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.

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. 

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?

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

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. 

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:

1. True Roots

2. Tread Lightly

3. Be a Good Neighbor

4. Travel Safely

5. Live in Harmony

6. Choose Local

7. 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.

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.