A greener wave of travel?

We have seen what happens to the Earth when we’re in limbo. What will it take to breathe the same fresh air and walk the same green pastures post the pandemic? Travel much more responsibly perhaps? It entails making mindful choices, starting with a green mode of transportation and eco-friendly accommodation and activities to knowing how to weed through eco-tourism greenwashing and looking for tour operators with a genuine plan. While single use plastic ban, safe garbage disposal and water conservation has been high on the agenda of many boutique properties and standalone homestays, it is much more binding upon both the host and the visitor to honour zero-waste practices in a post-Covid world. Says Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, Co-founder, Zostel, “The pandemic has provided a much-needed chance for introspection, for things needed to change from tourist boards, tour operators, accommodation and experience providers alike to reset and to look at how things can be better – for the planet, for local communities and for travellers.”

Green and bear it
Ratika S Ramchandran from Svasara Jungle Lodge, Tadoba, feels that those who were already committed to responsible tourism will stay committed to it with a deeper conviction and the ones sitting on the fence will be coaxed to join in the wave post this reset. She recommends three things --- reduce, reuse, recycle and highlights the need to, “Invest in renewable green energy sources, switch to eco-friendly guest amenity alternatives and commit to zero-waste operations.” From seeking green lodging certification to conserving natural resources, reducing waste, and lowering greenhouse gases, travel and hospitality brands are gearing up to match the sensibilities of today's eco-conscious travellers. “We are even exploring net-zero construction, repurposing materials for construction and Biophilic designs that mix natural with artificial like benches made from tree trunks, or stools made from old tires,” adds Chouhan.
Contactless wellness

There are bigger challenges ahead for the tourism sector. While stepping up their green quotient, hotels will also need to accelerate their investments in “no touch” technologies, such as biometrics, gesture controls, and automation, to personalise digital interactions while enabling social distancing. A post-virus vacation would mean checking into a super-sanitised zone where there is frequent disinfection of the elevator control panel and staircase handrails, deep cleaning of kitchen areas and buffet tables, and the provision of masks and gloves upon request. The idea is to bring health and wellness to the forefront through contactless technologies.
Micro wellness holidays
As part of a responsible recovery for travellers, travel experts recommend a reduction in the amount of air flights and opting for lower footprint ways to travel instead. Alternative and slow transportation such as trains and bikes, cultural immersion, vacation rentals, and off-the-beaten-path destinations will be on the radar for next year. Travellers will first venture out closer to home and visit their local eateries, stay regionally for a weekend getaway, or travel domestically before a robust demand for international travel returns. The fear of proximity between people and the need to avoid crowded spaces will play an important role. “Lockdown, the growth of mega-cities, stressed lifestyles are a global reality and people from the major metros may also be eager to slow down, reconnect with the natural world and feel grounding in the solace of the Himalayas or at a yoga retreat. One trend that may emerge post-COVID is more regional travel for shorter stays while long-haul travel may become, initially at least, less frequent but for longer duration,” says Marcus Cotton of Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, Nepal. Agrees Ramachandran, “New trends will evolve in food menus with visitors looking for less meat, vegan, and immunity boosting meals/dishes. Demand for immersive nature experiences, as its benefits such as reduced anxiety and stress have repeatedly been demonstrated.”