Planning your next holiday? Here are 5 ways to slow down and travel green, according to tourism experts

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Travelling can open people’s minds, expand their worlds and leave a lasting mark on their souls. It can also leave a similar – and sometimes sinister – mark on destinations and communities across the globe.

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In the pursuit of rest and escape, many of us give ourselves permission to indulge, disconnect and momentarily set aside everyday concerns, including environmental ones. But this mindset, multiplied across millions of travellers, can have a profound impact.

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The tourism industry is responsible for almost 9 per cent of the world’s total carbon emissions, an output increasing by 3.5 per cent each year, says UQ Business School sustainable tourism expert Associate Professor Ya-Yen Sun. It’s a confronting statistic that shows no signs of abating, adds her colleague Professor Sara Dolnicar.

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Yet, tourism, if approached with care, consideration and conscious planning, can be a force for good – economically, environmentally, socially and culturally, says UQ Business School tourism planning expert Dr Noreen Breakey. Once a niche market, slow and sustainable tourism appears to be gaining momentum.

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Tourism Australia’s Future of Global Tourism Demand report found two-thirds (69 per cent) of travellers considered sustainability an important factor when planning their holidays.

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Similarly, in a 2024 industry survey of more than 400 Australian tourism operators, 92 per cent said they had seen an increase in demand for experiential or ‘slow’ tourism – a movement that prioritises a mindful and unhurried approach to travel, focusing on meaningful experiences and cultural immersion. This growing trend makes it easier than ever for travellers to make responsible and ethical holiday choices while creating unforgettable memories.

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Applying their considerable knowledge and research expertise, Dr Sun, Professor Dolnicar and Dr Breakey from UQ Business School shared their top 5 tips for planning an ecologically effortless holiday. Let's break them down.

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Tip 1: Local knowledge is power.

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According to Dr Sun, slow tourism can lead to a more enjoyable travel experience, one where tourists are more likely to engage with locals. “By slowing down your travels, you’ll be able to foster deeper connections, have more conversations with locals and gain richer cultural insights,” she said.

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Dr Breakey says this local expertise can also help travellers make eco-conscious choices.“Visit a region’s official tourism website or swing by the Visitor Information Centre – this is where you’ll find up-to-date local knowledge and advice on the right thing to do,” she said. “For example, they may know if dining on locally caught fish can help support the local economy or if the fish is endangered and shouldn’t be caught.”

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Dr Breakey says local knowledge counters the questionable travel advice offered by some AI-authored guidebooks, ChatGPT, social media influencers and even Google search results. “Sustainability isn’t generally factored into their advice,” Dr Breakey said. “At best, these sources are trying to sell you something; at worst, they’re giving you concerning – even dangerous – travel advice. Trust the local experts.”

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Tip 2: Support the locals.

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Small purchasing changes can make a big ecological impact, even on holidays. Local engagement as a driver of environmental and economic growth is a key focus of Dr Breakey’s recent research with EcoTourism Australia. She says that buying local reduces product mileage and keeps money in the local economy.

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“Look out for local markets, farm gates and food stalls for an authentic – and eco-friendly – taste of your local destination,” Dr Breakey suggested. “Where possible, choose small businesses when it comes to booking accommodation, buying souvenirs and organising tours and transport. Even if you’re using a larger company, look for those that engage with locals, such as hiring local guides and using local suppliers.”

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Conscious spending is another way travellers can reduce their carbon footprint. “Rock-bottom cheap deals have to cut costs somewhere – so, the environment will pay, or local people will suffer, or employees won’t be looked after appropriately,” Dr Breakey explained. “If you want tourism companies to do the right thing and you want to have quality, environmentally responsible experiences, then you need to cover those costs. This doesn’t mean purchasing expensive options – often, local businesses are cheaper and offer great value, as well as local knowledge.”

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Tip 3: Small changes can make a big difference.

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Accommodation accounts for one-fifth of the tourism industry’s total global emissions, says Professor Dolnicar, an expert in making hotels more environmentally sustainable. In her latest research, Professor Dolnicar suggests that simple steps, such as making conscious choices regarding standard hotel room services, could make a significant difference.

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“Do you need a hotel room with a mini bar, single-use shampoos and conditioners, daily towels or daily room cleaning?” she said. “Doing away with these high-emission inclusions not only makes environmental sense but financial sense, too. Empowering tourists to choose sustainably can have the ability to spark industry-wide progress.”

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According to Dr Breakey, it’s important to be discerning when choosing travel providers. “Choose companies that take their environmental impact seriously and communicate what they’re doing about it,” she said.

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Top tip: Seek out reputable and certified companies, such as those listed in Ecotourism Australia’s Green Travel Guide, and verify the sustainability credentials of operators on popular travel booking sites such as Expedia, TripAdvisor and Booking.com.

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Tip 4: Watch your food waste.

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It’s not just hotel rooms in Professor Dolnicar’s sights, with the sustainable tourism expert also turning her attention to a staple of family holidays: the hotel buffet. Food accounts for 26 per cent of global greenhouse emissions and for 92 per cent of the Earth’s water footprint. In a previous field study, Professor Dolnicar tested ways to minimise plate waste.

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“In tourism and hospitality, consumers cause one-third of food waste by not eating everything on their plate,” she said. Mindful eating and portion control may work for adults, but her research found that children needed a more tangible nudge to do the right thing. “In our field study, we found each family member, on average, left behind 45 grams of uneaten food every time they had dinner,” Professor Dolnicar said. “When we introduced a stamp collection game, plate waste dropped to 31 grams per person, per day. Most importantly, the proportion of families that left absolutely no plate waste behind increased by 34 per cent."

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Tip 5: Explore your own backyard.

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Selecting destinations closer to home means less time travelling and more time relaxing, suggests Dr Sun. Forget missed connections and red-eye flights – domestic and regional holidays can be less stressful and more sustainable than long-haul destinations.

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Dr Sun led a 2024 study that found greenhouse gas emissions from tourism were increasing at double the rate of the rest of the global economy. “Air transport remains the biggest carbon challenge – the technology isn’t there yet to effectively minimise emissions. Instead of long-haul markets, prioritise nearby countries,” she said. Dr Sun also advocates exploring domestic destinations where holidaymakers can travel on public transport or in a low-emission vehicle.

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Top tip: Venture off the beaten track and explore hidden gems close to home, such as nature reserves, wild coastlines and historic country towns. It'll make for a memorable holiday experience with a minimal environmental impact.

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That's all for now. A big thank you to Professor Dolnicar, Dr Sun and Dr Breakey for sharing their tips and recommendations to help us travel green.

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You can read more UQ Business School research insights at business.uq.edu.au/momentum. Until next time!