Did you know, the best eco-practices for responsible travel are on the rise? Therefore, eco-friendly travel in Kenya is in relation to sustainable tourism. Responsible travel in Kenya is a top priority for the tourism industry.
With every experience taken with Naicef, you contribute to sustainable environmental and local community programs.
Imagine the next generation poses a question of, ‘Why doesn’t this attraction look as beautiful as it once did from pictures?’
All because eco-friendly measures weren’t implemented strictly.
God forbid!
When travelers choose responsible travel, they get motivated to be responsible travelers.
In this article, let’s see the eco-practices to be carried out by tour operators, hotels and professionals.
Benefits of Implementing Eco-Practices in Kenya
The benefits of implementing eco-practices in Kenya include
1. Community development: Supporting the local community is a major benefit of eco-friendly practices. This is because it will improve their livelihood.
2. Economic improvement: The more eco-conscious tourists arrive in Kenya, the more Kenya’s economy thrives.
3. Environmental conservation: Responsible tourism practices conserve Kenya’s biodiversity and natural resources.
4. Long-term sustainability: Sustainable tourism in Kenya ensures businesses operate for the long term. Therefore, it can also keep pace with climate change trends!
Eco-Practices For Tour Operators
Tour operators should be on the front line to champion sustainable tourism in Kenya.
Some of the eco-tourism practices include;
1. Guest Education
To encourage responsible travel in Kenya, tour operators should inform visitors about sustainable travel practices.
The eco destinations in Kenya are fragile; thus, tour operators should adopt a ‘Leave No Trace’ principle.
2. Community Involvement
Tour operators should involve the local communities in their operations.
This in turn promotes sustainable tourism because tourists can, with respect, interact with the local communities.
Additionally, supporting local community projects makes the community trust the tour operators.
Therefore, this will ensure the tour operators are sustainable for the long term.
3. Reduce Carbon Emissions
This is one of the best eco-practices for responsible travel for tour operators.
Tour operators can reduce their footprint by using carbon offsetting to compensate for the excess emissions.
In terms of transportation, tour operators are urged to use sustainable transportation in their operations.
Additionally, electric vehicles can be used during game drives as an eco-friendly travel option.
Also, creating shorter trips focused on hiking and cycling is a great way to implement responsible travel.
4. Partner with Eco-certified Accommodations
Tour operators should consider partnering with certified eco-lodges in Kenya.
This creates credibility for the tour operators towards the tourists.
In turn, travelers will recognize that tour operators choose the best eco-friendly accommodations for them.
Furthermore, partnerships are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) which are essential for any tour operator.
5. Cultural Sensitivity
The operators must educate their clients on how they interact with Kenyan culture.
This promotes sustainable tourism in Kenya in that there is respect for the culture, creating long-term relations.
6. Responsible Wildlife Viewing
The tour operators need to ensure tourists are well informed about respecting wildlife habitats.
Therefore, well-laid-out rules need to be included and also reminded during the game drive.
This act ensures responsible travel since tourists view wildlife without disturbing the habitat.
Eco-Practices for Tourism Professionals In Kenya
Tourism professionals aren’t left behind in the topic of sustainable tourism in Kenya.
They too can implement green practices for eco-friendly travel in Kenya.
The best eco-practices include
1. Responsible Consumption and Production
As a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, this practice involves minimizing the use of resources that respect the environment.
Moreover, this practice promotes sustainable lifestyles by reducing future economic, environmental and social costs.
Therefore, tourism professionals should adopt sustainable procurement practices when purchasing goods and services.
2. Training Staff
If the staff aren’t familiar with responsible tourism practices, then implementing them in their work will be difficult.
So, the staff needs to get the right training for that.
The staff needs to sign up for courses that educate on sustainability and green practices.
This will enable the clients to handle operations effectively.
Furthermore, involving the staff in programs like Sustainable Travel and Tourism Africa (STTA Kenya) forums gives them the passion to be more sustainable at work!
3. Community Involvement
As seen above with the tour operators, the professionals should involve themselves with the local communities.
Additionally, engaging with local stakeholders is a good eco-practice that fosters good relations.
4. Green Marketing
This is one of the sustainable tourism practices in Kenya that attracts eco-conscious consumers.
In maintaining eco-friendly business standards, there is a need for responsible business practices throughout the company.
Tourism products need to be promoted as environmentally friendly indicating their benefits to the consumers.
Through green marketing, there will be a growing demand from eco-conscious tourists. This is because consumer demands will be met.
5. Green Financing
Projects that enhance sustainable tourism in Kenya call for funding.
Now, that is where green financing comes in, which makes the adoption of green practices easy.
These eco-friendly practices for eco-friendly travel in Kenya include
- Electric vehicles
- Biodiversity protection
- Renewable energy projects
Eco-Practices For Travellers In Kenya
The current trend for travelers is seeking eco-friendly travel and to practice responsible travel.
How can travelers practice responsible travel in Kenya?
Read below to find out
1. Respect Wildlife and Its Habitat
Travellers need to ensure they follow the guidelines given by tour operators to avoid disturbing the wildlife habitat.
2. Respect local culture
It is advisable to know about people’s culture to avoid disrespecting the host community culture.
Moreover, ask the host community what to do in times of uncertainty to avoid hostility.
3. Choose Eco-friendly accommodations
It is advisable to choose eco-rated accommodations that practice sustainability.
From their operations, it will motivate a traveler to be mindful of their stay and carry the practice home.
See the best safari camps and lodges in Kenya!
4. Reduce Waste
In protected areas such as parks, avoid the use of single-use plastics.
If it’s water, carry it in a reusable bottle. Also, dispose of waste responsibly.
At the entrance of Meru National Park, you are welcomed with signage of zero tolerance for plastic.
5. Offset Your Carbon Footprint
Consider purchasing carbon offsets to compensate for your travel emissions.
6. Support Local Businesses
Consider purchasing beautiful souvenirs from the local businesses.
These beautiful crafts are a reminder of the beautiful memories in Kenya.
7. Choose Eco-friendly transportation
For a different experience, either in a protected area or a historical site, travelers can experience the attraction on foot.
Examples are
See more in the best safari travel blog in Kenya!
Not to mention, there are nature trails inside the parks and reserves that encourage walking and cycling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, from the best guide on Eco-Practices for responsible travel, we see the categories that need eco-practice.
For a call to action, tour operators, travelers and professionals must adopt eco-practices for a sustainable future of their operations.
The time is now, to implement these practices and be open to sustainable and innovative opportunities!
Let’s create a sustainable future for our generations!
