Reducing Traveler Spending: Bag Reduction Strategies in the Context of Environmentally Sustainable Tourism Development

Abstract

This research discusses strategies to reduce tourists' expenditures through reducing the use of shopping bags in the context of developing environmentally sustainable tourism. In global tourism, plastic waste has become one of the significant environmental issues. Recognizing the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment, this study explores the potential use of eco-friendly shopping bags as an alternative to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags. Through policy analysis, literature review, and case studies, this study evaluates various bag reduction strategies and understands their impact on traveler spending and the environment. The strategies studied include implementing a ban or tax on plastic bags, awareness campaigns to promote the use of reusable bags, providing incentives for travelers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives, and researching and producing eco-friendly shopping bags by the government as a follow-up measure to phase out plastic bag production. The results show that reducing the use of shopping bags can result in spending savings for tourists as well as promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices. However, challenges such as resistance from tourists and local businesses as well as accessibility issues to eco-friendly alternatives were also recognized. This research also discusses the socio-economic implications of the bag reduction strategy, including its impact on the tourism sector and challenges in its implementation. Collaboration between stakeholders and policy support were identified as key factors in successfully implementing a bag reduction strategy. As such, this study makes an important contribution to the practical understanding of bag use reduction strategies in the context of sustainable tourism. The implementation of these strategies is expected to help reduce the negative impact of tourism on the environment while promoting environmental awareness among tourists. The policy implications resulting from this research are expected to help guide more sustainable tourism development efforts in the future.