This guest blog is by Irene Lane, founder & president of Greenloons.com.
Have you noticed how companies of all sizes are touting their local credentials these days? Whether you are shopping at your local supermarket or deciding on your next vacation destination, advertisements are replete with images of locally sourced fresh food or locally guided unique vacation services.
And why not? “Buy local” and “local first” campaigns are speaking to our fundamental values to help our local communities before purchasing goods and services provided by large conglomerates. However, in an effort to align with our ideals, some corporate localwashing has also surfaced within the ecotourism industry since the eco-traveler is one that seeks an authentic connection with people and nature. Examples of localwashing by ecotourism businesses include ones that:
- emphasize local guides and services only to be foreign owned and managed
- do not purchase any local items such as produce, raw building materials, crafts or furniture but advertise as authentically local cultural experiences
Rather than agonizing over online reviews, guide books and definitions of local-sourced and sustainable tourism; instead use these five planning tips that will help quickly evaluate the local merits of your vacation:
- Look for legitimate eco-certification labels
- Choose travel suppliers that support local communities in multiple ways
- Support tourism providers that specifically offer locally produced items:
- Choose activities that emphasize environmental awareness
- Search for opportunities to immerse yourself in local cultural traditions
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
What’s your dream trip? Find it at TravelDragon.com
What’s TravelDragon? It’s travel specialist Kathy Dragon’s rolodex of the best in the biz. Insider information on where to go, what to do, and who can help you experience it better, that’s what it is. It’s all my favorite travel companies, and a few new ones, wrapped up in one user-friendly search engine. Thank you, Kathy!
Curating a searchable portfolio of unique tours, excursions, and accommodations by exceptional travel providers from around the world, TravelDragon.com enables you filter you choices by comfort level, exertion level, price, group size, green commitment and more.
“I’ve been traipsing around the world designing and leading tours, living and working around the world, meeting with guides and exploring hotels, restaurants, routes and companies for decades. Friends and friends of friends are always interested in the best recommendations around the world,” says Dragon. “TravelDragon is designed to further that network of travelers you trust and help you to find the types of trips to the destinations you are looking for with all the information you need to narrow your decision.”
What TravelDragon has done is handpick a collection of the highest quality tour operators, properties and associations worldwide who offer experiential travel opportunities. Whether they specialize in adventure, culinary, family, volunteer or nature travel they are experts in connecting you with a destination in an authentic and intimate way.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".