The world’s gaze has recently turned from the bush fires in Australia to efforts to contain a new form of corona virus in China. Such cataclysmic events have far-reaching effects on travel, and in turn give us cause to consider the impact of the travel choices we make. Against a baffling backdrop of populist politics and green washing, it’s fair to ask: ‘What does sustainable travel even mean?’ According to the World Tourism Organization, it ‘takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.’ As we explain in the foreword to our new book, Sustainable Escapes (more on that on p22), ‘in a nutshell, it’s tourism that delivers meaningful guest experiences and benefits locals without negatively influencing communities and the environment.’ Across my decade of editing Lonely Planet magazine, I believe we’ve lived these values, yet want to do more: our subscriber edition is now delivered in easily recycled paper envelopes; we off-set all our travel; and we’re arming you with ideas to reduce your footprint while travelling - I hope - in a more fulfilling way than ever before.
PHOTOGRAPH: STEVE RYAN, ROBERTO MOIOLA/SYSAWORLD/GETTY IMAGES, DANNY IACOB/SHUTTERSTOCK
Peter Grunert, group editor