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What is Responsible Tourism?
Responsible Tourism takes many forms – it addresses the triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental responsibility. It is in part a response to the criticism of the environmental emphasis of the first tourism industry initiatives following Rio in 1992, and it reflects the increasing concern with poverty and development which followed the UN Commission on Sustainable Development Meeting on Tourism in 1997.
The World Tourism Organization’s Global Code of Ethics is the framework within which the industry strives for sustainable tourism. Responsible tourism is about individuals, companies and governments taking responsibility to make the changes necessary to create better places for people to live in and better destinations for tourists to visit.
People who practise responsible tourism can make a difference. The Association of Independent Tour Operators is launching new Responsible Tourism Awards in January next year.
Responsible Tourism has the following characteristics:
- Minimises negative economic, environmental, and social impacts;
- Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry;
- UnInvolves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances;
- Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world’s diversity;
- Provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues;
- Provides access for physically challenged people; and
- is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.
This definition is taken from the Cape Town Charter on Responsible Tourism in Destinations – for more information see the Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism: http://www.travelmole.com/item/89139
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