There are many different definitions of sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism in its purest sense, is an industry which attempts to make a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income and employment for locals, as well as to promote the conservation of local ecosystems. It is responsible tourism which is both ecologically and culturally sensitive.

Global economists forecast continuing international tourism growth, ranging between three and six percent annually, depending on the location. As one of the world's largest and fastest growing industries, this continuous growth will place great stress on remaining biologically diverse habitats, which are often used to support mass tourism. Tourist who promote sustainable tourism are aware of these dangers and seek to protect tourist destinations, and to protect tourism as an industry. Such tourists face many responsibilities to reduce the impact of tourism on communities, including:

• acquainting themselves with the culture, politics, and the economy of the communities being visited.
• anticipating and respecting local cultures' expectations and assumptions.
• contributing to intercultural understanding and tolerance.
• supporting the integrity of local cultures by favoring businesses which conserve cultural heritage
• supporting local economies by purchasing local goods and participating with small, local businesses.
• conserving resources by seeking out businesses that are environmentally conscious, and by using the least possible amount of non-renewable resources.

The locals have a major role to play in sustainable tourism as well. Sustainable tourism involves active and responsible local participation.  In 1997 Nonni Travel established a sister company in Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund), Greenland. The majority of the shares is now in local hands.  Certain standards have been set, but visitors will almost certainly realize, that despite their proficiency in dealing with nature, the hunters are beginners in the field of tourism. Tourism as such is just beginning as scheduled flights to the area only started a few years ago and accommodation is still quite basic. We feel confident that the warmth and sincerity of your hosts will, more than make up for any deficiencies that you may experience.

Nonni Travel is firmly dedicated to promote sustainable tourism. Nonni Travel is proud to have received, jointly with Arcturus Expeditions, the World Wildlife Fund’s Pilot Project Award for the development of sustainable tourism in Ittoqqortoormiit. We can guarantee that the money you leave behind will be directed towards this important goal.