Going Green – Ecotourism* and Sustainable Tourism** in Mexico

Michael Christodoulou asked:


Green is a word we constantly hear on a daily basis, and for a very valid reason. With all the environmental challenges that affect our planet, governments, companies and consumers are becoming more and more aware of the issues and the many ways to improve our current situation.

We all know that the Travel Industry is rapidly growing and at the same time changing. The impact it leaves on the tourist destinations and the planet in general is up to us and you, the travel consumer.

As a Destination Management Company, we at Olympus Tours are committed to promote and respect the most valuable assets Mexico has to offer: from the amazing diving in Cozumel, the spectacular turquoise waters and archeological sites of the Mayan Riviera and newly renovated Cancun, to Mexico City’s architecture and culture, and all the way to the perfect combination of Vallarta’s green mountains overlooking the Pacific, to the breathtaking sunsets of Los Cabos.

The following are some of the practices we implement as an Ecotourism and Sustainable tourism conscious company:

• Spread the financial benefits amongst local people and suppliers.

• Provide employment and leadership opportunities for local people.

• Respect and most importantly promote local customs and culture.

• Provide safe trips for our guests.

• Limit the physical impact of trips in all destination communities-particularly sensitive natural and cultural environments.

• Provide support to organizations and local communities.

• Promote opportunities for guests to interact with local people.

• Discourage the participation of our guests in activities which exploit animals – wild or domestic.

• Work to prevent the exploitation of children in tourism.

• Support and encourage fair employment practices.

• Promote activities and excursions with suppliers that share our philosophy on Social Responsibility – most of Riviera Maya tours, and some of Cancun tours offered are focused on Ecotourism.

• Recommend hotels and establishments with green practices – most of the hotels in Playa del Carmen and in general Riviera Maya hotels are eco-friendly.

• Recycle everything possible in all our offices through out Mexico

• Reduce energy consumption in all our offices.

We invite you to make a positive contribution to the sustainable future of travel, the environment, and local cultures and economies around the world.

make a difference:

be aware and respectful of the culture and traditions of the place you are visiting, as well as be conscious of how you can help protect any endangered species in the region you are vacationing. Here are some tips you might want to consider:

• Buy locally made souvenirs

• Help preserve local wildlife and habitats – do not damage flowers, plants or coral, and do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals.

• Do not have pictures taken of your self with animals of endangered species under captivity for commercial purposes such as monkeys, parrots and other exotic species.

• Use water wisely – showers instead of baths, and inform hotel staff if you are happy to re-use towels and linen rather than have them changed daily.

• Save energy – always turn off air conditioning, lights and TVs when not in use.

• Learn about the culture and customs of the areas you visit.

• Be sensitive about the cultural differences – in some cases very significant – of the locals

* What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is a type of Sustainable tourism that emphasizes conserving nature and improving the lives of local people in rural and wilderness areas.

** What is Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable tourism is not just limited to areas of ecological significance, but actively aims to reduce negative impacts in general for urban, rural, and wilderness areas. Sustainable tourism looks at the needs of the present, but also focuses on current actions that can reduce negative impacts in the long run. It promotes economic viability, socio-cultural sensibility, and environmental sustainability at destinations of natural and cultural significance in both mass tourism and various niche tourism segments.