Sustainable tourism is the present and future of tourism for those who truly care about the world they live in. It is the opposite of classic mass tourism, which sees millions of people traveling each year to the same “tourist destinations par excellence” in cities, by the sea, in the mountains, or by the lake, often generating harmful tourist overcrowding (overtourism) for the environment, inhabitants, monuments, and local services.

 
By applying the principles of sustainable tourism, it is possible to maintain a balance between sharing one’s “local riches” with the world and preserving them for future generations, increasing the quality of life for residents, and making tourist experiences unique and unforgettable.
Tourism should not and cannot be synonymous with pollution, disproportionate increases in prices and cost of living, environmental degradation, nightlife, the pursuit of luxury, and comfort at all costs, and loss of identity and traditions.
On the contrary, the true tourist is the one who contributes to preserving and supporting the culture and natural and architectural beauties of the places he/she chooses to visit, ensuring to taste them with care and respect.

 
Global tourism accounts for about eight percent of greenhouse gas emissions. This percentage takes into account air transport as well as other significant environmental and social impacts that are not always beneficial to local communities and their economies.
Tourism development organizations are promoting sustainable tourism practices to mitigate the negative effects caused by its growing impact. 

Indeed, all forms of tourism have the potential to be sustainable if planned, developed, and managed properly.