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Feature - Responsible Tourism
Taking responsibility
Industry experts offer insight into strategies adopted by travel and tourism businesses to be more responsible and discuss how modern technologies are helping the industry achieve sustainability in their day-to-day operations Responsible tourism is about “making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit.” It requires operators, hoteliers, governments locals and tourists to take responsibility and take action to make tourism more sustainable. Slightly different from sustainable tourism, responsible tourism focuses on what people, businesses and governments can do to achieve sustainability. This could mean minimising negative economic, environmental and social impacts. Taking the right steps towards responsible tourism generates greater economic benefits for host communities and also makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and to the maintenance of the world’s diversity.
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Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor, said: “Despite the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), during the COVID-19 pandemic, attention shifted away from the threats posed by climate change. However, the recent invasion of Ukraine demonstrated the consequences of rising fuel prices to the travel industry and our societies. Decarbonisation and reductions in water consumption and plastic waste are now urgent priorities for our sector.” RESPONSIBLE HOSPITALITY Many travel and tourism industry businesses are already doing their part, with hotels, in particular, revamping their operations as part of their commitment to a greener future for the industry.
09/05/2022 8:09 PM
