In the age of greater awareness of the negative impact pollution has on our planet, tourism is one of the Black Globe culprits. Tourism is not an environmentally-friendly industry -- transportation, over-development and depletion of natural resources are but a few contributors. International conferences focusing on this issue have produced suggestions referred to as "sustainable tourism." Loosely defined, inter-related categories are alternative tourism (nature and wildlife activities), eco-tourism (promoting yet protecting natural areas from mass-tourism and development), and agro-tourism (educational holidays in agriculture and culture to sustain rural population). The theory is easy to embrace -- where tour operators, local businesses and visitors alike genuinely appreciate and respect the culture and natural landscape of their resorts -- yet difficult to implement.
This concept of linking visitors with culture, nature and the environment in a harmonious way is not a new idea, but one that is now viewed on a global scale. Long-term, successful community involvement has preserved many popular rural tourist destinations such as the wine regions of Europe and the United States. Many rural communities have acted on instinct, rather than governmental directives, and usually with enough individual investment to achieve results.
Foreign visitors are accustomed to or expect familiar settings which in no way resemble the landscape or lifestyle of their host-country. Local communities relying on tourism are faced with these issues -- while attempting to maintain their own cultural heritage and a clean living environment. Over-commercialization can wipe out an entire community in a few "trendy" years, leaving a wasteland of burger joints and water parks behind.
The people of Skopelos are very aware of the situation and have worked hard to preserve their culture and traditions. They refused the opportunity to have an airport, thereby making the island more difficult to get to, but making the island an adventure in encountering the 'real Greece'.
A holiday spent exploring the countryside and quaint villages, learning about the production of local cuisine and crafts can be a refreshing and rewarding break from city life. The informed traveler can also be directly contributing to the sustainable tourism effort by supporting the communities working to preserve their local traditions.
Skopelos has much to offer in sustainable tourism -- from one-day visits to ancient sites or olive oil factories, traditional villages and folklore museums to nature and adventure walks. The fact that so much of this remains uncommercialised should be regarded as an asset, not a hindrance to enjoyment.