The post-pandemic rebound in travel has brought with it a surge in passenger demand, surpassing pre-COVID levels and reigniting concerns about the sustainability of tourism. Regina Domingo, a prominent advocate for sustainable tourism and founder of the Nakawe Project, believes that the era of reckless travel must end.
Domingo, who also runs Baja Adventures, a regenerative travel company, speaks candidly about the detrimental effects of this summer’s tourism on various destinations. While acknowledging the economic importance of tourism, she emphasizes the crucial difference between various types of visitors, locations, and businesses. Her organization works closely with communities in Baja California, Mexico, to help them protect their natural resources and transition towards sustainable livelihoods, moving away from the exploitative practices often associated with mass tourism.
With over 40 years of experience, Domingo has witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by unsustainable tourism practices. She points to the alarming increase in overseas travel, with the UK alone recording 86.2 million trips in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. This rapid industry recovery has led to heightened tensions with local communities, culminating in protests across popular destinations like Spain’s Balearic and Canary Islands.
Domingo criticizes the lack of progress in addressing the negative impacts of mass tourism, highlighting issues like the exploitation of wildlife for social media content. She argues that protests are not the solution; instead, a more structured and data-driven approach is necessary to combat the unsustainable practices that threaten fragile ecosystems and local communities.
The economic significance of tourism cannot be ignored. Data from the World Travel & Tourism Council shows that tourism accounted for over 15% of national employment in 44 countries in 2019. However, Domingo cautions against over-reliance on tourism for economic growth, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. She advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes the protection and restoration of ecosystems, cultures, and species.
Drawing on her experiences in Baja California, Domingo highlights the vulnerability of small businesses heavily reliant on mass tourism. This dependency leaves them susceptible to the consequences of unsustainable practices, such as the depletion of fisheries due to overfishing and pollution. She proposes redirecting resources towards research and scientific initiatives to better understand and manage these ecosystems.
Domingo believes that a shift in tourism marketing is crucial, emphasizing the fragility of destinations and promoting sustainable practices. While inclusivity is important, she argues that not every destination should be accessible to everyone, as this can lead to the destruction of fragile ecosystems, the erosion of culture, and unsustainable pollution levels.
In conclusion, Domingo calls for a fundamental change in how tourism is managed, emphasizing sustainability, ecosystem preservation, and cultural sensitivity. This shift is essential to ensure that the tourism industry contributes to the well-being of both people and the planet, instead of continuing to contribute to environmental degradation.
