Sustainable tourism can be understood as one that takes into consideration the economy, the society and the environment while preserving them. The fundamental principle is understanding that the lack of responsible behavior towards these spheres will cause the resources which are used for tourism to stop existing, which will lead to the demise of the tourism sector itself.
In addition to the stakeholders of the sector, its consumers, tourists, are urged act with total consideration for resources, by choosing an airline company which acts responsibly for instance, or even choosing a destination which is committed to the protection of resources.
Mauritius has already begun taking some steps.
Mauritius has a plan for sustainable tourism
The ex-Minister of Tourism, Anil Gayan – replaced by Joe Lesjongard following the elections of 7 November last – has presented an action plan for 2020-2030 during a workshop at Ebène in August last. Tourism has an impact on the environment; the Mauritian government has properly understood this and commits to counter any negative effect that this sector may have on the environment because of some practices which are not environmental-friendly. The principle of “4 R” is recommended by the ministry of tourism, namely: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover.
Cleaning and embellishment campaigns, by making an area “greener”, have been launched throughout the country. In addition to this, the Hotel Development Strategy emphasizes the need for hotel companies to collect rain water, to use less energy and to commit to the use of renewable energy among others. As far as the protection of lagoons and marine ecosystems is concerned, an inspection is performed on pleasure crafts, regarding engine noise and exhausts.
Jocelyn Kwok, the CEO of the Association des Hôteliers et Restaurateurs de l’Ile Maurice, has pointed out that hotel companies are dedicated to practice sustainable tourism, during the workshop. These abide by the Environment Charter since 2002.
Besides, during the “Assises de l’environnement » which were held on the 15 and 16 December last, the CEO of the association has mentioned the impact that the increase in the number of tourists coming to Mauritius over four years by 400,000 has had on the beaches. He has made the seriousness of the situation very clear by asserting that the beaches will cease to exist in case no action is taken.
The aim of these “Assises” was to initiate a conversation, through a forum that would bring together various stakeholders, and to find solutions that would benefit the environment.
Good news for Mauritius
More information has not yet been communicated but the publication TourMag has nonetheless mentioned that Mauritius will be the invited destination of the “Palmes du Tourisme” of 2020. Awards would be given to local companies from the tourism sector which have adhered to the values of sustainable tourism. This will be the third session of this event, which is held in France. “Palmes du Tourisme” is an initiative of the association Acteurs du Tourisme Durable (ATD) and TourMag, launched in 2017. If this actually happens, it will be a great incentive to other companies to follow suit.
The practice of sustainable tourism has an impact on every one: hotels, organisers, transport companies, tourists, as well as the individuals that are not directly linked to the industry. Let’s not forget that we are all the links of a chain and that the action of each, whether big or small, has a consequence on the environment, the society and the economy.