Tourism hypocrisy: sustainable travel is impossible in an unsustainable world

Talking about sustainable tourism while the rest of life remains unsustainable is, at the very least, inconsistent. Tourism is part of the same economic, social, and environmental dynamics that govern our daily lives, and it cannot be separated from them.

There is no such thing as truly “green tourism” in a context of excessive consumption, growing inequality, and global environmental degradation. Taking care of a protected area just for the photo, while ecosystems are being destroyed elsewhere on the planet, is a mirage that confuses more than it solves.

Sustainability is not just about adjusting the carbon footprint of a trip or reducing plastic use in a hotel. It requires rethinking the way we produce, consume, and relate to our surroundings. Without a profound transformation in the way we live, any attempt to “make tourism sustainable” will be just another patch on a system that continues heading toward collapse.

The conclusion is uncomfortable but inevitable: tourism will only be sustainable when life itself is sustainable. And until we accept this truth, we will keep traveling on fragile ground, believing we are protecting what we are actually continuing to degrade.

Here is a section I propose to include in the article that addresses how we could achieve a sustainable life, maintaining a journalistic tone:

How to move toward a sustainable life

When thinking about sustainability, the focus often falls on technological changes or isolated measures, but true transformation begins with a lifestyle culture. A sustainable existence requires rethinking our relationship with resources, prioritizing responsible use, conscious consumption, and waste reduction from the source.

It also means committing to local and circular economies, where products and services are produced and consumed nearby, reducing unnecessary transportation and strengthening communities. Energy must come from renewable sources, and the design of cities and homes should focus on efficiency and low environmental impact.

On the social level, a sustainable life demands equity: fair access to opportunities, respect for cultural diversity, and citizen participation in decisions affecting the environment. Without social justice, sustainability becomes a privilege rather than a right.

Ultimately, achieving a sustainable life is not an isolated individual act but a collective commitment that spans from public policies to everyday habits. Only with this foundation can tourism,and any other human activity, be sustained without consuming the very future it claims to protect.

Miguel Ledhesma