Eco-friendly tourism: How sustainable transportation leads the way

What is sustainable transportation?

Sustainable transportation is a system that meets 3 criteria:

• Environment: Sustainable transportation reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and protects the environment. This includes developing renewable energy and improving green infrastructure. It also encourages walking, cycling, and the use of public transportation
• Economy: Sustainable transportation ensures reasonable transportation costs that are affordable for everyone. This helps reduce the financial burden on users. It also encourages participation in the sustainable transportation system
• Society: Sustainable transportation provides safe and accessible travel options for everyone. This includes vulnerable groups in society. It ensures that all individuals have the opportunity to take part in social and economic activities

Why is sustainable transportation important in tourism?

Sustainable transportation plays a crucial role in tourism across various aspects. This includes environmental, economic, and social factors.

Protecting tourist sites

Sustainable transportation helps reduce pollution and negative impacts at tourist sites, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. By reducing emissions and noise from vehicles, the surrounding environment is better preserved. This helps maintain the natural beauty and health of ecosystems. This way, tourists contribute to sustaining quality travel experiences. They also help protect destinations in the long term.

Distinctive travel experiences

Sustainable transportation allows travelers to experience destinations in a slower and more immersive way. Using bicycles or walking gives tourists more time to explore and enjoy the scenery. Additionally, using electric vehicles instead of gas-powered ones reduces noise. This creates a more peaceful environment.

Saving on travel costs

Transportation costs often make up a significant part of the travel budget, especially for long trips involving air travel. Sustainable transportation, through fuel-efficient vehicles or public transportation, helps reduce travel costs. This not only lessens the financial burden on tourists. It also makes the trip more unique and distinctive.

This can be challenging for international travelers when air travel is the only option. Yet, for domestic travelers, if time allows, considering different modes of transport can positively contribute to a greener transportation system.

Meeting tourist trends

According to the World Economic Forum, 76% of travelers plan to engage in sustainable travel in the future. About 43% are willing to pay extra to achieve this. Over 40% of tourists plan vacations where they can walk, cycle, or use local public transportation.

Thus, sustainable transportation meets the growing demand for environmentally friendly and responsible travel.

Supporting local economy

The development of sustainable transportation not only enhances the travel experience. It also supports local economic development. This boosts local tourism and creates jobs for local people in transportation systems. This way, sustainable transportation contributes positively to the economic growth of communities.

Tips for sustainable transportation while traveling

To practice sustainable transportation while traveling, tourists can apply the following simple yet effective measures:

Using public transportation

Opting for public transportation such as electric buses or buses using eco-friendly fuels (CNG, LNG, electric) helps reduce air pollution. These modes of transport generally have higher efficiency and cause less negative impact compared to cars. Public transportation can also help reduce traffic congestion and save travel time for tourists.

Packing light for easy travel

Packing light allows travelers to be more flexible in their movements, especially when using public transportation. Lighter luggage is easier to carry on buses, trains, and electric vehicles. This saves space and reduces reliance on personal transport. Bringing light luggage also helps tourists move quickly and conveniently at their destinations.

An example is the “Any Wear, Anywhere” clothes-sharing service by Japan Airlines (JAL) and Sumitomo Corp. This allows tourists to rent up to 8 outfits for 4,000 to 7,000 yen, reducing the amount of luggage carried. This service not only promotes tourism to Japan. It also lowers GHG emissions since lighter planes consume less fuel.

Limiting short domestic flights

Prioritize trains, trams, buses, or electric vehicles for short trips instead of choosing domestic flights. Domestic flights typically emit more CO2 compared to buses. According to Our World in Data, an average domestic flight emits 246g CO2e/kilometer/passenger. This is nearly 3 times higher than buses (97g), 5 times higher than electric vehicles (47g), and about 8 times higher than trains (29g) or trams (35g).

Using eco-friendly transportation

Many eco-tourism destinations and accommodations offer free bicycles or kayaks for tourists to explore the surroundings. Walking or using emission-free transport not only helps reduce emissions. It also allows tourists to fully enjoy the scenery and experience the environment in a more authentic and immersive way. This also helps cut noise impact on the local community. A win-win solution for both tourists and local people.

Planning efficient travel itineraries

Planning a reasonable travel itinerary helps minimize unnecessary travel and saves time. Choose accommodations close to major attractions to reduce travel distances and use fewer vehicles. Tourists can also eliminate unnecessary routes and optimize travel plans. This ensures a more convenient and enjoyable travel experience.

Green travel begins with your choice of sustainable transportation. Opt for public transportation, walking, or cycling to cut your environmental impact. Every small step you take today contributes to the future of sustainable tourism.

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