On May 7, students from the Vocational School for Commerce and Travel sent a strong message in support of sustainable tourism as part of the Travel Action Days. The central theme was “CONSCIOUS TRAVEL” with a focus on the needs and expectations of the local population in tourism destinations.

The Travel Action Days 2026 aim to draw attention to the fact that destinations are first and foremost living spaces and that tourism can only function well on the basis of participation and social acceptance. Therefore, it is essential to (further) develop tourism offerings in a way that aligns with the needs of the local population and creates benefits for both guests and hosts.

Awareness, collaboration, and international perspectives

A key focus is on raising awareness of the impact of one’s own travel behavior on the environment and the people in the destinations. In preparation, the participating students engaged intensively with issues of sustainable tourism and tourism acceptance and created a survey on the topic of “CONSCIOUS (RESPONSIBLE) TRAVEL,” which was distributed both in Austria and in various tourism destinations in the Global South.

“Tourism, sure, but…”

The survey results were discussed in depth with representatives from the travel industry during a “machBARCAMP.” They reveal a nuanced picture of how tourism is perceived in different regions:
At Vienna’s train stations and on Mariahilfer Straße, respondents highlighted primarily negative impacts such as overcrowded public transportation, litter, and environmental pollution, as well as increasing pressure on the local population due to rising rents.

Behaviors considered undesirable among tourists include, in particular, disrespectful conduct, littering, and ignoring local rules and customs, such as respecting quiet hours or wearing appropriate clothing in religious institutions. At the same time, however, positive effects of tourism were also noted, including the strengthening of the restaurant industry, the expansion of public transportation, and the preservation of jobs.

Surveys conducted in other locations, such as Schönbrunn, Vienna’s first district, Hallstatt, and international comparison regions like the Gambia, Antalya, and the Philippines, confirmed this ambivalent picture: While a majority (between 50 and 95 percent, depending on the destination) generally perceive tourism as economically and culturally enriching, they also view burdens such as noise, rising prices, environmental problems, and an overburdened infrastructure as challenges. At the same time, over 80 percent of respondents expressed a very clear desire for sustainable, more responsible, and more community-oriented tourism that actively involves local communities and is supported by the local population.

Young perspectives on sustainable travel

The Travel Action Days 2026 demonstrate how dialogue between young people, the tourism industry, and the local population in tourist destinations can provide impetus for the sustainable development of tourism. The results highlight the desire for sustainable and participatory tourism development and underscore the responsibility of both the tourism industry and travelers themselves to make travel ecologically and socially compatible.

 
Contact: 
Naturefriends International 
Anna Kodek 
A-1150 Vienna, Viktoriagasse 6 /Top 1 
T: +43-1-8923877-40     
Email: anna.kodek@nf-int.org 
 
Vocational School for Commerce and Travel
OSR Dipl.-Päd. Günter Moser BEd, MA
A-1150 Vienna, Hütteldorfer Straße 7-17
T: +43-1-4000 – 95222, -95232
Email: guenter.moser@schule.wien.gv.at |www.bshr.at

The Travel Action Days are funded by the Austrian Development Agency as part of International Partnerships Austria.