Everyone likes to go on tours, but few travelers opt for sustainable tourism. But you should know that you can save the environment through the 5 P’s of sustainable tourism. Do you know that many organizations in the world are working on sustainability, with the United Nations being the first to come to mind? Some SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) have been set for this purpose.
Famous SDGs names that also impact on tourism industry are: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Responsible Consumption and Production, Life below Water, and Life on Land. These are SDG 8, 12, 14, and 15. Remember that these SDGs numbers are according to the UN 2030 Agenda, which are 17 in total.
You should know that tourism is directly linked to the SDGs. Well, here we will discuss the 5 P’s (people, plant, prosperity, peace, and partnerships) of sustainable development, which also fully applies to sustainable tourism. In fact, the official framework of the 5 P’s comes from sustainable development, which has been set by the United Nations.
People – The first P of 5 P’s
At first glance, this term may seem very simple to you, meaning “folks”. But let me tell you that this is the biggest P among the 5 P’s of sustainable tourism, which covers 6 SDGs within itself. These are:
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Well, properly implementing the SDGs is the job of tourism organizations, governments, or policymakers, but it is also important to inform local people and tourists. Our main goal here is to guide travelers and tourists.
Here, people mean that tourism should be beneficial not only for tourists but also for local communities. This means that tourism should empower human beings, respect their dignity and rights, and create a positive impact on society. But as a tourist, what role can you play in this?
You should respect local dress code, language, and customs. Understand and enjoy cultural festivals and traditions without disrespect. Buy from local restaurants and shops instead of hotels/food chains. Shop for handicrafts and locally made souvenirs.
Do not disturb locals with noise, behavior, and activities. Take care of the privacy of the locals while taking photographs. Support the businesses of women, youth, and marginalized groups. Respect every community regardless of religion, ethnicity, and background.
Planet – The Second P
Everyone knows that our Planet is Earth and that we should take care of it. That is why the SDGs were created. Among the 5 P’s of sustainable tourism, I think the Planet is the most important. Because this is the real place we are improving. This P means that tourism should be managed in a way that protects both nature and the environment.
Did you know that tourism is responsible for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions worldwide? Of which 72% emissions are due to transport, 24% due to accommodations, and 4% due to local activities.
By the way, the SDGs that come in the P Planet are:
- SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
This P includes many responsibilities that can be implemented in sustainable tourism, and some are already happening. For example, if tourists do not throw away plastic bottles and recycle the hotels, then the sea will remain clean. As a tourist, you should also follow these practices, such as using public transport and choosing cycling or walking tours.
Furthermore, during your tour to any place, you should use your own reusable water bottles and shopping bags. Please do not disturb the animals or wildlife, and don’t hunt them. Also, do not demand daily changes of towels/linens in hotels unless you need them urgently. Use green-certified hotels with eco-lodge operators. Also, prefer local organic food instead of packaged.
The Third P is Prosperity
Who doesn’t want happiness? The UN is also working for this. In the 5 P’s of sustainable tourism, prosperity is not just for the environment and society, but should also bring long-term economic benefits. Well, in the tourism industry, sustaining its main purpose is that the income from tourism should not only be limited to big companies, but it should also reach the local level.
With this, we can also create sustainable jobs. The money tourists spend should directly benefit the local economy. The US sustainable travel market was valued at $66.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $116.5 billion by 2029. Also, in 2023, Kentucky’s tourism sector generated nearly $14 billion in economic impact and sustained around 100,000 jobs. This means that this SDG is practically working.
The SDGs in the Prosperity P are:
- SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy
- SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
Being one of the 5 P’s of sustainable tourism, what tourists can expect to do during their tours for this P? It can be a little tough for tourists to follow them. But to support prosperity, they can follow these guidelines:
- Staying in local guesthouses or boutique hotels instead of chain hotels.
- Don’t bargain so much that the local vendor loses.
- Buy fair trade certified products.
- Prefer community-based operators for adventure activities (hiking, trekking, diving, trips, etc.)
- Buy handmade crafts from Native American Artisans in New Mexico, if your tour is in the USA.
The Fourth P from the 5 P’s of Sustainable Tourism is Peace
Apart from sustainable tourism, there should be peace and cooperation between countries. CICA (Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia), which is a multinational forum, is also working on this. Tourism for peace should be used as a tool that promotes understanding and cooperation between cultures and countries among tourists.
This P includes the SDG 16 of the UN, which is also named Peace. When you go on tours to other countries, be sure to follow peace practices. You must set aside stereotypes and prejudices and stay open-minded. Behave in a friendly and respectful manner with local people. You can also attend cultural exchange programs and regional festivals. Show a positive image of your country by becoming an ambassador.
Did you know that tourism in Europe has greatly strengthened cultural and political cooperation? Its big and most suitable example is the Schengen Area. Additionally, religious tourism, like Hajj and Umrah, promotes cultural and spiritual peace. Events like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup bring countries together and send a message of peace.
The Fifth Pillar of 5 P’s is Partnerships
It is impossible to achieve any SDG goal unless two regions form a partnership. This is the last SDG of the UN, which is 17, titled partnerships. So, what does it mean in sustainable tourism? For this, governments, organizations, local communities, and tourists all have to work together.
The major includes the collaboration between international organizations such as UNWTO or UNESCO with local authorities. Cross-border projects also work here to promote eco-tourism. A recommended way is PPP (public-private partnerships) to create eco-friendly infrastructure like green airports, hotels, etc.
The US National Park Service has 400+ partners, and every year, around 300 million visitors visit these parks. Their entry fee and donations support the partnerships of the US National Park Service. According to UNWTO, partnerships and collaborations are the core drivers of sustainable tourism to achieve the 2030 SDGs agenda.
Tourists can support NGOs and community tourism projects financially, if capable. Becoming a volunteer with them also works for this. You can also support community-based tourism. This happens in Nepal and Peru, where tourists mostly book directly with village councils. You can also share your experience on social media platforms. Also, support “1% for the Planet” initiatives to sustain.
To glance up at the end, these 5 P’s of sustainable tourism are the core of the United Nations 17 SDGs. So, next time, whenever you get the chance to travel anywhere, if possible, follow these practices. This will not only enhance your experience but also support others. Remember, a tourist voice is a consumer pressure to influence policy-making. Happy sustainable travel!