Tourism is undergoing a major transformation, and mobility plays a key role in this change.
How can we travel more sustainably without sacrificing comfort and efficiency? From solar-powered trains to integrated cycling networks, various cities are already implementing innovative solutions that pave the way for greener tourism.
In this article, we share concrete strategies that are revolutionizing transportation and redefining how we explore destinations.
Rethinking mobility: The key to sustainable tourism
Transportation is a fundamental pillar of tourism, but it is also one of its largest sources of environmental impact.
Given the urgency of climate change, adopting sustainable mobility strategies is essential to minimize carbon emissions and promote balanced development in tourism destinations.
Cities like Rosario, Buenos Aires, and Jujuy in Argentina, along with Encarnación in Paraguay, are already implementing innovative initiatives that can serve as models for the region.
Here are five sustainable transportation strategies that are driving a necessary transformation:
1. Integrating urban transport with the natural environment
Cities that have successfully leveraged their geography to promote sustainable mobility have seen a positive impact on both tourism and the quality of life of their residents.
Rosario and Encarnación are prime examples of this integration with their riverside environments. These cities have reclaimed their waterfront areas and developed infrastructures that encourage non-motorized transport, such as pedestrian walkways and bike lanes connected to public transportation systems.
Buenos Aires and Asunción can learn from these cases to avoid continuing to “turn their backs on the river.”
Transforming port infrastructure into public spaces with efficient connections to sustainable transport is a key strategy for promoting more eco-friendly and accessible tourism.
2. Active mobility: Bicycles and pedestrians at the forefront
Aligning with the global trend towards more walkable and bike-friendly cities, Argentina is leading sustainable transport initiatives. Rosario has taken a major step forward by becoming the first city in Latin America to implement a public cargo bike system, reducing dependence on motorized vehicles and facilitating urban tourism logistics.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires has significantly expanded its bike lane network and improved pedestrian infrastructure, making it safer and more sustainable for residents and visitors to move around the city.
These strategies not only reduce pollution but also enhance the tourist experience by making cities more accessible and enjoyable on foot or by bicycle.
3. Electrified public transport: a bet on the future
Modernizing public transport is crucial to reducing tourism’s carbon footprint.
Argentina’s National Sustainable Transport Plan aims for an energy transition across all modes of transport by 2030, with a focus on electrifying buses and trains.
Buenos Aires is already advancing in this direction with the introduction of electric buses and the modernization of its subway system. These initiatives not only cut greenhouse gas emissions but also improve service efficiency and quality for both tourists and residents.
4. Sustainable tourism and trains: the case of the Tren de la Quebrada
One of the most innovative sustainable transport projects in tourism is the Tren de la Quebrada in Jujuy province.
This is Latin America’s first solar-powered train, running on lithium batteries and photovoltaic energy. Despite some controversy over its funding, this train represents a significant step toward greener, more sustainable tourism.
Such initiatives not only help reduce emissions but also provide unique travel experiences that cater to the growing demand for sustainable tourism.
5. Public policies and collaboration for sustainable transport
The success of sustainable mobility in tourism depends not only on infrastructure but also on well-designed public policies and cross-sector collaboration.
Argentina’s National Sustainable Transport Plan is a great example of how governments can lead the transition toward a greener model.
Moreover, cooperation among municipalities, transport companies, and the tourism sector is essential to developing innovative and effective solutions. Implementing incentives for public transport and bicycle use, along with integrating these modes with airports and bus terminals, are key strategies to reducing tourism’s environmental footprint.
A necessary path toward sustainable mobility
Sustainable tourism requires a profound shift in how we move.
Cities like Rosario, Buenos Aires, and Jujuy are proving that it is possible to implement innovative strategies that benefit both the environment and the tourism experience.
From expanding bike lanes and electrifying public transport to pioneering projects like the Tren de la Quebrada, the region is laying the foundation for a greener, more efficient mobility model.
As tourism continues to grow, it is essential that cities and travel destinations adopt these strategies and promote policies that encourage sustainable transport. Only then can we ensure that tourism mobility is not only efficient but also environmentally responsible.