Travel is an integral part of the lives of many people. But what if you travel to other countries for the benefit of yourself and the environment? This is what ecotourism is. It consists of traveling to an area that needs help or efforts to preserve it. As a rule, during this tour, the money spent by the tourist not only helps expand his worldview but also goes to preserve the environment of the area.
The beginning of ecotourism dates back to the 70s of the last century. It covered the USA and many developed European countries, such as Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, and several other leading countries.
In general, there are the following types of ecotourism:
- scientific (for educational purposes);
- active (hiking, cycling, mountaineering);
- historical (acquaintance with ethnic groups and their culture);
- travel to natural places (parks, reserves);
- agritourism (aimed at means to conserve land).
The development of ecotourism is only a matter of time. According to forecasts from the World Tourism Organization, green tourism will develop at a high rate and will subsequently occupy a significant niche in the world.
How ecotourism is developing on the island
Ecotourism in Bali is gaining increasing importance among both businesses and travelers. This direction helps to preserve the natural resources and cultural heritage of the island, making it more sustainable and attractive to tourists.
Given Indonesia's unique nature, it has the potential to become one of the world's leaders in ecotourism, with Bali playing a key role in this process.
Despite the potential, sustainable tourism development on the island is still far from its maximum. However, increased awareness among travelers has made this trend very promising.
The use of modern technologies plays an important role in the development of the ecotourism industry. It is worth noting that in Bali, green tourism has received strong support from various stakeholders, including the government. Taking into account government programs and innovative solutions, the development of this sector promises to be more efficient and long-term oriented.
Thus, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, together with the company Jejak.in, is implementing the Carbon Footprint Calculator and Offsetting program. It is designed to monitor carbon offsets.
“Environmental issues are our main concerns,” said Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno. The global tourism industry accounts for eight percent of carbon emissions, he said.
The program, in particular, involves planting trees in tourist areas. The process of planting and growing trees can be observed online. It also aims to develop ecotourism, which leaves a minimal carbon footprint.
It is worth noting that every year in Bali there is a dynamic development of ecotourism resorts, which is supported at the state level.
In addition, the non-governmental organization Eco Tourism Bali is actively collaborating with research organization Kopernik to develop a simplified and accessible sustainability certification system for independent four-star hotels and restaurants. These efforts are aimed at raising sustainability standards in the island's tourism industry.
For example, some hotels, such as The Apurva Kempinski Bali, offer eco-friendly weddings at the hotel. Packages include eco-friendly wedding dresses made from natural materials, biodegradable jewelry, and souvenirs made by local artisans. The goal of such initiatives is to inspire the community to reduce the carbon footprint of wedding events and promote the development of a sustainable wedding industry.
It is important to emphasize that improving the environment in the world is becoming an integral part of business and a commitment to future generations. The hotel industry in Bali, being one of the largest industries, has a responsibility to reduce its negative impact on society and the environment. Advancing sustainability in the hospitality industry will bring more attention to this important topic and motivate other businesses in the tourism sector to follow suit.
Introducing green tourism and sustainable practices in Bali is not only beneficial for the nature and culture of the island, but also a cost-effective solution. It benefits both current and future generations and contributes to the development of Bali as a key sustainable tourism destination in the world.
The Ribas Hotels Group also respects the environment and innovations aimed at green tourism. The Anta Residence Canggu project in Bali, which we manage, takes an eco-friendly approach. So, on the territory of the hotel, and even in the building itself, there will be terraces with various tropical plants.
At the moment, the company is actively scaling around the world, selling high-quality hotel real estate. In addition, she plans to create a high-service Hospitality School based on the standards of the Ribas Hotels Group, which will support the ecotourism initiative. This is a unique international educational platform that will offer opportunities for anyone who wants to master the art of hospitality at the highest level. It will be created for those who dream of a career in the hotel industry, restaurant business, project management, and many other areas.
It is worth noting that Ribas Hotels Group is represented in Bali as a partner of the Bali Privilege Partners group of companies. It was created by an alliance of the best representatives - the European holding Go Group Estonia, the development company Bali Development Privilege, the consulting company UTG, and the construction company Atmosphere. This is a unique partnership that brings together the strongest technology, knowledge, and experience to create competitive development products with integrated management, guaranteed to lead to full return on investment.
More about the company at the link.