Beyond Mass Tourism: Adopting a Greener, More Ethical Way to Travel

Radical change at all levels of the tourism industry is no longer an option or a vague topic of discussion. Concrete actions and a change of narrative must now be prioritized.

What is sustainable tourism?

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) defines sustainable tourism as: « Tourism that fully considers its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, meeting the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities. » (GSTC)

This involves reducing waste, conserving energy, protecting local cultures, and ensuring that tourism revenues support local economies rather than depleting them.

More importantly, sustainable tourism involves all stakeholders in the travel industry to ensure long-term sustainability. Raising awareness of these issues is ineffective for travelers if local operators, travel agencies, or policymakers do not promote responsible practices.

The Switchers: Champions of Sustainable Tourism

In the Mediterranean, The Switchers, an initiative that connects green entrepreneurs from across the region, demonstrates how businesses can transform any sector, including tourism, by prioritizing sustainability. Here are three inspiring examples of alternative tourism:

Maison Traditionnelle Akham (Algeria): A cultural retreat in the M’Zab Valley

In Algeria’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed M’Zab Valley, Les Bâtisseurs des Oasis highly recommends Maison Traditionnelle Akham, a sustainable guesthouse in Ghardaïa. The hotel offers travelers panoramic views of palm groves, traditional meals, and cultural activities such as guided tours, ensuring that tourism spending directly benefits local communities while preserving the 11th-century heritage. Combining comfort and authenticity, the guesthouse is a gateway to the region’s ancient oasis cities, illustrating how tourism can preserve ecological and cultural heritage. (read the article)

The Green Tourism Movement in Lebanon: Sustainable Exploration

Founded in 2006 by Mark Aoun, Vamos Todos is a Lebanese ecotourism NGO dedicated to showcasing Lebanon’s natural beauty while promoting sustainable development. Born out of Aoun’s passion for nature and his vision to reshape Lebanon’s post-war identity, the organization combines outdoor adventures—such as hiking, cycling, and rural tourism—with environmental education. By engaging tourists and locals in nature-friendly activities, Vamos Todos strengthens the local economy, protects ecosystems, and instills pride in Lebanon’s natural heritage. Its inclusive, community-based approach encourages participants to rethink sustainable development through enjoyable and eco-friendly experiences. (Read the article).

An Oasis of Sustainability:

Egypt’s Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary Ehab El-Sayed and his family settled in Egypt’s Siwa Oasis in the early 2000s, pioneering sustainable hospitality long before the region gained international recognition. Building on their parents’ legacy as owners of the Taziry ecolodge, Ehab and his brothers launched Talist Siwa in 2011, transforming part of their 16-hectare organic farm into an intimate eco-retreat.

Blending rustic charm with community practices, these family-designed lodges feature rooms named after their guests rather than numbers, fostering a personalized, family-friendly atmosphere.

Talist Siwa prioritizes cultural immersion, collaborating with locals to offer guided excursions, sourcing traditional crafts from the women of Siwa, and incorporating regional products such as artisanal bread.

While expanding from 16 to 24 rooms, the El-Sayed family is committed to preserving the site’s serene and unique charm, attracting travelers drawn to Siwa’s tranquil lakes and mountain vistas. Their model, amplified by media and film, has helped position Siwa as an accessible and sustainable destination, proving that ecotourism can thrive while respecting heritage and ecology. (Read the article)

Why is sustainable tourism important?

The tourism industry has an undeniable impact on the environment and local communities. Unsustainable practices contribute to deforestation, excessive waste, water shortages, and the destruction of cultural sites. Conversely, sustainable tourism:

Protects natural resources: encourages responsible water use, waste reduction, and energy efficiency;

Strengthens local communities: ensures that tourism revenues remain in the destination, benefiting local businesses and residents;

Preserves cultural heritage: supports indigenous traditions, crafts, and skills by integrating them into the tourism experience;

Reduces carbon footprint: encourages green transportation, renewable energy, and low-impact accommodations.

How can we travel more sustainably?

As a traveler, you can contribute to more sustainable tourism by:

• Choosing eco-friendly stays: Support hotels and guesthouses that adopt eco-friendly practices. See the list of our partners active in sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean by following this link. You can also search for GSTC-certified accommodations.
• Respecting local cultures – Discover local customs, buy from artisans, and participate in ethical tourism experiences.
• Reducing waste – Bring a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics.
• Using sustainable transportation – Take the train, bus, bike, or walk instead of flying whenever possible.
• Supporting sustainable tourism initiatives – Look for tour operators and destinations that prioritize environmental and social responsibility.