Canadians love to travel – abroad as well as in their own country. In 2003, 5.1 million Canadians vacationed outside Canada and the US compared with only 3.3 million in 1993. The top five international travel destinations for Canadians were Mexico, the U.K, France, Cuba and the Dominican Republic; Canadians spent over $3.1-billion traveling to these places in 2003. 2 These locations offer many attractions, but they also come with an environmental cost. Air travel produces a lot of greenhouse gas emissions. For example a tourist flying from Edmonton to Havana, Cuba, a round-trip distance of 8,538 km, would produce 0.94 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. 3

Traveling in Developing Countries

Tourism in developing countries does not always bring benefits to local people, their culture, or their economy. For example, staying in resort-style facilities, which are often walled or fenced off, may actually diminish the local culture and surroundings. In developing countries, large amounts of funding are sometimes allocated to tourism projects at the expense of local development projects and programs. Local residents may be employed in the tourism sector, but wages tend to be low and the best jobs are often reserved for foreigners.

Ecotourism can offer an environmentally sustainable opportunity for tourists and locals alike.

Be sure your vacation activities do not damage the local ecosystem and social structure. Coastlines, sensitive natural areas, local landscapes and buildings, and ways of traditional life can be forever altered by tourism. To make extra revenue, irresponsible tourist operations may allow natural sights to get overrun with people. Educate yourself on where you are going and how you can make sure you are contributing to and not diminishing the local quality of life – which may be part of what you went to experience in the first place. Even so-called "ecotourism" operations should be carefully scrutinized to ensure they are acting responsibly. Do a web search on "ecotourism" or "responsible travel" to see what's out there before you make your plans.

Did you know? Responsible Tourism

• Stay at local lodgings.
• Experiment with local food.
• Use public transportation whenever possible.
• Explore the local markets and avoid commercial tourist shops.
• Participate in ecotourism activities. They will give you a genuine perspective of the surroundings and have little impact on the environment.
• Travel in the spirit of humility and fill yourself with a sincere desire to meet and talk with local residents.
• Be aware of the local peoples' feelings and do not behave offensively.
• Realize that other cultures may have different concepts of time and thought. Do not believe yours to be superior. Accept diversity.
• Learn and respect local customs.

Source: Ellen Goodman, New Road Map Foundation Newsletter (excerpted from "Stepping Lightly, Simplicity for people and the planet" by Mark A. Burch

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Be a Canadian Explorer!

Tourists spent $52.1-billion in Canada in 2003, with Canadians accounting for more than two-thirds of this spending.4 Vacations closer to home expand your appreciation of local culture and environment and they support the local economy. Also by vacationing locally you will travel less, use less energy and generate fewer greenhouse gases. For vacation ideas closer to home, visit Travel Alberta and Travel Canada websites.

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2. Source: Canada Tourism Commission at http://www.canadatourism.com/ctx/files/Research_Files/F_F_Brochure2003_E.pdf
3. Source: http://www.futureforests.com/calculators/flightcalculatorshop.asp
4. Source: Canada Tourism Commission at http://www.canadatourism.com/ctx/files/Research_Files/F_F_Brochure2003_E.pdf