these talented artisans while taking home a unique souvenir that is sure to spark conversations when you return home.
You may also be interested in: Discover Wayuu handicrafts and Amazon handicrafts
Travel with tour operators that support the development of rural communities
Before traveling to protected natural areas, especially if you plan to book services with a travel agency, look for companies that offer responsible tourism tours and experiences.
Through the website of the Association of Inbound and Nature Tourism, you can find a list of tourism companies that operate sustainably by creating economic benefits for host communities, offering cultural experiences that connect travelers with local residents and help them better understand their way of life, and generating decent employment opportunities for local populations, among other initiatives.
Related article: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: A magical destination of Indigenous culture and snow-capped peaks
Respect local customs
Travel is an opportunity to experience new cultures, traditions, and beliefs. Approaching them with respect will enrich your life.
Ethical tourism has the power to transform in two ways: on the one hand, the cultural experience transforms you as a traveler; on the other, it supports economic development and encourages cultural exchange within local communities.
Which regions are ideal for sustainable tourism in Colombia?
According to Alejandro Arango, Colombia does not have a single certification process that verifies whether a destination meets all the characteristics of sustainable tourism. However, the national government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, has identified several destinations for responsible tourism. These include the municipality of Puerto Nariño in Amazonas, Parque Arví in Medellín, Gorgona Island, La Aguada Beach in Chocó, the historic centers of Mompox and Cartagena, the municipalities of Filandia and Salento in Quindío, and the Historic Center of Villa de Leyva in Boyacá.
Additionally, other destinations are currently undergoing certification, including La Macarena in the Meta department, the municipalities of Girón and Socorro in Santander, the La Candelaria district in Bogotá, and the historic center of Manizales in Caldas.
Practicing sustainable tourism is a way to leave a positive impact on the places you visit. Keep these recommendations in mind on your next trip and support sustainable tourism in Colombia so that you can continue enjoying the country's natural wealth and the traditions of its people for many years to come.
