Responsible Tourism

Travel is about discovery – exploring different places and understanding different cultures. An enjoyable trip can be one of our most memorable experiences.

About 700 million people worldwide travel every year, which is growing as flights get cheaper and travel becomes easier. Over 26 million tourists visit London every year, over half of those from abroad. That's a lot of flights, car journeys, overnight stays and money spent.

You don't have to stay at home with last year's holiday snaps to be green. Get out there and travel, but travel responsibly. Help make a positive difference so that we, and future generations, can keep on discovering!

Respect the Environment

While our visit may benefit the local economy, our means of travel and our behaviour on holiday can have a lasting and potentially negative effect on the environment. Unfortunately, our desire for travel can add up to one big carbon footprint.

Air travel is the fastest growing contributor to climate change, and remains the most popular means of transport for international trips. Just one long-haul return flight can produce more CO2 per passenger than the average UK motorist in a year.

Save Energy

Hotels and B&Bs consume huge amounts of energy to heat and air condition rooms, wash laundry, power TVs, radios and mini bars, and light rooms and hallways. And after checking out, each guest will have contributed to thousands of bags of waste.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

But we can change our travel habits. Being a responsible tourist means reducing the negative impact of our travels on the environment and increasing our connection with local communities and our surroundings.

Points to remember:

Consider low carbon transport options such as boat or rail if possible.
If you must fly, off-set your flight by making a comparable donation to organisations such as Climate Care and the Carbon Neutral Company.
Treat hotel resources, such as water and energy, with the same consideration as you would at home.
Aim to reduce consumption, minimise waste and reuse what you can.

Travel brings you into contact with many different people. Respect the people you meet, consider where you spend your money and support local traders.