It could be the ease and accessibility of modern-day aviation, the endless inspiration we receive from our social media channels or just a curiosity to see the world. More people are traveling to new places to learn about different cultures and explore the history of some the most beautiful places in the world.
Great travel also comes with great responsibility.
We can call it whatever you like — responsible, sustainable tourism, ethical, and eco-friendly globe-trotting, or to use a more trendy term,’slow traveling’ — many people are trying to find ways to make sure we tread carefully when we travel to new places.
This is something that Walks staff are passionate about. They are reflecting on it, as part of World Tourism Day.
“Personally, I believe that because we work in travel, we have an even greater responsibility to travel responsibly,” Nastja Konic (London Guide Manager for Walks of Italy parent Company Walks), “we must ensure that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy all of these beauty!”
Walking guests learn about the unique ecosystem of Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Responsible travel is promoted
How does Walks promote responsible traveling?
The company’s main strategy is to encourage slow, responsible travel and sustainable tourist. It has chosen local guides whose sole purpose is to help visitors feel a connection with the city. Many of us will develop an affection for the city, its residents, its culture, and its past by learning about its history and taking in its attractions, people, and culture.
Stephen Oddo (CEO and co-founder at Walks) says, “We are proud that our customers want more than just what is on the surface.” They’re not just checking off landmarks on a bucket list. They’re actually taking in the entire city, listening to its stories from locals, and then choosing to go deeper with our tours. We want to encourage respect for culture and responsible travel by helping visitors make a connection with the city, its people, and its history.
Walks also supports sustainable travel in other ways:
- Walking tours are conducted in small groups. The average tour group size for Walks is around 15!
- Local tour guides… who provide a connection to the culture and history of the area
- We offer an alternative to well-known attractions. Many of our tours are outside regular hours (such the Colosseum at night or After-hours at St. Mark’s Basilica).
- Promotion of local food and wine sellers Our local food tours and cultural experiences like our famous pasta-making classes encourage people to get off the tourist trail and try new local ingredients and produce offered by local merchants
- We are using the most recent technologies to make our offices paperless. There are many other creative ways that we are making this happen.
- Giving back the community Walks has supported many local charities, restoration efforts and sustainable travel organisations in many of our destinations. These include the American Institute For Roman Culture (Equavento), Vatican Patrons, and St. Fondation Patrimoine for Notre-Dame Fondation Patrimoine for Mark’s Basilica Conservation Fondation Patrimoine for San Francisco The Victorian Alliance of San Francisco
Our Walkers share eco-friendly travel tips
We asked staff in some of Walks’ stunning European destinations to share their experiences and tips for sustainable tourism.
Riccardo Betella, Product and Operations Manager, Venice
“Reducing paper waste from Venice”
“Here, in Venice we stopped printing coupons for attractions that use a barcode scanner. We encouraged our guides and to use those vouchers via their smartphones. It was a success! Even the most tech-phobic guides were happy with the changeover.
“Our coordinators no longer print client lists to facilitate “easy” coordinations. Instead, they use a special portal Walks created for coordinators on their smartphones. This is one small step, but a huge leap for humanity!
Riccardo’s favorite tours are available! Check out our picks for the best Venice tours from our staff!
Amehd Kamacho, Product & Operations Manager, Paris
‘Take walks!’
“Walking is the best tip to Paris. Paris is one the smallest capital cities of Europe. It would easily fit in London 15 times. You can easily reach most of the major attractions by foot. It is worth taking a walk or a walking tour through Paris with an experienced guide. It’s a great way to learn about the city. It is a long-standing tradition that the locals call ‘flaner’.
My top tips for tourists who want to make a connection with the city in an eco-conscious manner are: Visit the local markets for food. You’ll find many of them throughout the city, and all are full of organic and local options. For restaurants? Look for restaurants whose menus were written on a blackboard and not printed on one. They are more likely to update the menu frequently and include seasonal and regional items. Finally, like many European cities, you should always carry a reusable water container everywhere. Paris has made clean water available to all since Napoleon’s time. Every cafe and restaurant will fill your bottle for you at no cost.
Book one of Amehd’s favorite tours! Check out our top Paris tours on Walks!
Anastasia Vasileiou Product & Operation Manager, Athens
“Thinking local first”
Breaking the mold, connecting with nature, culture, and locals, is my number one priority when it comes sustainable travel. Walks is a tour company based in Athens, Greece. We hire local guides and coordinators who are able to provide accurate and concrete information about the area’s history, culture, and traditions.
“Another important aspect to our business is the belief in fair pricing for the exceptional services and products provided by the local merchants, artisans, and craftspeople we work with. Our Athens team loves to travel and stays in authentic, family-run hotels when necessary.
Join Ana on one of her favorite tours! Check out the top Athens tours here on Walks
Emanuela Laguardia, HR & Culture Manager, Rome
“Watch out for signs!”
“When in Rome… bring a reusable water bottle!” There are many fresh water fountains. Tourists are often unsure whether the water is safe to drink. If it is, there will always be a sign stating so. Don’t drink the water from the pool, but go directly to the source!
Enjoy one of Emanuela’s favorite tours! Check out the selection of top tours in Rome made by staff.
NastjaKonic, Guide Manager, London
“Shop sustainably and embrace the underground!”
“My top tip for London tourists? Avoid driving! London’s traffic jams can cause you to be stuck in traffic for several hours. This is not good for the environment. Instead, take public transport. Tourist-friendly is London’s underground. Many of the major attractions are located just beside the exits. You can find maps that will help you navigate the city. Once you aren’t too caught up in the excitement and take your time, it’s sure to be a lot of fun. You can also hire bicycles from the PS2 every day.
It’s easy to get caught up in the amazing fashion of London, but when you have the option to, shop for sustainable fashion. You will find many eco-friendly boutiques scattered around the city. Look for local (upcoming) boutiques by visiting independent shops. Avoid Oxford Street and shop at independent boutiques.
Enjoy one of Nastja’s favorite tours! Check out our top picks for the best London tours.
