Essentially, to be a mindful tourist all you should leave behind in a destination is the money you spent, good will and appreciation.
Certainly, don't cause any environmental or social damage and, for goodness sake, tote around a reusable water bottle.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has dedicated an entire article to 'mindful tourism' written by international student Aleksandra Stroganova on its website.
It's also part of the association's larger push to make people aware that the Thompson Okanagan is a Biosphere Certified Destination and let tourists know that they can have a good time while being a responsible eco-hero.
Of course, the message is aimed at tourists visiting the Thompson Okanagan in an effort to keep the cities and wilderness of the region pristine and sustainable.
But those that live in the Thompson Okanagan can also adhere to the principles whether they're at home or travelling anywhere else in the province, country, continent or world.
Increase your green knowledge and you can visit anywhere and not have a negative impact on the destination's environmental, social or economic structures.
Basically, respect the place you visit and leave it as you found it, or better, for others to enjoy in the same way.
Tourism is the biggest economic driver in the world and the Thompson Okanagan.
In this region alone, there are 4,500 tourism businesses and the Thompson Okanagan attracts 3.5 million visitors a year who spend $2 billion.
That kind of activity, be it here or anywhere else in the world, comes with the risk of tourists overwhelming a destination and causing damage, whether it's intentional or not.
Take, for instance, this summer as tourism tries to recover from the pandemic amid a labour shortage, inflation, Russian invasion of Ukraine and heatwave and wildfires in Europe.
Some international destinations, such as Venice, Barcelona and London, are actively trying to discourage tourists with admission fees to the city centre, higher cruise ship fees, limiting the size of tour groups and asking airlines to stop selling flights.
The Thompson Okanagan is certainly not going that far and all are welcome, if they act respectfully and responsibly.
Airlines are making environmental improvements, but to be a mindful tourist you might avoid planes or pick a non-stop flight to reduce your carbon footprint.
In a destination, try to go fuel-free and walk or rent an e-bike.
Choose an eco-friendly hotel and follow the property's recommendation that you don't need your towels and sheets changed every day.
Turn off the lights, gadgets and air conditioning when you leave the room.
Recycle and compost.
Use lake-friendly sunscreen and remain on designated trails when hiking and exploring to avoid disturbing surrounding vegetation.
Take in an Indigenous cultural experience, shop and eat local.
Bring along a reusable water bottle and your own reusable shopping bags.
Respect local culture, heritage and traditions.
In other words, tread lightly and leave no trace.
To help tourists make good choices, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has listed 85 biosphere-committed companies on its website at totabc.org.
Committed hotels include Delta Hotels, Coast Hotels and Best Western Plus in Kamloops and Kelowna, Summerland Waterfront Resort, Myra Canyon Ranch, Accent Inns Kelowna, Naramata Inn, Prestige Beach House in Kelowna and Hampton Inn and Four Points by Sheraton, both at Kelowna airport.
Wineries galore are biosphere-committed -- including, Monte Creek near Kamloops, Grizzli in West Kelowna, Covert Farms, Jackson-Triggs in Oliver, The Vibrant Vine and Tantalus in East Kelowna, 50th Parallel in Lake Country and Fitzpatrick in Peachland.
Current Taxi, which has a fleet of electric Teslas, is also on the list.
As are tour operators and attractions Moccasin Trails in Kamloops, Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre, Hoodoo Adventures in Penticton, Okanagan E-Cruise, Wibit Water Park in Kelowna, BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops and Myra Canyon Bike Rentals.
Entire tourism associations are also on the biosphere list -- Tourism Kelowna, Tourism Wells Gray, Tourism Valemount, Big White Ski Resort, Destination Osoyoos and Destination Silver Star.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association also has its own sustainability pledge for residents, tourists and businesses that can be taken at ThompsonOkanagan.com/Pledge.
It honours the Indigenous philosophy of 7 Generations, signifying what we do today will impact seven generations to come.
The seven affirmations are:
1. True roots
2. Tread lightly
3. Be a good neighbour
4. Travel safely
5. Live in harmony
6. Choose local
7. Educate others
