What is a characteristic of sustainable tourism?

Sustainable tourism is fundamentally oriented towards minimizing the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and local communities while maximizing benefits. The characteristic that supports environment-friendly practices aligns perfectly with this goal. It involves promoting activities that reduce the carbon footprint, conserve energy and water, and protect natural habitats and wildlife. By focusing on environmentally responsible approaches, sustainable tourism helps ensure that natural resources are preserved for future generations while still allowing for the enjoyment and appreciation of these resources by tourists today.

In contrast, encouraging the consumption of local resources could lead to over-exploitation rather than sustainability. While maximizing tourist spending might benefit local economies, it does not inherently contribute to sustainability if it ignores environmental and social impacts. Increased pollution is contrary to the principles of sustainable tourism, which seeks to minimize environmental harm rather than increase it. Thus, supporting environment-friendly practices is a core element of sustainable tourism that aligns with its broader objectives of sustainability and conservation.