As one of the world's largest and fastest growing industries, Tourism impacts directly on threatened habitats and indigenous cultures, which are often used to support tourism products. If tourism is to be sustainable tourism then these resources need protection. Increasingly tourists are aware of these issues, and the wealth of information available online allow them to make highly informed decisions. An ethical tourist will aim to:

• inform themselves of the culture, politics, and economy of the communities visited
• anticipate and respect local cultures' expectations and assumptions
• contribute to intercultural understanding and tolerance
• support the integrity of local cultures by favoring businesses which conserve cultural heritage and traditional values
• support local economies by purchasing local goods and participating with small, local businesses
• conserve resources by seeking out businesses that are environmentally conscious, and by using the least possible amount of non-renewable resources

Many ethical travellers will use a site such as Responsible Travel which selects travel destinations and travel products that reflect a sustainable and socially equitable philosophy. Partner sites such as these, and the web in general is  good way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainable tourism, but ultimately in a Web 2.0 world, it is your reputation among ethical visitors that will publicize your commitment to ethical tourism.

If you are interested in ways to be more sustainable and ethical in your approach- visit The Travel Foundation who have a wide range of resources, programmes and opportunities for partnership with the travel trade.

Do not forget that by its very nature, E-Tourism is environmentally responsible as it drives the elimination of paper tickets and travel documents from the tourism industry- saving vast amounts of paper and preventing unnecessary wastage. However, air travel remains a major concern for the ethical traveller, due to the resulting carbon emissions effect on climate change.

For interesting information on this issue and how the travel industry can play a role in addressing climate change, a carbon calculator and summary of a recent debate on Tourism and Climate change, see the Travel Foundation's section on Climate Change.

In order to address their client's carbon concerns, many airlines now offer a Carbon Offset programme that allows them to 'buy back' their miles by supporting an environmental project or research into renewable resources. This option can easily be offered to clientele via a web button during their purchase process (similar to an add-on or up-sell option). There are carbon certification programmes, such as those undertaken by Sustainable Travel International to provide appropriate carbon credit options.

Some companies offset carbon through sustainable energy projects in Africa- such as Solar Aid.