Mindful Tourism in the Thompson Okanagan: What, Why, and How?
Credit: Destination BC/Grant Harder
Location: Summerland
Region: Thompson Okanagan
With summer in full swing, the Thompson Okanagan region welcomes many tourists to discover spectacular views, captivating routes, and delicious cuisine. There is an abundance of exciting tourist attractions and businesses throughout the region, thus travellers around the world will experience bright and lasting memories.
While you are travelling, it is a great time not only to enjoy the true beauty of new local places, but also to contribute to the future of our planet and destinations by participating in sustainable initiatives and learning relevant "green knowledge" for your travels.
Credit: @tourismkelowna/@mattfphotography Location: Kelowna
Region: Thompson Okanagan
To help you turn into an eco-hero and a mindful tourist, we invite you to learn more about "Responsible Tourism" and how easy it is to practice.
What is Mindful Tourism?
Mindful tourism is aimed to minimize tourism’s possible harmful impact to the environment, social, and economic structures of local societies through sustainable actions. It is a unique concept in that most of the required actions to protect destinations are easily attainable by travellers regardless of their travel goals and experience levels.
Today, as the world faces social, economic, and environmental challenges, the tourism industry can have negative impacts when visitor activity exceeds the environmental capacity. In fact, we can witness it when small beaches are crowded with tourists and there is nowhere to put even the tiniest stone, or when fields of flowers do not bloom because people pluck even unopened buds. As a result, natural areas worldwide are at risk from uncontrolled conventional tourism.
Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain Location: Kelowna
Region: Thompson Okanagan
Why Mindful Tourism?
With these issues also comes many solutions and practicing mindful tourism can help solve said issues, contribute to the local economy, connect people to learn from one another, and protect local culture.
Thus, travellers who practice responsible tourism help to preserve the local nature and culture as well as inspire others to respect and improve the places they visit.
Now that you have seen all the benefits of Mindful Tourism, we know you are eager to get started. So, how do you practice mindful tourism you might ask?
Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain Location: Kelowna
Region: Thompson Okanagan
How to Practice Mindful Tourism
Mindful Tourism is practiced differently by each individual. The following examples can be used as inspiration when planning your next trip:
Transportation
Avoid planes or take non-stop flights to reduce your Carbon Footprint
Walk or rent fuel free modes of transportation where it is possible. For example, you can rent E-Kruise electric bikes in Kelowna and Penticton, or use the electric scooters located throughout multiple communities in the Thompson Okanagan
Accommodation
Choose eco-friendly hotels. For example, Cedar Haven Resort in Clearwater, Best Western Plus in Kamloops and many others
Do not change towels, and sheets every day
Exploring
When exploring outdoor trails remain on designated paths to avoid damaging surrounding vegetation
Utilize proper gear for activities like rock climbing to avoid damaging rock faces
Use lake friendly sunscreen to protect the marine life and eco system in the lake
Reduce Energy Use
Turn off the light, gadgets, and air conditioning when you leave a room
Avoid Single-Use Disposables
Try to use reusable bottles, mugs, shopping bags and containers for leftovers when possible
Say no to plastic
Recycle and compost when possible
Support Locals
Shop local food and artisan products for quality items and to support local businesses. For example, Klippers Organics Acres in Keremeos, Parlour Ice Cream in Kelowna, and many others
Avoid all-inclusive packages
Plan an Indigenous cultural experience with the Indigenous BC Trip Planner App
Respect Local Culture
Take care of heritage places
Leave no trace
Respect local culture and traditions. Enjoy the unique aspects of a community as you observe the local’s behaviours, cuisine, and gatherings. You can also take Indigenous tours and visit Indigenous businesses to learn more about the local Indigenous culture in the Thompson Okanagan and worldwide
Credit: Destination BC/Kari Medig Location: Penticton
Region: Thompson Okanagan
Of course, it can be a challenge to follow all steps, however, it is important to remember that even one reasonable action can make a positive change.
Mindful Tourism in the Thompson Okanagan
As the Thompson Okanagan region is a Biosphere Certified Destination, there are many opportunities for you to chose sustainable businesses as a way of practicing Mindful Tourism. There are 85 Biosphere Committed Companies throughout the region that have implemented sustainable methods into their business and stand for the planet’s future.
Credit: @_jordanmcgrath_ Location: Cathedral Provincial Park
Region: Thompson Okanagan
What is more, the Thompson Okanagan region has its own Pledge which honours the Indigenous philosophy of the 7 Generations, signifying that what we do today will impact 7 generations to come. The 7 Affirmations Pledge includes 7 significant affirmations:
True Roots
Tread Lightly
Be a Good Neighbor
Travel Safely
Live in Harmony
Choose Local
Educate Others
Each acts as a different practice one could implement in their daily life and while travelling. On your way to becoming a mindful tourist, you can sign the sign the pledge and officially recognize your commitment.
Credit: Destination BC/@miraecampbell Location: Chase
Region: Thompson Okanagan
Being a mindful tourist may sound daunting, but every effort counts when reducing the impact of tourists on destinations and the planet. Visit eco-friendly resorts, sustainable vineyards, farms, and many others that open their doors for travellers in order to help you take your own green steps. With a few considerations, you can be sure that Mindful Tourism is possible and that your trip will be filled with eco-benefits and good memories.
Written by
Aleksandra Stroganova
Aleksandra is an international student in Vancouver, BC. With a passion for sustainable travel development, she hopes to show people the beauty and importance of responsible travel and inspire them to start their own mindful journey.
