Unpacking Responsible Tourism
Written by: Lizzy Atwood Wills, Founder
I think we can all agree that if we could, if we knew how, we’d like to be better tourists. We’ve all seen the news stories about how tourist taxes are being put in place in destinations overwhelmed by visitors; or natural sanctuaries being destroyed by over-use; or the recent stories about locals in Spain getting so sick of tourists they started squirting them with water guns. If we are traveling to places we don’t live, we are tourists, let’s just own that fact, and these places aren’t “playgrounds”, as one author named it; it’s time to recognize that none of us are the exception to the rule. As someone who grew up in San Francisco, I know about the unruly, annoying tourists. No offense, if you've touristed there.
Many of us may think of responsible tourism as trying to make less of an impact. Fly less, use a reusable water bottle, try not to buy the fake souvenirs that were made overseas.
For me, responsible tourism is about creating positive impact. This can look like spending your dollars in under-touristed areas, actively avoiding the areas that have claimed negative impact from tourism, buying from & promoting small businesses, volunteering for a cause while you are abroad.
First and foremost, responsible tourism means connecting with locals. Going the distance to say, “hey, I want to connect with you, get to know you better, and see life through your lens.” How does tourism impact them? Do they count on tourism dollars to stay afloat? If so, you’ve found the right place to spend your time and resources.
On Meridian Boutique Travel's recent group tour through Portugal, we found the right place in a small town outside of Lisbon. Far off the beaten path, we enjoyed lunch with the Galapitos (Señor Galapito, the father, and his daughter and her husband, pictured above). A family business which serves local suckling pig lunches in their generational home, generously and graciously sharing their slice of life with visitors.
Despite almost cutting this activity from our busy itinerary, this was my absolute favorite moment of warmth, connection, and joy on our Portugal trip, and our travelers raved over the fun they had getting to know a local family. How simple, and still so powerful.
The family was charming and delightful. The food, from the soft cheese to the blood sausage, endless wine (thanks to our hosts never letting our cups empty), and of course the suckling pig served with orange slices, was incredible. The snuggly food-hungry dogs, and the port wine welcome from Señor Galapito himself were the sweetest cherries on top.
Turns out, as is often found when we take the time to listen, see a new perspective, and make the most of the moment, we had a lot in common. ☺️
If you'd like to learn more about Meridian Boutique Travel, we just released our exclusive, intimate tours for 2025! Join us in Mexico City in January, Portugal in May (women-only), and Japan in October.