Sustainable Tourism in Mauritius
What is sustainable tourism? How important is it and its impact for the development of the island? Mauritius Conscious, as the sustainable travel guide of Mauritius aims to shed a light on these points and help you understand how your choices and practices can make a difference.
Photo credit: Gilliane Soupe, via My Moris
Sustainable Tourism is that one that protects the resources upon which it depends
That’s why sustainable tourism aims to use resources consciously, in ways that will preserve them for future generations. But hey, notice that “resources” are not only “natural resources”. In fact, sustainability considers 3 main areas:
- The environment (waste management, energy sources, wildlife conservation)
- The social aspect (inclusion of the local community, CSR programs and NGOs)
- The local economy (support local businesses, products, food, hire local staff)
Photo by Karl Ahnee My Moris organizes cultural tours in Mauritius villages on bicycle or by foot. Bringing travelers closer to Mauritius cultural heritage helps raise awareness of its importances and need of preservation.
2017, International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, UNWTO
#IY2017
The United Nations World Travel Organization, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has made it its mission for 2017 to raise awareness on the potential of Sustainable Tourism to help develop destinations. With more than a billion international tourists travelling the world in 2015, it has become imminent for businesses, public sector and tourists to consider the 3 P’s (People, Planet and Profit) while traveling. The aim: to minimize tourism’s negative impacts on the environment and maximize the positive contributions it brings to local communities.
#IY2017 supports tourism that promotes/protects:
- Inclusive and sustainable economic growth
- Social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction
- Resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change
- Cultural values, diversity and heritage
- Mutual understanding, peace and security
