According to the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) "Tourism has become one of the main players in international trade", this is due to the innumerable sources of income it produces throughout the world and the development it generates as a result. of said economic benefit.
A few years ago, tourism was below the most important exports of those times, such as oil, automobiles and food products. Over time this has changed, the tourism industry has advanced very quickly, reaching and/or surpassing some of the most solid industries.
Unfortunately, with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism was greatly affected; the closure of borders and the implementation of restrictive measures as a preventive measure had an impact on the economy of workers and entrepreneurs at all levels.
In 2020, the UNWTO reported that tourism had fallen by 74% compared to the figures recorded in 2019, a situation never seen before in these modern times.
How can we contribute to improvement?
The pandemic has led us to rethink everything; our way of life, the implications it has, but above all it has given us the opportunity to reinvent ourselves.
The main point is to lead a more sustainable life. Let us remember that excessive exploitation has led us to position ourselves where we are now.
The main point is to lead to a more sustainable life. Let us remember that excessive exploitation has led us to position ourselves where we are now.
1. Join efforts to reduce deforestation.
"Research shows that land-use change - such as agricultural development or expansion - is the single largest driver of emerging diseases. As humans move deeper into undisturbed forest, they are also exposing themselves to animals and the diseases they carry." This chain is longer than it seems, it is not only about those that directly fracture and invade ecosystems; if not, of those who participate indirectly in it. Here consumers / users would enter.
2.Restrict international wildlife trade.
"Driven by demand for wild animal delicacies or the exotic pet industry, the global wildlife trade generates $23 billion each year." The disturbing thing here is that by being in contact with this type of species, we open a door to diseases with which we should not have any relationship; and this is not only limited to a mere coexistence for having them as pets; if not, that also involves the health regulations that they need/should have for their consumption.
Of course, being sustainable is not based solely on those two points; being sustainable is adopting a lifestyle that causes the least possible impact on the environment. Check our monthly environmental bulletins so you know all the options you can adopt and what activities you can contribute to, remember that our main source of income is tourism!
-February 21 International Tour Guide Day-