Travel is a transformative experience that has the power to inspire, to empower and to make a positive impact. In the words of Marcelle Lawrence "As a tourist you go to have a nice time. But as a traveller you go to change your life." Marcelle is the founder of Eco Island Travel which is the culmination of an inspiring experience as a volunteer in Guyana, and a love for nature. Based in Bermuda, this social enterprise seeks to change the way that we travel through an immersive experience that connects the traveller to the local community, its culture, cuisine and its challenges. It aims to engage and expose young, disenfranchised youth to the marine environment and facilitate a deeper appreciation for this valuable resource.

Climate change is an ongoing thereat to the Caribbean region's tourism industry with its devastating impacts on both natural ecosystems and man-made infrastructure, from sea level rise and stronger, more frequent hurricanes. In addition, the COVID 19 pandemic has crippled this vital economic sector due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. As we anticipate reopening and recovery, it's the ideal time to rethink the way we do tourism with a greater emphasis on sustainability, minimising the dark side of tourism: pollution, over-tourism, and repatriation of revenue. We must protect our natural assets such as coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass bed, building resilience not only for the sake of tourist but for the well-being of local communities.

How can you become a conscious, sustainable, impact traveller?

• Avoid single use plastic
• Intentionally support local producers.
• Consider extended stays
• Find out the needs of the local community and volunteer to assist

We can even go a step further to regenerative tourism, participating in initiatives that leave the destination better than we found it, for example assisting with conservation measures and managing the impact of climate change such as mangrove replanting

We gain so much from travel and if we are mindful, we can simultaneously give back, touching the lives of underserved and vulnerable groups. There are so many ways to make a difference. Start where you are. Do what you can. Progress over perfection.

Get in touch with Marcelle:

Website: https://ecoislandtravel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecoislandtraveller/


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