GLOBETROTTER
WORDS: RAEWYN KOH. PHOTOGRAPHS: FLICKR - BRIAN FLANAGAN
JOURNEY THE
WORLD SUSTAINABLY
There’s only one earth and every step we take can help protect it further
Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has
celebrated World Tourism Day on 27 September. The day raises
awareness on the effects of tourism within the international
community on a social, cultural political and economical scale
worldwide. This year’s celebration focuses on a serious issue at hand- sustainable tourism. Lonely Planet Asia speaks to Melissa Liow, the
Assistant Head Sch of Business & Management at PSB Academy who
recently wrote a robust paper on sustainable tourism to find out how
travellers can do their part to contribute to this beneficial travel
movement right now.
Q: What is sustainable tourism to you?
A: It is a dynamic and multi-faceted subject that goes beyond
conversations on just tourism and hospitality, and extending
towards issues like social and environmental responsibilities.
Education plays an integral role in raising awareness, cultivating, and
sensitising individuals towards the physical, economic, socio-
cultural environmental impact caused by the lack of sustainable
tourism efforts. Education of both consumers and businesses can
rally the troops towards building an industry that contributes to
both the community and the Earth.Q: What are some attractions in Singapore that encourage
sustainable tourism?
A: The Marina Barrage is a great example. It is an idyllic location for
picnics and flying kites but it also serves as a massive hydrodam that
has transformed Singapore’s downtown city core into the world’s
largest urban reservoir. Other good picks include Sungei Buloh
Wetland Reserve for its mangrove forest that protects migrating
birds, and the Mandai area that will offer wildlife and nature heritage
sites by 2020.Q: How do you think sustainable tourism can be incorporated into a
city like Singapore?
A: We might be small with few natural resources to boast or defend but
great efforts have been exercised to solve environmental and resource
management issues that plague urban nations like ours. For example, more
businesses are venturing into constructing green buildings by incorporating
elements like green walls and plant features that serve to beautify and
reduce building temperatures naturally, thus lowering energy costs.Q: What are some practical ways tourists can incorporate sustainable
tourism in their travels?
A: Tourists today are not just interested in conserving natural attractions
but manmade ones with great heritage value as well. Our actions can
contribute greatly towards sustainable tourism. For example, leisure
travellers can opt for itineraries that uncover the greener side of
cosmopolitan cities, such as the heritage and nature trails available at the
Labrador Nature Reserve in Singapore. Eco-tourists can also find
accommodation in known ‘green buildings’. Other good habits include
simple tasks like commuting via public transport, and being responsible in
terms of water and energy consumption.Q: What is one sustainable attraction in the world that has especially
inspired you?
A: A sustainability initiative that really stuck with me is the ‘Cyprus
Responsible Tourism’ campaign that began in 2006. Cyprus welcomes an
average of 2 million visitors a year – a figure greater than its own population- and in spite of the heavy movement of tourists, is still able to preserve its
environment. This is done through extensive efforts to protect its cycling
and nature routes, as well as mandatory sustainable practices by its hotels.
Find out more about World Tourism Day at wtd.unwto.org.