The planet is currently experiencing a climate crisis. At Not In The Guidebooks, we recognise that all individuals and businesses have a responsibility to address global warming, and it is our vision that Not In The Guidebooks can play a part in protecting the environment for future generations.
Tourism, in particular, is on the front line of the fight against climate change in more ways than one. It is set to become one of the most heavily impacted industries on earth due to the effects of global warming.
As an industry we are set to face challenges including but not limited to: ski resorts losing snow, popular coastal areas becoming submerged, and a steep decline in biodiversity all over the world. These examples will result in a reduction in tourism in such regions, and it is the locals who live there set to be hardest hit, both economically and socially, by our ever-changing environment.
Whilst tourism is certainly a victim of climate change, we cannot overlook the part that the tourism industry plays as a contributor. As an industry it is responsible for around 8% of global emissions, putting the very regions it relies on, and the people who live there, under threat.
However, tourism makes up almost 10% of GDP globally, and employs hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Many of these people live in areas that are almost solely reliant on tourism to achieve social mobility and a comfortable quality of life. To simply call a halt to tourism may help reverse some of the negative environmental impacts it has on the planet, but it would be catastrophic for these communities.
It’s clear then that travel needs to change, and at Not In The Guidebooks, we recognise that fact. On this page, we’ll outline our commitments, both environmental and social, that are dedicated towards making travel benefit everyone – from travellers to locals, and future generations to come.
Our work is based on three core commitments:
