Responsible Travel Practices: The Key to Successful Community Tourism on Big Island Hawaii

Responsible Travel Practices: The Key to Successful Community Tourism on Big Island Hawaii

Big Island Hawaii, also known as the Island of Hawaiʻi, is a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. While tourism provides many benefits to the local economy, it can also have negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

One way to mitigate these negative impacts is through responsible travel practices. Responsible travel involves making informed and conscious choices that support the well-being of local communities and the environment.

In the context of community tourism on Big Island Hawaii, responsible travel practices can include supporting local businesses and initiatives, participating in sustainable tourism activities, and respecting local cultures and traditions.

The Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii defines its mission as protecting Hawaiʻi’s unique natural environment and host culture through the promotion of responsible travel and educational programs relating to sustainable tourism for residents, businesses, and visitors ³.

There are many ways that travelers can engage in responsible travel practices on Big Island Hawaii. For example, travelers can choose to stay at locally-owned accommodations that have a commitment to sustainability. They can also eat at locally-owned restaurants that source their ingredients from local farms and producers.

When participating in tours and activities, travelers can choose operators that have a commitment to sustainable tourism practices. This can include eco-tourism experiences such as snorkeling trips with Fair Wind Cruises in Kealakekua Bay ².

In addition to these responsible travel practices, travelers can also engage in community tourism by supporting local initiatives and organizations. This can include participating in voluntourism opportunities or making donations to local conservation efforts.

By engaging in responsible travel practices on Big Island Hawaii, travelers can help support the local economy while also preserving the island’s unique natural and cultural resources. It provides a more authentic and meaningful travel experience while also benefiting the communities visited.

In conclusion, responsible travel practices are key to successful community tourism on Big Island Hawaii. By making informed and conscious choices that support the well-being of local communities and the environment, travelers can help create a more sustainable future for Big Island Hawaii while also having an unforgettable travel experience. #BigIslandAdventure

Source:
(1) Our Mission – Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii. https://www.sustainabletourismhawaii.org/about/.
(2) Is Responsible Travel to Hawaii Fun? – The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/27/travel/hawaii-sustainable-tourism.html.
(3) Responsible Travel | Go Hawaii. https://www.gohawaii.com/trip-planning/travel-tips/responsible-travel.
(4) 6 Expert Tips on How to Be a Responsible Traveler in Hawaii – Leisure. https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/responsible-travel/how-to-travel-to-hawaii-responsibly.
(5) Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii | Hawaii STAH Tours & Education. https://www.sustainabletourismhawaii.org/.