As World Tourism Day fast approaches, industries across the globe reflect on their role in supporting sustainable tourism. While tourism often brings to mind picturesque destinations and different cultural exchanges, it also highlights the need for practical products that ensure hygiene, comfort, and convenience for travellers. Wet wipe manufacturers, like Guardpack, who supply essential items for on-the-go cleanliness, play a crucial role in enhancing the travel experience.
Here, the Guardpack team explores our alignment with World Tourism Day, including our contributions to the broader goals of sustainability, responsible travel, and global cooperation.
What Does World Tourism Day Stand For?
World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on September 27th, was established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980 to raise awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, economic, and environmental significance. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes in 1970, which laid the foundation for the global tourism industry as we know it today.
Countries around the world host various events to mark the occasion and this offers an opportunity for governments, businesses, local communities and travellers to discuss trends, share best practices, and explore solutions to the challenges facing the tourism industry.
Ultimately, World Tourism Day serves as a reminder of tourism’s capacity to contribute to a better, more inclusive, and sustainable world.
The Role of Wet Wipes in Travel
With this in mind, let’s discuss the key role of wet wipes in travel. Travellers increasingly rely on wet wipes for a variety of purposes, from maintaining personal hygiene, cleaning surfaces in public spaces, as insect repellents, and cosmetic purposes, to name a few. With the rise of budget travel, long-haul flights, and unpredictable travel conditions, these portable solutions have become indispensable for tourists around the world, providing a convenient way to stay clean, refreshed and even protected.
Wet wipes are also popular with families travelling with young children, those who enjoy adventuring outdoors, and business travellers who value convenience while on the move. Their compact packaging, ease of use, and versatility make them an essential item in many travellers’ bags.
Addressing the Environmental Challenge
As wet wipe use has grown, so have concerns about their environmental impact. Some conventional wet wipes often contain non-biodegradable plastics and chemicals, which contribute to pollution when not disposed of properly. This poses a significant problem in tourist-heavy areas where waste management systems may be insufficient to handle the surge in litter during peak seasons. Beaches, parks, and natural reserves are particularly vulnerable to pollution from improperly discarded wet wipes.
Recognising this, many wet wipe manufacturers are now stepping up to address these environmental challenges, aligning themselves with World Tourism Day’s overarching message of sustainability. It should be mentioned that Guardpack have always produced biodegradable and sustainable offerings however, this year there has been an increase in eco-friendly alternatives, using biodegradable materials, natural fibres, and environmentally safe ingredients due to the plastic in wet wipes ban.
These efforts are part of a broader trend within the industry to reduce plastic waste, promote responsible disposal practices, and lessen the overall ecological footprint of wet wipe products.
Wet Wipe Manufacturers and Engaging with World Tourism Day
With sustainable development at the core of World Tourism Day, many wet wipe manufacturers are increasingly joining this global conversation by highlighting their contributions to eco-friendly tourism. Leading brands are launching campaigns aimed at raising awareness about sustainable product choices and proper disposal methods while travelling.
For example, companies that produce biodegradable wipes are educating consumers about the importance of using these products, whilst some suppliers are even collaborating with tourism boards and environmental organisations to encourage travellers to choose sustainable options and follow responsible tourism practices, such as avoiding single-use plastics and reducing waste.
At Guardpack, our priority is to help you achieve your product goals and ensure the right wipes for your customer base. As an industry leader who is passionate about positively impacting our planet, we would be more than happy to discuss your options and offer our advice.
The Future of Sustainable Travel and Hygiene
As travellers become more aware of the environmental impact of their choices, they are increasingly looking for products and services that align with their values. As wet wipe manufacturers, we know we have a key opportunity to lead by example, innovating new products that meet the needs of modern travellers while minimising harm to the planet.
World Tourism Day serves as a reminder of the synergy between travel and the environment. While wet wipes may seem like a small part of the travel experience, their role in hygiene, convenience and sustainability is significant. At Guardpack, we rise to the challenge of helping suppliers to balance convenience with sustainability.
Get in Touch
For more information on our biodegradable wet wipes or any other private label enquiries, please get in touch with Guardpack today by filling out our contact form, emailing us at trade@guardpack.co.uk, or speak to one of the team today on 01245 505807. We look forward to hearing from you!
