An ethical revolution in tourism

Tourism has a bright future ahead of it. The development potential of its ecosystem is still highly exploitable, if recent studies and figures for the sector are to be believed. One of the latest trends, ecotourism, appeals to the eco-consciousness of holidaymakers and service providers alike. What about it? Answers.

It's the trend of the decade. If not for much longer. As things stand, our planet's future is on borrowed time. We've lost count of the number of "overshoot days" calculated by the NGO Global Footprint Network, indicating the date by which humanity has consumed all the resources the Earth is capable of regenerating in one year.

Conscious of the urgency, many of us are adopting new practices, and calling on our collective intelligence; the end goal: to behave more ethically, for the health of our planet, for its duration and for the good of all its inhabitants.

No sector escapes it, and the trend is only set to accelerate. Whether it's fashion, means of transport, cooking or housing, mankind is beginning to drastically change its methods in a more "eco" logic.

Leisure has its fair share of the human ecological bill, just like the many other engines of our comfort. And tourism, in its most original essence, sports a thick line on the bill. The carbon footprint of air travel, the over-consumption engendered by cruises and the influx of tourists into fragile, unspoiled areas are increasingly under the spotlight. The impact is too great and does not bode well for the future.

Some forerunners, such as Cévéo, have been working in the spirit of "responsible" family vacations for some twenty years now. With its ten or so campsites and vacation homes in mainland France, the company has given itself a common thread, a leitmotiv.

Far from being restrictive, the specifications for success are comprehensive. It begins at the company's head office, where we "distribute an isothermal flask to each new employee to limit the use of plastic bottles", confides Alain Peckeu, president and founder. "There's no such thing as a small effort" he adds.

The catalogs, printed and distributed in tens of thousands of copies, are, wherever possible, produced in an eco-responsible way. The same goes for travel, favoring carpooling as much as possible by grouping employees. It's a well-established reflex, and has been for years; even if, unfortunately, we have to break the rule and be flexible when the constraints are too heavy.

This state of mind extends especially to regional establishments. In a field where recruitment is frequent, and turnover high, seasonal workers are made aware of the importance of this issue as soon as they arrive. A welcome booklet is given to them, summarizing Cévéo's commitment, and the best practices to adopt in terms of ecology.

And this extends to the field.

Partnerships with certain local suppliers, the use of biodegradable sanitary products based on essential oils, limiting water and electricity consumption (some of the latter comes from renewable energy sources, and timers are installed), setting up water recuperators and using recycled paper ... are just some of the major points of this commitment.

Well beyond that, respect for the natural environment, sorting and prevention in the broadest sense call on everyone's common sense, in a collaborative spirit.

And it works, and even reaches the private domain of some employees, who, seduced by the approach, change their habits and try to reduce their ecological footprint.

Customers, for their part, are increasingly attracted by a modest and benevolent initiative. Inviting guests to enjoy simple vacations, to take advantage of local products without depriving themselves, while reducing their impact on the planet, Cévéo has managed to make its mark, and regularly gathers testimonials from holidaymakers sensitive to the group's virtuous values.

As part of its many efforts in terms of ecology, Cévéo can boast of having obtained the European Ecolabel for six of its establishments. In an upward phase, the operator has recently announced its intention to have its recent acquisition at Bois d'Amont (Jura)certified.

Some visuals may have been subject to retouching.