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Hello ASTB friend!

We’re very proud of our ASTB community, which consists of leaders and visionaries from various parts of the world - in cities and rural areas. We recognize that the challenges you face are uniquely shaped by the distinctive environments in which you live and work.

Today, we’re drawing from various reports by UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) to look into the intricate impacts of tourism on both urban and rural communities.

We will also highlight key initiatives that serve as beacons of change in the pursuit of sustainable practices, as we remain committed to a solution-focused approach.

Sustainable Travel in Urban vs. Rural Areas: A Comparative Analysis

As the world continues to urbanize rapidly, it is crucial to examine the impact of travel and tourism on both urban and rural environments.

Sustainable travel is gaining momentum, and understanding the differences in priorities between urban and rural communities can help the industry develop tailored strategies.

The Urban Perspective: Sustainable Travel in Cities

The UN World Tourism Organization estimates that by 2030, over 60% of the world's population will reside in cities.

With this exponential growth comes a surge in tourism and its associated environmental impact.

In recent years, there has been a push towards sustainable travel practices in urban areas to mitigate these effects.

Case studies of successful sustainable travel practices in Asian cities have shown that implementing eco-friendly initiatives can bring about significant change.

»» Go deeper into the impact of urban tourism on the environment ««

Sustainable Initiatives in Urban Tourism

1. Eco-friendly accommodations »» Go deeper here

2. Sustainable attractions and activities »» Go deeper here

3. Public transportation and cycling services

Encouraging the use of public transport and providing bike-sharing services can reduce carbon emissions.

• Jakarta has been awarded the prestigious 2021 Sustainable Transport Award for its integrated public transportation system, the first Southeast Asian city to receive this recognition. The network includes Transjakarta, the world’s longest bus rapid transit system (BRT system) the city’s, spanning over 250 km; dedicated bus lanes that carry passengers around the city, angkot (public minivans), MRT Jakarta, and LRT Jakarta. This comprehensive network has transformed the city's transportation landscape.

• Bike-sharing services are also becoming increasingly popular in many Asian cities. Taipei's YouBike system, for instance, has successfully promoted cycling as a green mode of transport, contributing to the city's efforts toward sustainable urban mobility.

The Rural Narrative: Sustainable Travel in the Countryside

The UNWTO has recently released a report titled “Tourism and Rural Development: A Policy Perspective.” According to the report, sustainable tourism in rural areas has become a priority for many countries due to its potential to positively impact local economies, livelihoods, and well-being and preserve cultural and natural heritage.

Governments and local authorities have actively promoted this agenda by implementing policies and incentives, such as investment opportunities, infrastructure improvements, and entrepreneurship promotion.

»» Go deeper into the impact of rural tourism on the environment ««

Sustainable Initiatives in Rural Tourism

Amidst the challenges, rural areas are implementing innovative solutions to promote sustainable tourism. Sustainable initiatives such as ecotourism, community-based tourism, conservation efforts, and promoting local culture and traditions are being adopted to establish responsible travel in rural areas.

1. Conservation Efforts  »» Go deeper here

2.Promotion of Local Culture and Traditions  »» Go deeper here

3. Ecotourism and Community-Based Tourism

Ecotourism and community-based tourism are meaningful strategies to ensure that the tourist money goes to areas that need it. They provide opportunities for tourists to experience nature up close while contributing to local economies.

Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association (KCBTA) in Kyrgyzstan is a successful example of this initiative. KCBTA promotes rural tourism without harming the natural environment and local culture. The main objective is to support local communities and improve the living conditions of people in remote mountain regions.

When you're ready, there are two ways that we can help you:

1. Send your travel stories and news releases to [email protected] for coverage opportunities on Travel Asia Now. When you are ready to promote your brand, sponsored content or ads are always an option on the website.

2. If you're looking for support in your sustainability transition and/or communicating sustainability with your target audience, email the Sainha team at [email protected] 

→ The Sustainability Certification Program: Increase your sustainability credibility by gaining a globally-recognized sustainability certification.

→ Decode Asia: From clueless to marketing your brand with confidence to your target Asian travelers. Use our proven framework to unlock your growth opportunities in Asia.

→ Asia Accelerator: Level up your Asia-focused marketing. Accelerate your growth in Asia with forward planning including a one-day workshop for your team.

Or if you’d like to explore other collaboration ideas such as content collaboration, speaking engagement, or brand partnership etc., please email us at [email protected]