What is sustainable tourism?
The UN World Tourism Organisation defines sustainable tourism as 'tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.'
In essence, it's all about respecting the communities and places we visit, and ensuring future generations can do the same — Bunnik Tours is grounded in a multi-generational love for exploring, after all!
Learn more: Principles of sustainable tourism
Why is it important?
From watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky to taking part in the traditional games of a local Andean village, travel isn’t just about taking a break. It offers a deeper opportunity to connect with the world around us. There’s nothing like standing at the foot of the pyramids of Giza for the first time or spotting the Big 5 on safari. Without responsible tourism, many of these sights and experiences might be lost for good. We’re passionate about not letting that happen.
Sustainable tourism not only benefits our wellbeing, but it can also generate new jobs and sustainable livelihoods, protect natural and cultural heritages, support biodiversity efforts, and promote cultural understanding and inclusion.
How do we support sustainable tourism?
Low-impact small group tours
Aside from being blown away by how much we pack into our adventures, the best part of booking with Bunnik Tours is knowing that you’ll be able to enjoy your destination as a responsible traveller.
With groups limited to no more than 20 people, and as low as 12 for some destinations, our tours are low-impact and don’t ruin the very places we go to see. Our itineraries also offer opportunities to venture off the beaten track, to visit local villages and take part in authentic cultural experiences.
Visiting a Maasai village in Africa by Chloe Marshman
Black ink calligraphy class in Japan by Eiko Mukaida
Involve local communities
We’re all about immersing you in an authentic travel experience which is why we aim to get to know the locals as much as possible. This includes staying in character accommodation, dining in local eateries, buying handmade crafts, seeing local performances of dance, music and theatre, just to name a few.
We also care deeply about playing our part to preserve cultural traditions and customs, supporting the communities who have welcomes us into their culture and giving you an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. This is why you’ll see our travellers learning how to make Jordanian cuisine in Amman, enjoying a traditional Sri Lankan lunch with a local family and hunting for truffles in Italy with a truffle hunter.
Learn more: Community based tourism
Truffle hunting in the Langhe Region, Italy by C Kelly
Local village lunch in Habarana, Sri Lanka by David Hein
Reduce our environmental footprint
Smaller groups are more adaptable, enabling us to steer away from the tourist path and towards less-visited areas, minimising our footprint and overcrowding. We’re also big on getting out and really exploring the places we visit. That means leaving the coach behind to travel on foot where we can and using a mix of transportation.
Donate to local charities
We believe in giving back to the incredible communities who share their way of life with us. We simply wouldn't be able to show you the world without them. For every Bunnik Tour booked, we make a donation to the following organisations that work tirelessly to advocate for and support disadvantaged communities:
- The Greenmanjaro Foundation: Empowering children to grow veggie gardens, plant trees and recycle for a sustainable Kilimanjaro region
- Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) and their Walk to Cure Diabetes program: Leading research, advocacy and community support for type 1 diabetes globally
- Carry for Kids: Promotes and educates airline staff, travel agents and travellers about how they can make a difference to the lives of underprivileged children
- Fred Hollows Foundation: An international development organisation working towards eliminating avoidable blindness.
- Tanzeed: A local Tanzanian charity that aims to change the lives of children in remote Tanzania through education
- Sri Lanka Community Projects: Supporting local Sri Lankan families by giving them the skills and resources to improve their livelihoods
We are proud to have raised and donated more than $100,000 to these vital community initiatives.
