Travel Better: A Lesson on Sustainable Tourism

Travel connects us in ways nothing else can. We taste new flavours, listen to unfamiliar languages, and experience cultures that broaden our worldview. Tourism also supports millions of jobs around the planet, especially in places where opportunities are limited.

However, modern travel has a double edge. The very desire to explore can also damage the places we love. Popular destinations struggle with overcrowding, natural habitats disappear under tourist footprints, and local communities feel pushed aside. Many travellers don't realise the impact of a single plastic bottle left behind — or the pressure caused when a horde of tourists arrives from one viral Instagram post.

Sustainable tourism asks us to travel smarter: to make choices that protect nature, respect culture, and benefit local people. It’s not about travelling less — it’s about travelling better. Let’s discover how our holiday choices can help, not harm, the world.

📘 Vocabulary Builder

(All words appear in bold in the reading text.)

• irreparably – in a way that cannot be fixed or repaired

• devastating – causing serious harm or damage

• influx – a large number of people arriving

• contaminate – to make something dirty or unsafe

• long-haul – involving great distance or long travel time

• horde – a large, noisy crowd

• counteract – to act against something and reduce its effect

• green credentials – actions that show care for the environment

• authentic – real, true to local culture, not fake

📖 Can Tourism Help or Harm Our Planet?

Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries — but not all travel is good for the destinations we visit. When a huge influx of visitors arrives in a short time, things can quickly go wrong. Roads become crowded, nature trails get damaged, and neighbourhoods lose their authentic charm. In some places, locals can't even afford to live in their own communities anymore.

One major challenge is pollution. Flights, especially long-haul ones, release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Popular beaches can become polluted when tourists contaminate the water with plastic waste and sunscreen chemicals. If this continues, many ecosystems could be irreparably damaged.

Another growing problem is 'overtourism' — when a destination receives far more visitors than it can handle. Cities like Venice, Bali, and Barcelona often struggle with overcrowding during peak seasons. Streets become packed, housing prices rise, and historical areas are worn down. Visitors feel uncomfortable because of the horde of people, and residents lose the identity and peace of their own homes. When 'overtourism' happens, special places start feeling more like theme parks than real communities.

Cultural traditions can also be weakened. Local music, crafts, and celebrations may be replaced by cheap souvenirs or shows designed only for tourists. Instead of experiencing something authentic, visitors might only see a performance created to make quick money. When culture becomes a product, local people may feel disconnected from their own heritage.

The environment suffers in other ways too. Popular hiking routes and beaches become worn out because of heavy foot traffic. Wildlife can be harmed when people get too close, feed animals, or disturb their habitats. Some animals change their natural behaviour because tourists want photos — and this can be devastating for endangered species.

Social media adds even more pressure. A single viral post can turn a quiet village into a tourist hotspot overnight. Travellers rush to take the same “perfect picture” without buying anything or learning about the place. This behaviour leaves local businesses with little benefit while producing huge amounts of rubbish.

But there is good news: sustainable tourism offers a smarter way to explore the world. Travellers can support local businesses, choose accommodation with strong green credentials, and follow rules that protect nature and culture. We can also counteract harmful tourism trends by travelling in the off-season, taking public transport, and avoiding activities that exploit animals.

When we travel responsibly, we help ensure that future generations can enjoy the same beautiful places. Sustainable tourism isn’t about giving up fun — it’s about making fun last.

📊 Interesting Stats & Facts

• Tourism contributes around 10% of global GDP and supports 1 in 10 jobs worldwide.

• A return long-haul flight can produce more CO₂ emissions than some people generate in an entire year.

• Over 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year — much of it from tourism-related waste.

• In 2022, Thailand closed Maya Bay (famous from the film “The Beach”) because 'over tourism' irreparably damaged its coral reef.

• Barcelona’s rent prices have risen dramatically due to tourist accommodation replacing homes — pushing locals out.

Tourism is powerful — and so are the choices we make.

📚 Grammar Focus – Passive for Distancing

We often need to report beliefs or uncertain facts without naming the source. The passive voice helps us do that politely and objectively.

✅ Structure 1: It + passive verb + that…

• It is believed that sustainable tourism is becoming more popular.

• It has been suggested that travellers should limit single-use plastics.

✅ Structure 2: Subject + passive verb + infinitive

• Local businesses are expected to benefit from responsible tourism.

• Tourists are said to spend more money in family-owned shops.

✅ Structure 3: There + passive verb + infinitive

• There are thought to be too many visitors in some beach towns.

✅ Perfect Infinitive — past events

• Influencers are believed to have caused overcrowding in many places.

📌 This grammar is great for reports, news, or academic writing.

✏️ Grammar Practice – Complete the sentences

Use Passive for Distancing:

1. It __________ (report) that the city will reduce visitor numbers next year.

2. The beaches __________ (believe / contaminate) by sunscreen chemicals.

3. Travellers __________ (expect / follow) eco-friendly rules.

4. There __________ (consider / be) more sustainable travel options now.

5. Social media influencers __________ (say / encourage) people to visit hidden gems.

✅ Answer Key — Grammar

1. It is reported that the city will reduce visitor numbers next year.

2. The beaches are believed to be contaminated by sunscreen chemicals.

3. Travellers are expected to follow eco-friendly rules.

4. There are considered to be more sustainable travel options now.

5. Social media influencers are said to encourage people to visit hidden gems.

🌱 Quick Tips for Sustainable Travel

• Choose local cafés, shops, and family-owned hotels

• Bring a reusable water bottle and bag

• Respect wildlife — no animal selfies or feeding

• Visit lesser-known areas to reduce overcrowding

• Learn a few phrases in the local language

• Think before you post — do not expose fragile locations online

❓ Reading Comprehension Quiz

(Answers below ✅)

✅ True or False

1. Sustainable tourism tries to protect nature and local culture.

2. Social media always has a positive impact on tourism.

3. Long-haul flights can increase pollution.

4. Local businesses can benefit when travellers choose authentic places.

5. Sustainable travel means not taking any photos.

🔘 Multiple Choice

6. What can happen when too many tourists visit one place?

A. Places become more affordable for locals

B. Authentic culture can disappear

C. Pollution is never affected

D. There are more jobs for influencers

7. Which action shows good green credentials?

A. Buying cheap plastic souvenirs

B. Staying in a hotel that saves energy and water

C. Leaving rubbish behind

D. Taking illegal animal photos

8. What does the writer suggest about future travel?

A. We should travel less forever

B. We can travel responsibly and still enjoy experiences

C. Sustainability is only the government’s job

D. Travel should be limited to influencers only

9. What is one negative result of social media tourism?

A. Tourists learn more about locals

B. Hidden gems get overcrowded

C. Travellers pay higher taxes

D. More authentic food choices

10. Which problem is linked to tourism pollution?

A. Healthier oceans

B. Cleaner air

C. Contaminated beaches

D. Lower transport costs

✅ Answer Key — Comprehension

• T • 2. F • 3. T • 4. T • 5. F

• B • 7. B • 8. B • 9. B • 10. C

💬 Discussion Prompts

• What makes a destination authentic for you?

• Have you ever seen harmful tourist behaviour? What happened?

• Should governments limit visitor numbers at famous attractions? Why or why not?

• Would you rather visit a crowded famous spot or a quiet unknown place?

• What changes will you make to be a more sustainable traveller?

✨ Final Reflection / Call to Action

Every journey leaves a footprint — the question is, what kind?
We all have the power to choose habits that protect the people and places we love to visit. Sustainable tourism means supporting local communities, protecting nature, and traveling thoughtfully — not just taking the perfect photo.

Imagine a world where future generations can swim in clean oceans, walk through beautiful ancient streets, and witness wildlife in their natural homes. That world depends on us.

👉 Choose one sustainable action from this post and start using it today.

Small steps from millions of travellers can create huge change.

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