The Origins of Responsible TourismWhilst Responsible Tourism seems like a recent phenomenon, the origins of it go back a long way - further than you might think:
1972- The World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) was created at the UN Conference on the Human Environment 1987- The Brundtland Report was produced by the WCED which raised the notion of sustainable development and the need for all countries to ensure they preserve resources and natural environments for future generations 1992- At the Rio Earth Summit, 182 governments signed a declaration agreeing to five action areas which would bring sustainability principles to many areas of development. This then led to the creation of Agenda 21 which comprises a set of guidelines for implementing sustainability principles at a national and local level. 1996- Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism Industry is produced 1999- The World Tourism Organisation approved a “Global Code of Ethics for Tourism”, addressing both tourism’s role as a development option, and also the principles of ethics in tourism, or “tourism’s contribution to mutual understanding and respect between peoples” 2002– The Cape Town Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations. A Declaration was signed by 280 delegates from 20 countries, identifying the concept of Responsible Tourism as having the following characteristics: 1) Minimising negative economic, environmental, and social impacts 2) Generating greater economic benefits for local people and enhancing the wellbeing of host communities, improving working conditions and access to the industry 3) Involving local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances 4) Making positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage to the maintenance of the world’s diversity 5) Providing more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues 6) Providing access for physically challenged people and 7) Being culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and locals and builds local pride and confidence 2003 – present - The principles of Responsible Tourism start to move mainstream... Contact us if you would like to learn more |
 Responsible TourismWhat exactly is Responsible Tourism? - please click here to find out more
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