Comment by Anil J on April 4, 2008 at 12:38am

Linking Tourism with Livelihood is must for making it sustainable. Would like ot know more case studies like this across the globe.

Comment by Shaun Gilchrist on April 6, 2008 at 12:28am

Some themes/findings coming from the 2008 Responsible Tourism in Destinations conference (excuse the length)...

• We are all part of the biggest industry in the world (US$725 billion in 2006) – and it is growing fast, especially in developing destinations (the main focus of WHL)

• All responsible tourism actions need to address the ‘triple bottom line’ (to be economically, culturally/socially, and environmentally sustainable).

• Positive attitudes towards responsible tourism do not always translate to actual intentions and actions. We firstly need to work to move attitudes towards actual intentions, and then take action. ‘Small’ actions are better than ‘big’ talking. Everyone can make small contributions.

• To help drive change, we need to ensure that most actions that can be taken are cheap, easy and rewarding - in order to engage ALL stakeholders, especially the ‘little guys’.

• Destinations can evaluate and target specific groups of travellers (through their marketing) that are statistically the most ‘responsible’ travellers, with the least impact and most benefit. Factors include age/gender of traveller, length of stay, season, average spend etc. and will be different in every destination.

• For sustainable/responsible community based tourism projects, we need to look firstly at aligning the values of the various stakeholders, plus involve and communicate with the local community (often very extensively) BEFORE moving towards controls, processes and implementation.

Ask what the local communities want/need first! They need to be engaged and take ownership of local initiatives otherwise they are doomed to failure. Knowledge sharing and networking is vital during the initial communication process.

• These projects need to encourage local entrepreneurship, and to spread tourist expenditure to a larger proportion of these local communities. This includes non-material benefits such as increased pride in culture etc.

• Education is the key factor in ensuring sustainable future for communities. Engage the elder generation to pass down their knowledge to the youth. Agriculture also needs to be seriously considered for community based projects – both for subsistence and profit.

• We need to encourage tourism businesses worldwide to incorporate responsible tourism management as a key part of their strategic plan. If done well, it will also bring economic benefits.

• As the ‘local connection’ – each of us needs to ensure a positive traveller/host experience (a win/win). The key is training in these local markets – tour guides, hotels, local people etc. who all need to be part of the communication process.

• Do not underestimate the importance of government (especially local) in driving responsible tourism initiatives – they need to be involved! Managing egos and red tape is part of the challenge.

Comment by Lily Zhang on April 7, 2008 at 9:36pm

WE are doing the ecotourism in Yunnan China, it is kind of new tourism in China, so I am wondering What is the best way to do the sustainable ecotourism?

Comment by Tyler on April 8, 2008 at 11:53pm

There are some great examples of best practices of holistically responsible and sustainable tourism (including ecotourism) that you can read about at www.changemakers.net/geotourismchallenge, even a couple of examples out of China.

Comment by Craig Grimes on April 10, 2008 at 6:39pm

This is to do with what Shaun said on April 6th:

The first International Conference on Responsible Tourism also recognised the needs of people with disabilities (PwD's):

- provides access for physically challenged people; and is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

Recognising the principles of the Cape Town Declaration which defined Responsible Tourism, the 2nd conference gave way to the following Kerala Declaration:

- 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;

- involves 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.

Full Kerala Declaration 2008

I'm currently working with Len at WHL with regards to this and the inclusion of people with disabilities and the project will be starting in Matagalpa, Nicaragua and then will be replicated through WHL's site.
This wil be a huge breakthrough for PwD's and Geotourism providing information about Inclusive Travel in over 50 countries.

See Scott Rains blog post and Len's comment.

PwD's also have a large spending power although there are few statistics. The Open Doors Organization found that just Americans with Disabilities spent $13.9 million in 2005 on tourism and related products. There is a huge market out there, we as PwD's want to be able to travel in the developing world, we're just waiting for the information and facilities that we require.

Hopefully, through working we WHL we can start providing this information and begin to raise awareness within the sustainable and responsible tourism sector.

Comment by Faisal Ibn Jafar on April 17, 2008 at 1:09pm

Hello to all the members of this Group

Comment by Katie Fewings on April 30, 2008 at 12:00pm

Hi everyone,
We have just launched our fifth annual Responsible Tourism Awards and are looking for nominations for tourism organisations, companies and individuals who are having a positive impact on local people and destinations.

Make your nomination here or find out more about the Awards here

The deadline for nominations is Monday 16 June and the winners will be announced at World Travel Market on Wednesday 12 November.

Any queries, give me a shout!

Katie

Comment by Shaun Gilchrist on May 4, 2008 at 9:30pm

Hey Katie,
Just following on from Tyler's post earlier, we have seen some outstanding examples submitted through thewww.changemakers.net/geotourismchallenge competition with National Geographic/Ashoka/WHL.travel - having read through the short lists, there is most definitely some projects worthy of nomination.

Comment by Katie Fewings on May 6, 2008 at 4:23am

Hi Shaun, these look great, we are more than happy to receive nominations for these projects at www.responsibletourismawards.com/nominations
Thanks for your help with this!

Comment by Dr. Rachel Dodds on May 10, 2008 at 3:41pm

Sounds like a great group - a website you might like for case studies etc is www.sustainabletourism.net

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