World Oceans Day is celebrated on June 8th honouring the immense blue expanse that sustains life on Earth. Raising the awareness of the critical role oceans play in our ecosystem that celebration highlights the urgent need for their protection and restoration. From biodiversity to climate regulation, the oceans are our lifeline, deserving of reverence and conservation.
After all the oceans are not just vast bodies of water however they are gateways to adventure, wonder, and discovery. For the travel and tourism industry, they are invaluable treasures, offering endless opportunities for exploration and rejuvenation. From pristine beaches to exotic islands, from vibrant coral reefs to majestic marine life, the oceans provide the scenery for unforgettable experiences. They inspire awe, ignite curiosity, and tempt travellers, nature enthusiasts and explorers to embark on journeys of a lifetime. In their depths lie stories untold and dreams waiting to be realised, making the oceans an indispensable cornerstone of the travel and tourism industry.
According to World Economic Forum, “Coastal Tourism relies on a healthy ocean to provide clean water and beautiful coastlines. As a backdrop for activities such as diving, snorkelling, and whale and dolphin watching, the ocean generates significant revenues for destination communities and enriches travel experiences for nature lovers.”
TTI initiated to document the invaluable opinions of the industrialists for whom the vast water bodies are more than simply water.
In a conversation with Ratna Chadha, India Representative, Royal Caribbean, mentions, “Oceans connect people, countries and cities just like any other service provider, so it’s a tremendous catalyst for tourism. I am in Portugal on a cruise ship as I write, and Lisbon with 2 million people, receives tourism on cruise liners to the tune that’s unmanageable for them. So you can imagine, with a country like ours with multiple ports, tourism can catapult to a level that can boost economy, employment with tremendous multiplier effect.
Furthermore, she continues to share her views on her organisation’s intent on promoting sustainability during the voyages. “Sustainability is now part of life, in every sphere therefore cruising is no different. Just like hotels request guests to help them conserve water, energy etc, so do the cruise lines. One needs to be mindful of the fact, it’s a collective effort that will make the difference . So things like, green fuel, more efficient propelling systems to efficient eco friendly anchoring systems that helps the environment, to more prosaic services like, water conservation, using alternatives to plastic, are now part of the daily norm for cruisers. The Royal Caribbean group under its ‘Save the waves’ Program, has very stringent parameters set in place, for all its vessels to share to. They believe in saving the environment that gives them their livelihood.”
While acknowledging Chadha’s comments one can vouch that indeed oceans require the recognition of the damages caused by the human race and its ways. Ocean pollution from travel and tourism encompasses a range of sources, including cruise ships, recreational boating, and coastal development. According to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), cruise ships alone contribute significantly to marine pollution, emitting large amounts of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Additionally, the improper disposal of waste, including plastics, chemicals, and sewage from both cruise ships and recreational boats, further exacerbates ocean pollution. Coastal development for tourism infrastructure often leads to habitat destruction, runoff of pollutants into marine ecosystems, and disruption of natural habitats. While precise statistics may vary, the World Economic Forum estimates that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight if current trends continue, with tourism being a significant contributor to this problem.
While speaking to Vu Cong, vice president of Jandec Travel, raises the subject and states, “As sea tourism has long been a strong trend, it is evident that the ocean plays a pivotal role in encouraging tourism due to its beauty, economic resources, and ecological significance. Tourism has a special, two-way relationship with the environment, especially the marine environment. The quality of the environment is essential for the success of tourism, as it often attracts visitors to a destination and persuades them to return.
The ocean offers stunning natural landscapes, from beaches and coral reefs to large islands, attracting millions of tourists. These destinations are not only places for relaxation but also ideal environments for underwater recreational activities such as diving, surfing, and kayaking. Moreover, the ocean is a major source of fresh and diverse seafood, enriching the culinary experiences of tourists in coastal areas.
JANDEC Travel, along with its ecosystem of yacht systems and seaside restaurants, is developing sea tourism with the dual goal of protection and offering products for tourists. We create unique packages that encourage tourists to explore new, less crowded, and pristine coastal areas like Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. We also emphasise the importance of experiencing sea tourism while protecting the marine environment, from simple actions such as not littering to preserving coral reefs and marine habitats.”
Furthermore, he speaks on sustainability and mentions “To ensure sustainability in tourism development, JANDEC Travel consistently aims to develop in tandem with protection. JANDEC Travel is currently a leading partner with suppliers of hotels, resorts, and restaurants with green certifications, ensuring standards for environmental protection and efficient resource use. In addition, we diversify our tourism offerings with nature-related activities such as ecotourism, exploration and experience of natural and cultural heritage values, and resort stays. We also encourage tourists to participate in environmental protection activities, such as cleaning up Ha Long Bay and other coastal areas.
JANDEC Travel has created a large number of stable jobs for local communities and many stakeholders, while also contributing to promoting the image and culture of Vietnam to foreign tourists. In the future, we will further enhance digital transformation, applying advanced technology, and green, clean technology to our tourism business.”
Nitin Sharma, Head of Sales, Discover the World, India Representative Carnival Cruise line expresses his views on how oceans play a pivotal role in promoting tourism. He says, “We often say that the ocean has a wide beam of opportunity. The open, serene sea attracts many people for vacation. The marine life that exists in the sea is a favourite of many travellers and is a big pull factor for nature lovers to choose sea-cation. It is critical to the expansion of cruise travel. Cruise vacations are well-liked due to their attractive onboard features and inherent advantages, such as marine excursions, diving, snorkelling, and aquatic sports. These excursions that allow people to interact with nature all support tourism.”
Adding to his views on sustainability he mentions, “Sustainability should be the main goal for all the cruise lines. The three Rs are to renew, recycle, and reuse in order to travel sustainably. These days, engines that use LNG (liquefied natural gas) produce fewer carbon emissions. Ship hulls are designed in a manner to sail at a faster speed, which should result in reduced fuel use. Cruise companies are implementing HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems that not only provide comfort to the users but also work towards environmental sustainability. LED technology has been adopted to reduce energy use. In a similar vein, ports are increasingly outfitted to supply electricity to ships when they dock. The responsibility of the cruise line is to make sure that they don’t harm the marine environment in the areas where their ships are anchored.”
Oceans play as the lifeline of our planet and their intricate connection to the travel and tourism industry is imperishable. However, this symbiotic relationship often comes at a cost, with tourism activities contributing to ocean pollution and habitat degradation. To safeguard our oceans for future generations, travellers can take simple yet impactful measures. Firstly, opting for eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators that prioritise sustainable practices can minimise environmental impact. Secondly, reducing single-use plastics by carrying reusable water bottles and bags can help curb plastic pollution. Additionally, respecting marine life and their habitats by avoiding activities that harm or disturb them, such as feeding or touching marine animals, is essential. By adopting these measures on a personal level, travellers can contribute to the preservation of our oceans, ensuring they remain a vibrant and thriving ecosystem for years to come. Happy World Oceans Day!