What does environmental sustainability primarily focus on in the context of tourism?

Environmental sustainability in the context of tourism primarily focuses on looking after the areas people travel to. This approach emphasizes the importance of preserving natural resources, protecting wildlife, and maintaining the integrity of the environment that attracts tourists. Sustainable tourism practices aim to minimize the ecological footprint of travel and ensure that destinations can continue to be enjoyed by future generations without degrading the landscapes, ecosystems, or cultures that make them unique.

This focus on protection and preservation often involves implementing responsible methods of managing tourism, including waste management, conservation efforts, and promoting eco-friendly practices. While promoting local businesses, increasing tourist numbers, and developing attractions are relevant to tourism, they do not directly align with the core principles of environmental sustainability. These aspects can sometimes even lead to negative impacts if not managed sustainably, highlighting the central importance of caring for the environments to ensure a sustainable future for tourism as a whole.