Put simply, Responsible Tourism is about “making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit” (in that order).
Unfortunately tourism can have negative impacts as well as positive impacts on the local community and environment. Responsible Tourism is all about minimising the negative effects of tourism and maximising the benefits to local people and the destination. But there is more to it than that; it’s also about having a better holiday – with authentic experiences that get you closer to local cultures and environments. It’s all about enjoying a distinctive holiday where you actually remember where you were as opposed to those resorts that could be anywhere. I believe that Responsible Tourism is not a niche type of tourism, appealing only to a certain type of person or applicable to a certain type of holiday – all tourism can be responsible. After all… Who wouldn’t want to feel that their holiday spending is actually going to those in the local community? Who wouldn’t want to travel in a small group that enables you to chat with the locals and visit small sites or cafes that would be unable to cope with a coach load of people? Who wouldn’t want to have a local person to guide you around the place giving insight to their local history and stories as to how they live rather than a rep who has only been there for a month? Who wouldn’t want to see a real authentic cultural experience – rather than something just put on for tourists where the performers are seasonal workers from abroad? Who wouldn’t want their souvenir to be actually made locally rather than imported from some far off land? Who wouldn’t want the next person to enjoy the same beautiful scenery or coral and so be careful to protect it? Who wouldn’t want to stay in a unique place with memories for a lifetime rather than a faceless hotel? Who wouldn’t want to try the local food rather than eating the same as at home? Responsible Tourism is about all this and more. It’s about experiencing a destination, it's about contributing and learning and enjoying, and it’s different wherever you go. I am working with the tourism industry to ensure all tourism follows the principles of Responsible Tourism and ensure all tourists have a better holiday because of it. I want to help tourists understand how they can make a positive impact and relish the world’s diversity. If you would like to learn more about the origins of Responsible Tourism and its development to date - please click here |
The Cape Town Declaration of 2002 states that Responsible Tourism...
1) Minimises negative economic, environmental, and social impacts 2) Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the wellbeing of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry 3) Involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances 4) Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage to the maintenance of the world’s diversity 5) Provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues 6) Provides access for physically challenged people and 7) Being culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and locals and builds local pride and confidence |