At Valua Travel we have officially signed up to the sustainability and responsible tourism commitment by joining Barcelona Sustainable Destination. We firmly believe that, with small shared actions, we can all do our bit to preserve the planet.
Over the last 50 years, travel has become widespread and a way of life for many people. Even so, we need to be aware of the impact tourism can have: from emissions and air pollution to the pressure on the natural environment and local communities.
For us, sustainable tourism is tourism that respects the natural environment, the culture and the people of the destination, with future generations in mind, so that we leave the planet the same or better.
What can we do as travellers?
Travellers have the power to become agents of positive change. If you are planning your next outing or a group trip, here are some practical recommendations:
- Save kilometres and choose nearby destinations: ask yourself whether you really need to cross half the world to enjoy a great experience. Choosing closer destinations considerably reduces your carbon footprint.
- Stay longer in each place: instead of visiting four cities in a few days, focus on one. You will enjoy a more relaxed trip, pollute less and be able to immerse yourself better in the local culture, food and way of life.
- Go for less crowded destinations: visiting places off the usual tourist circuits helps spread the economic impact, boosting local development and respect for human rights.
- Minimise your local impact: connect with local people and follow the principle of "when in Rome, do as the Romans do".
- Preserve natural resources: respect the natural environment you visit and make sure you leave everything exactly as you found it.
In short, sustainable tourism is not just a travel option but a way of understanding the world. Behaving responsibly, recycling, respecting local traditions and enjoying the journey with respect are the key.
Would you like to organise a group or school trip with sustainable values?
At Valua Travel we help you design a tailor-made experience that respects the environment and local communities. Get in touch with our team and we will advise you.