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World Travel Market has brought together some of the best examples of responsible tourism initiatives to illustrate what the industy has already achieved. They are only a few of the thousands of successful initiatives being undertaken throughout the world by individuals, companies, charities and academics. |
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Informed and Inspired
Responsible tourism is growing fast. Everywhere there are signs that this will play a crucial role in the future of travel and tourism. Undeniably, there’s a new kind of approach in the world, travel companies and destinations are taking more care of their product, keeping an eye on sustainability and working more closely with stakeholders.
Increasingly consumers are making ‘waves’ too, wanting a more ethical and caring industry that gives back - as well as takes. But because of its rapid rise, it’s difficult to keep up with what is going on around the world in responsible tourism.
To follow the latest trends and developments, ideas and opinions WTM World Responsible Tourism Day has introduced ‘Informed and Inspired’, bringing the latest stories, thoughts and even brainwaves. We are asking well known and respected figures within travel and tourism to offer us interesting and stimulating personal views as well as telling us about their own fascinating activity, schemes and plans.
LISTENING IS KEY - Dr. Venu Vasudevan , Secretary of Kerala Tourism, outlines his ambitious and unusual approach. Find out more
GOING MAINSTREAM - Stephen Farrant, Director of the International Tourism Partnership discusses how environmental and social responsibilty have been placed on the agendas of global company boards. Find out more |
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2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Winners
The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, now in their sixth year under WTTC's stewardship are aimed at recognising best practice in sustainable tourism within the Travel & Tourism industry worldwide. Given the growing concern about natural and cultural resources, these Awards are particularly important to WTTC and provide the Council with the opportunity of promoting and partnering with the industry leaders in responsible tourism, highlighting the prime examples of best practice.
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The 2009 winners are:
Destination Stewardship Award
Conservation Award
Community Benefit Award
Global Tourism Business Award
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Kick starting responsible tourism
Jack Delf, Director of Montenegro Holidays, a supporter of WTM’s World Responsible Tourism Day, was faced with an uphill struggle to kick start outdoor activity holidays that were both responsible and sustainable. But in 2007, the company came up with an innovative idea which has fired the imagination. Read more |
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Protecting one of man's best friends
Jane Goodall, one of the world’s leading experts on primates, is supporting WTM’s World Responsible Tourism Day. Through The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), she has pioneered the study of chimpanzees, revolutionising how we think about these most lovable of animals. Read more |
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Morocco Goes Green and Blue
Morocco is aiming for the stars without damaging the earth, land and sea in a spectacularly ambitious plan to generate 10 million visitors. The bold VISION 2010 strategy embraces with equal strength the principles of protecting Morocco’s culture and environment while simultaneously implementing high-level business expansion and investment. Read more |
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The Great Barrier Reef is Responsible
The Reef’s Marine Park Authority has been awarded the World and Tourism Council’s Tourism for Tomorrow 2007 Destination Award for their efforts to protect the Reef’s future - and combine it with what the judges’ report summary called “outstanding” and “excellent” business management practices. Read more |
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Jordan's Eco Work
Jordan is setting a stirring example with pioneering work in eco-tourism, spearheaded by its dynamic Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). RSCN initiated Jordan’s first eco-tourism operation more than 12 years ago in the spectacularly beautiful Dana Nature Reserve. The revolutionary programme was introduced to link the protection of the Reserve with economic development for local communities. Read more |
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Local Enterprise
Grootberg Lodge has just 12 rooms but plays a vital role in keeping thirty jobs going in Namibia. It is the country’s first middle-market establishment to be 100% owned by the community. The Khoadi Hoas Conservancy was set up in 1998 to manage wildlife and tourism and it now has 6,500 members. Read more |
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Nairobi, Kenya
A cup of tea has led to a pot of happiness for the Kawangware Street Children in Nairobi, Kenya. Staff from CC Africa’s Kichwa Tembo Lodge had to buy water before they could brew up when they called to give an educational talk on HIV/Aids to the 60 children and youths rescued from the streets. This inspired the visitors – who will raise the money through tea-time snacks and donations - to pledge to install a tank and plumbing to provide clean healthy water for the refuge. Read more |
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The Mihai Eminescu Trust
Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, has bought house No.163 in the main street of Viscri, Romania , and keeps alive the memory of former owner Sara Fernolend, who helped protect the culture and environment of Transylvania and Maramures regions. Read more |
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Buffalo Tours
A guarantee to pick up the bill to replace a dead diseased buffalo is helping Vietnamese farmers maintain a 1,000-year-old custom. The beast is crucial for cultivating rice - but it costs $US350 to replace one when, for example, the average annual income per person is only $150 in Mai Chau region. “The Water Buffalo Fund, set up nine years ago, assists farmers. It operates in collaboration with the local authorities who know the criteria and inform us which families are really in need of an animal. Read more |
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Bedouin Eco-Tours
A four-day journey by camel is being chosen over a two-hour ride by petrol-driven 4x4 vehicle - because travellers are determined to protect the environment. That is the positive approach which epitomises the good intentions and progress being made by ecotours of Canada. Read more |
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Half Moon Resort
Half Moon aims to become a ‘full’ moon by becoming the world's most environmentally aware hotel. This is the long-term goal of the luxury resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and it can already boast a shelf-full of green awards. Read more | |
