Sustainable Tourism at the Rio 2016 Olympics

And so begins the most anticipated month of the year for those who love sport and culture. As the Olympic bandwagon rolls into Rio and the excitement builds, many will be interested to learn that this great sporting spectacle is not solely about competition for medals. One of the main objectives of the Games – something that often goes unnoticed – is to promote sustainable tourism practices across its host city.

The Green Passport icons offer practical ways to care for your destination / Image Source

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AT THE RIO 2016 OLYMPICS

Sustainability became part of the Olympic Games motif throughout the 90’s, and in London 2012 it reached new levels when the word was woven into the very essence of the project – all the newly created facilities and infrastructure were built to leave a positive social, economic, and environmental impact on the city. This year, in the first Games to be held in South America, an initiative under the title “Green Passport” has been implemented to ensure that sustainability is an important element of the event, and the visitor experience.

The headquarters of the Rio 2016 Organising Committee is perhaps the leading example of these efforts – modular technology was used in the construction process, meaning that the building can be dismantled and re-assembled after the Olympics have come to a close, and it features a number of efficient energy saving systems. Elsewhere throughout the Games, 14 million meals will be provided for athletes, volunteers, and support staff – all of which will come from sustainable and secure food sources. The Organising Committee itself has ensured that all the Olympic venues are accessible to everyone, including people with restricted mobility, pregnant women, the elderly and disabled – they want the events to be available to all, without any social, economic, or physical barriers.

One of the objectives of the campaign is to promote local gastronomy and culture / Image Source

Sample the wonderful Rio de Janeiro cuisine on one of our wonderful Gastronomic Tours

GREEN PASSPORT

“The best trips are those that create lifelong memories, where we’re in touch with ourselves, mingle with new cultures and part of them remains in us. Sustainability is like a good trip: once we’re in contact with it, with its values and meanings, with its rhythm and standards, we are also changed and will never again be the same.” That is how the creators of the Green Passport define sustainability on the official campaign page, insisting that using sustainable habits in time of travel will encourage new practices at home and in our daily lives.

The Green Passport suggests ways that travellers can turn their tourism adventures into sustainable activities, promoting the preservation of the natural environment and local cultures while at the same time supporting local communities. Under the official motto of “I take care of my destination”, the campaign gives you simple ideas on how to adopt this sustainable way of travelling.

See the sights and sounds of the city the green way by hopping on two wheels / Image Source

Cruise around the city taking in the best attractions on one of our thrilling Bike Tours

SUSTAINABLE TIPS – I TAKE CARE OF MY DESTINATION

Stay in accommodation located close to the sights and attractions you want to see in order to reduce the emissions of public transport.

Carry a recyclable environmentally-friendly bag for your shopping – do not accumulate plastic bags and take them to the beach.

During the mornings and afternoon, prevent energy consumption by opening the curtains of your hotel room or rented apartment to enjoy the natural light.

When choosing where to eat, prioritise the restaurants that promote sustainable practices by making their dishes with local produce.

If you spend the day at the beach, do not forget to collect all your rubbish and any plastic bags so that the sands remain glisteningly clean.

Always opt for the bike. Visitors to Rio de Janeiro can cruise around the city using the free bike rental service. See the sights the clean way.

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If you are going to – or are already in – Rio for the 2016 Olympic Games, you can contribute to the sustainable development of the city by travelling responsibly. Check out our collection of Olympics Tours to uncover the best of the Marvellous City.

By Luiza Cavalcante,  professional in Visual Arts and Image Technologies. Portuguese travel writer, passionate photographer and traveller / Translated by Simon Hall.