what is sustainable tourism?

Global warming and sustainable development issues are boosting the amount of interest in sustainable tourism with a growing number of tourists wanting to become more sustainable travellers. The term sustainable tourism is popping up more and more lately, but some still aren’t sure of what it really means.

Nevertheless, this practice is essential for preserving nature and letting future generations enjoy the same wonders of the world as us.

To help you understand more about sustainable tourism, Vieux Loup de Mer explains its principles and how to practice it when you next go on holiday.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM?

According to the World Tourism Organization, sustainable tourism is “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”. In other words, this practice is a way for tourists as well as industry professionals, to discover new places in a sustainable way, taking everyone into account and limiting harm to the environment.

Sustainable tourism is often separated in 3 sub-categories:

  • Responsible tourism: Tourism that minimizes environmental damage and carbon footprint
  • Solidarity tourism: Tourism that aims to develop territories and help local communities
  • Fair tourism: Tourism based on the principle of fair trade

At Vieux Loup de Mer, we practice all of these!

THE 3 MAIN PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Just like sustainable development, sustainable tourism is based on 3 main principles: environmental sustainability, social sustainability and economic sustainability. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

As its name suggests, environmental sustainability aims to reduce damage to the environment and protect it in a sustainable way. Here are some examples of how you could do this while on vacation:

  • Rethink your mode of travel: rather than flying, choosing to travel by bike or by public transport is great for reducing your carbon footprint
  • Waste management: it may seem obvious to some but knowing how to manage your waste while on vacation is important. Always take a small garbage can with you and buy sustainable or recycled products! Also, when hiking around Parc du Bic, remember to pick up your garbage and not leave it lying around!
  • Respect the animals: There are many animals in Bic, and many tourists are attracted to the area for this reason. However, it is essential to know how to observe them without upsetting or disturbing them, and how to respect their natural habitat! 😉

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

Social sustainability is a major focus point of sustainable tourism. It is often linked to economic sustainability. Here are some examples of how to be socially and economically responsible tourists:

  • Support local businesses during your stay: Finding local accommodation rather than a chain hotel isthe best way to stimulate the growth of the region and travel responsibly
  • Eat locally: Eating out close to our estate not only helps you discover the local cuisine, but alsolimits your carbon footprint. It further gives something back to our local businesses. Why not try our local restaurants in the Rimouski region?
  • Respect the locals and their customs: In order not to disrupt the lives of people in the region you are visiting, respecting the locals and their way of life is an essential part of good sustainable tourism.

VIEUX LOUP DE MER IS A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN QUEBEC

When it comes to sustainable tourism, Le Vieux Loup de Mer is a perfect example with all of our responsible tourism practices. Our cottage estate in Bic perfectly respects the environmental and social constraints of the area. We constantly work together with many local partners in the Rimouski region.

Additionally, our estate has its own vegetable garden and chicken coop, making it easy to buy and eat produce as locally as possible. We also promote local restaurants in our “Garde-manger” section.

Finally, we are always looking for ways to diversify our business and join forces with numerous environmental and ethical partners. We know that responsible travel means sustainable travel for us, and for future generations, so we are currently working with the bike trail company Route Verte du Québec.

STAY AT OUR VIEUX LOUP DE MER ESTATE AND VISIT RIMOUSKI RESPONSIBLY

Sustainable tourism is becoming more and more important. We are therefore doing our upmost to run things in a greener way at Vieux Loup de Mer. We are committed to respecting the environment and stimulating the growth of our local businesses.

Staying at cottages for rent in Le Bic is an excellent way to travel responsibly in Quebec and support the local businesses around Rimouski. In fact, we pride ourselves on being very different to mainstream mass tourism.Contact us now! We look forward to your stay with us and showing you our estate! 😊