Sustainable Tourism Practices: Protecting the Wonders of Boracay
With over 2 million tourists projected to visit Boracay in 2024, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the environmental impact that tourism has on the local communities. For frequent travelers seeking ways to minimize their ecological footprint, get to know how to integrate sustainable tourism practices for responsible travel.
Since Boracay re-opened to tourists, the island and its local government unit have prioritized sustainability to better preserve the environment and support the local communities. Now, travelers can experience an improved Boracay, while also being highly encouraged to contribute to the conservation efforts and practice thoughtful travel choices.
We’ll give you useful tips to minimize your environmental impact by incorporating sustainable tourism practices, how to support local communities while traveling, and recommendations for a hotel in Boracay during your stay.
Photo courtesy of Vic Alcuaza from Unsplash
Green Tourism: Best practices for sustainable travel
Let’s start with a definition: What are ‘green tourism’ practices? These are actions that lessen and even eliminate the negative impacts of tourism on the environment for its preservation and conservation, which also benefits the local communities and their economies.
Importance of sustainable tourism
For island destinations like Boracay, sustainable tourism practices are essential to maintain the local ecosystems, which are highly vulnerable to human activity. Since the 2018 rehabilitation effort, the island has made significant strides when it comes to restoring its natural habitats, beaches, and coral reefs.
A repeat of the island’s pre-rehabilitation state is sure to be prevented thanks to the Philippine government implementing new policies to regulate commercial establishments and businesses to improve the island’s waste disposal system and environmental management.
Ultimately, improving the island’s quality of life for the locals, along with the infrastructure and the natural environment that surrounds it, also benefits those traveling to the island. In maintaining this, tourism in Boracay would need to be enjoyed responsibly and have a conscious effort to help preserve the island’s natural beauty.
Photo courtesy of Hector John Periquin from Unsplash
The benefits of sustainable tourism
When Boracay visitors are highly encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, it can greatly yield a positive impact on the local community. Here are just some of the key benefits of sustainable tourism that travelers visiting Boracay should consider:
Environmental benefits
The primary benefit to sustainable tourism is the preservation of the natural resources and landscapes. When visiting the island, consider avoiding single-use plastics and follow cleanliness guidelines to reduce pollution. This also contributes to promoting wildlife conservation, helping protect marine life and coral reefs, as the most vulnerable ecosystems in island destinations.
Economic benefits
Sustainable tourism supports the local community’s economy by creating job opportunities. In Boracay, eco-friendly businesses like Alta Vista de Boracay, contribute to the local economy by prioritizing its products and employing its residents. This boosts economic growth all while preserving the island’s local culture and natural resources.
Social benefits
Sustainable tourism fosters the quality of life for the local community by highlighting its traditions and way of living. Travelers can explore and engage with the community, whether it’s by taking cultural tours or getting to know the local artisans and commissioning their services.
Boracay’s rehabilitation implemented considerable changes in 2019, which five years later has resulted in greatly improved infrastructure around the island. It essentially made the island a better place to live in for its residents and an even more enjoyable tourist destination for those seeking to visit Boracay.
Photo courtesy of RJ Baculo from Unsplash
Whether you’re visiting Boracay, or any other island destination for your next vacation, travelers have the responsibility to support their conservation efforts by continuously practicing sustainable tourism. These can start with small acts like bringing your own water bottles and utensils, picking up and disposing of litter properly, or choosing eco-friendly accommodations like Alta Vista de Boracay which contributes to Boracay’s long-term sustainability.
How travelers can contribute to sustainable tourism
It’s important to communicate our expectations for large-scale changes in the community or government policies to support our goals. Individuals, most especially frequent travelers, play a pivotal part in preserving any local environment.
Here are some of the practical ways you can minimize your environmental footprint during your visit to Boracay and any other island destinations:
1. Choosing eco-friendly accommodations
One of the first decisions any traveler makes is where they’ll be staying during their trip. Supporting eco-conscious green hotels is important to contributing to the outcome of the local environment. Choosing accommodation that is committed to environmental conservation practices such as waste reduction initiatives and support for local communities, help future generations enjoy the island for years to come.
2. Supporting local communities
What are the ways you can support the local community? When purchasing locally produced products, dining at local restaurants and participating in various community-led activities, travelers contribute to its growth and development while also sustaining the local economy and preserving the island’s unique culture.
When you visit, be sure to try activities in Aklan or even familiarize yourself with the Aklanon language, customs, etiquette, and history. Learning the roots of how a place came to be can elevate the entire travel experience.
3. Minimize environmental impact
Upon entering Boracay, visitors have a tourism fee to support local initiatives in maintaining cleanliness efforts on the island. Moreover, establishments and businesses are regularly inspected to ensure they’re doing their part to reduce waste and conserve natural resources and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Frequent travelers can support this initiative and reduce waste by carrying reusable water bottles, avoiding single-use plastic, and participating in community beach clean-up.
4. Engage in responsible wildlife interactions
While it’s known for its beautiful beaches, Boracay is also home to a diverse marine ecosystem. To protect it, travelers are encouraged to avoid participating in activities that could cause harm to wildlife and their environment.
Some activities may seem harmless, such as taking selfies or feeding the animals, but it can actually disrupt their natural habitat. Alternatively, travelers can consider these: Snorkeling, bird watching, or guided nature walks where you can appreciate the island’s beauty.
5. Opt for public or eco-friendly transportation
Opt to travel with eco-friendly transportation in order to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling. On the island, travelers can travel by electric tricycles (e-trikes), bike, or walk to get around on the island. When travelers choose low-impact transportation systems, they help reduce air pollution and conserve the island’s pristine nature.
Why Alta Vista de Boracay is ideal for sustainable travelers
For eco-conscious travelers who wish to sustain these values and are still looking for places to stay in Boracay, then Alta Vista de Boracay is one of the best choices out there. Alta Vista is committed to green tourism practices and continuously supports the local community and economy. Some of the most noteworthy actions are:
- Commitment to sustainability. Alta Vista de Boracay is committed to energy conservation efforts, waste management and reduction initiatives, as well as sustainable dining choices that ensures their guests can be comfortable in supporting the improvement and safekeeping of the island.
- Eco-friendly amenities. Hotel guests can enjoy the well-designed, sustainable facilities for any of their vacation activities at the heart of Boracay, where you can take a nature walk amongst the very fauna you’re preserving. Expect to encounter a troop of monkeys native to the island, but be sure to keep a safe distance! You can consult the concierge if you’d like recommendations on a local guide to your hike, along with other nature-focused experiences.
- Support for local communities. Apart from contributing to the local economy, Alta Vista de Boracay aims to boost the local community by promoting businesses that are truly Boracay-made. Ask the front desk for recommendations on local artisans and businesses to visit.
Experience a luxurious and elevated stay all while contributing to Boracay’s sustainability effort. Take it from the positive reviews Alta Vista has received from its guests.
For more information on Alta Vista de Boracay, visit their website, Facebook, and Instagram accounts for more exciting news.