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Sustainable Tourism by 2030 – How Can We Achieve the Goals Together?

Tourism is often considered the world's "happiness industry" – experiences, relaxation, discovering new places. But as planes fill up and hotels report record bookings, the downsides of mass tourism are becoming increasingly evident in many parts of the world: overburdened ecosystems, displacement of local communities, and the rapid depletion of natural resources.

These challenges are highlighted in a recent study published in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism, where Alexandra Lavaredas, Filipa Campos, Giovana Goretti Feijó Almeida, Francisco Dias and Paulo Almeida analysed over 6,200 scientific articles on sustainable tourism.

According to their findings, since 2015, only 2.6% of studies in the field explicitly reference the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This figure clearly illustrates that while the importance of sustainability is increasingly recognised, the alignment between scientific discourse and global goals is still in its infancy.

This is not just a scientific gap – it is also a warning. If the industry, researchers, and travellers do not align their efforts with global sustainability goals, tourism risks remaining a source of problems rather than part of the solution. However, the good news is that the goals are clear, the methods are available, and every stakeholder – from governments to accommodation providers to travellers – can contribute to making tourism a true driver of sustainable development by 2030.

Where is the focus – and where is it lacking?

Most scientific work focuses on SDG 12, which emphasises responsible consumption and production – such as waste reduction, resource efficiency, and prioritising local products. This is followed by SDG 8, which focuses on creating decent jobs and promoting economic growth, and SDG 17, which highlights the importance of partnerships. However, goals like SDG 13 (climate action) or SDG 14 (life below water) receive far less attention, even though the impacts of climate change and the state of the oceans are crucial for the future of tourism.

Where is the focus – and where is it lacking?

The balance of the three pillars

 Sustainable tourism is built on three closely interconnected pillars: the economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Economically, tourism must generate stable income that remains local and strengthens local businesses while creating fair job opportunities for community members.

Socially, tourism should preserve and enhance local cultural identity, foster community cohesion, and improve the quality of life for residents.

Environmentally, it is essential that tourism activities protect natural resources, reduce pollution, and maintain the health of ecosystems. When these three pillars are balanced, tourism can develop sustainably in the long term, offering visitors authentic and meaningful experiences.

The balance of the three pillars

What can travellers do?

Travellers can make a significant impact by consciously choosing local providers, thereby reducing the ecological footprint of supply chains and directly supporting communities. Avoiding overcrowded destinations helps relieve pressure on sensitive ecosystems, while prioritising sustainable accommodations encourages energy-efficient, water-saving, and waste-reducing practices. Additionally, opting for green modes of transport – such as trains, buses, bicycles, or public transit – also contributes to reducing environmental impact.

What can travellers do?

Tourism has a direct impact on achieving numerous SDGs – from job creation to preserving cultural heritage to mitigating climate change. In the coming years, industry players will have a key role in ensuring that tourism becomes a true driver of sustainable development rather than a barrier to it.

Sustainability is not an abstract goal but the sum of our everyday decisions. Every booking, every choice of destination, every euro or pound spent on local products can contribute to a better future. If tourism stakeholders – travellers, providers, and policymakers – act together in alignment with the 2030 goals, tourism can become not just a source of experiences but also one of the most important guardians of our planet and communities' future.

Lavaredas, A., Campos, F., Almeida, G.G.F. et al. Sustainable development goals in tourism research. Discov Sustain 6, 759 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01587-x. LINK

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