How to travel more sustainably?

Environmental awareness is increasingly on the minds of the French, who are gradually adopting more eco-friendly behaviors, even while traveling.

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In a study, the CSA institute and Prisma Media Solution examined the growing importance of sustainability in the travel sector and traveler expectations in this area.

According to the same study, 77% of French travelers believe they take a sustainable approach to tourism, while 80% are willing to increase their efforts to practice responsible travel more intensely.

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In this article, we will explore what sustainable tourism really entails and its current impact on the tourism industry in France. Then, we will provide you with the keys to traveling more ecologically and with respect for the environment.

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What is sustainable tourism?

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), sustainable tourism, in direct continuity with the concept of sustainable development, is defined as "tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities."

Furthermore, the practice of mindful tourism is intrinsically linked to the preservation of biodiversity, the safeguarding of natural resources, respect for animal welfare, and responsible, local consumption.

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Our solutions for more eco-friendly vacations

Embracing sustainable tourism

Today, the range of responsible travel options is growing and becoming increasingly diverse. Here are some examples of sustainable tourism options you can choose for your next vacation:

• a stay in sustainable accommodation, a touring circuit in the heart of a region, a "green" city break—a short trip to a city focused on eco-friendly practices. On the agenda: discovering the city's richness in all its facets through history, cultural visits, and activities; taking the time to wander its streets, points of interest, and green spaces in the style of "slow tourism"; and tasting local gastronomy by enjoying typical regional products, a nature immersion stay, a digital detox/wellness stay.

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Do you want to actively participate in the development of sustainable tourism? The Réseau des Grands Sites de France has listed the various member sites that are actively committed to sustainable development projects.

This is particularly the case for the Baie de Somme, which has implemented a project to develop and promote soft mobility in the area.

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The Falaises d’Étretat have also developed concrete actions to protect landscapes, deployed soft mobility options, and implemented a prevention and awareness program for visitors to promote good practices and behaviors to adopt to protect the area.

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The Aven d’Orgnac cave is also working to support biodiversity by creating a collective point of sale to highlight local producers. Let’s now look at the various tips that will allow you to travel in an eco-responsible way while enjoying a memorable and rejuvenating stay.

Traveling in the off-season

A first way to travel more ecologically is to plan your stay in the off-season. Traveling outside of peak periods will allow you to:

• Reduce tourist pressure on the most popular destinations and thus preserve fragile ecosystems with the goal of minimizing negative impacts on biodiversity. Promote the local economy: the off-season is often a quieter time for local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and tourist activities. By visiting these places during this period, you support the local economy and contribute to maintaining jobs in the region, thus encouraging a more sustainable economic approach. Encourage sustainable practices: tourist destinations that adopt sustainable practices are often less crowded during the off-season. By choosing to visit these places at that time, you encourage local businesses and authorities to continue implementing ecological measures, while showing that there is a demand for this type of responsible tourism. Discover lesser-known seasons: traveling in the off-season allows you to explore destinations from a different angle. You can discover landscapes and cultures in a more authentic way, far from the tourist crowds. This fosters a more enriching travel experience, in complete connection with the natural environment and the local population. Reduce your carbon footprint: since high-season periods are often marked by an increase in greenhouse gas emissions due to transport and tourist travel, opting for the off-season will allow you to reduce the carbon impact of your trip by avoiding these peaks in activity.
  
  
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Engaging in regenerative tourism

You can also choose to try your hand at regenerative tourism.

This type of solidarity tourism is defined by creating travel experiences that benefit both visitors and the destinations themselves, focusing on the regeneration and restoration of ecosystems and landscapes.

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The primary goal of regenerative tourism is to go beyond simple sustainability by leaving a net positive impact on the environment and the communities visited. It seeks to repair the damage caused by tourism and actively contribute to improving the social, economic, and environmental conditions of destinations.

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To get started with regenerative tourism, you can choose to participate in local ecosystem conservation and preservation projects. This may include activities such as reforestation, wildlife protection, natural habitat restoration, or promoting low-impact travel methods, all of which you can take part in once you arrive at your destination.

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Furthermore, you can also choose to invest in sustainable economic development initiatives in your chosen destination through simple actions, such as buying local products, participating in the promotion of traditional crafts, and supporting social and educational projects that directly benefit local residents.

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Discovering Agritourism

Another way to travel in an eco-friendly manner is to experience agritourism. Agritourism, which takes place in agricultural settings, is a type of tourism that aims to foster connections between visitors and producers, while supporting the sustainability of their operations by offering opportunities for diversification.

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If you are interested in agritourism, be aware that a wide variety of activities is available to you, such as homestays or exploring farms and crops, in many regions across France.

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Opting for Slow Tourism

The slow tourism movement is another type of tourism that aims to break away from mass, fast-paced, and superficial tourism to foster a more enriching and sustainable experience.

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As the name suggests, the concept of slow tourism emphasizes taking your time while traveling. Travelers who choose this type of tourism give themselves a real break from their daily routine, taking the time to discover the local, historical, cultural, and gastronomic heritage of their destination. They enjoy full immersion in the local atmosphere and become well-acquainted with the culture, history, and traditions of the place they are visiting.

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For more information, check out our full article on slow tourism.

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Choosing Greener Transportation

During your stay, prioritize sustainable mobility as much as possible such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation.

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Opting for more eco-friendly means of transport during your vacation offers many benefits for the environment. By choosing cleaner modes of travel, you help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and traffic congestion. These eco-friendly and responsible transport choices help preserve local ecosystems and minimize your carbon footprint.

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Furthermore, by using public transport or choosing active modes of travel, you also have the opportunity to discover destinations in a more authentic way, fully immersing yourself in the local culture. This can enrich your travel experience while contributing to environmental preservation and adding a more sustainable dimension to your stay.

Prioritizing Low-Impact Activities

Once you arrive, there are many options available to optimize your stay from an environmental perspective. It is all about making the right choices, which is not always an easy task; that is why we are sharing our recommendations to help you reduce the environmental impact of your stay and make it more responsible.

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First, this concerns the activities and leisure pursuits you choose. Preferably, select activities that are environmentally friendly and that benefit the local economy.

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There is a multitude of activities available to help you make the most of your stay while respecting the local ecosystem. You can go hiking, observe flora and fauna, cycle, swim in natural waters, or participate in conservation projects—all activities that will allow you to discover and appreciate nature responsibly while minimizing harmful impacts on the region's biodiversity.

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Conversely, try to minimize activities with a high ecological footprint, such as motorized safaris, jet-ski excursions, visiting zoos, or participating in activities that involve capturing wild animals.

However, if you are interested in these types of activities during your stay, research the available leisure options at your vacation destination in advance.

There are often sustainable alternatives to activities that might initially seem environmentally unfriendly or even harmful to the local ecosystem.

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For example, instead of spending a day at a zoo that prioritizes profit over animal welfare, you could choose to visit an educational farm.

Unlike traditional tourist zoos, educational farms focus on education, awareness, and promoting a more respectful relationship with animals. You can learn the basics of organic farming, responsible animal husbandry, and environmental conservation practices. Furthermore, visiting an educational farm allows for more direct contact with animals, without barriers or cramped enclosures, offering a more authentic and enriching experience.

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Eat local

If you are visiting a region for the first time, what better way to experience it than by discovering the local gastronomy and tasting the full range of specialties the area has to offer!

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To do this, we recommend that you:

• shop at small businesses and local producer boutiques or grocery stores, supplement your groceries with fresh, local products by visiting markets near your accommodation, and have lunch and/or dinner at traditional restaurants that serve local cuisine made with regional ingredients.

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This will allow you to make wonderful culinary discoveries and step out of your comfort zone, all while acting positively for the environment. By consuming only local products, you support short supply chains and reduce the carbon footprint associated with your food consumption.

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Planning a vacation soon? Want to know more about the impact of your trip? There are now many online resources available to calculate the carbon footprint of a specific trip or even your daily activities.

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There are many ways to reduce your environmental impact, even while on vacation. As you can see, you don't need to fly to the other side of the world to enjoy a refreshing getaway. Traveling just a few hours from home, while staying within France, allows you to disconnect from your daily routine and enjoy a relaxing, invigorating vacation.

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Furthermore, applying these eco-friendly practices helps avoid harmful phenomena like overtourism and mass tourism, which often lead to overcrowded sites and, more importantly, the gradual degradation of the environment in many French tourist destinations.

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In fact, across France, 80% of tourism activity is concentrated in just 20% of the country. Why not choose less popular destinations? As a traveler, this allows you to enjoy less crowded spaces and visit your destination with more peace of mind, all while making a responsible choice.

At Welkeys, we are committed to a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. We encourage travelers to engage in sustainable and mindful tourism through our 30 local partners and by highlighting our destinations across France.