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Friday 28 February 2014

Ethical / Responsible Tourism - Definitions

Ethical / Responsible Tourism


If studying tourism, please have a look at my i-book 'Tourism A Unit of Work for KS3, GCSE & IGSCE' by Alison Potter

What is Ethical Tourism?


Ethical tourism simply means tourism which benefits people and the environment in different destinations. It can offer a better income to families living in the area, by sourcing products and services locally.

A brand-new role for consumers in the tourism market has emerged from three trends: 
  • first, there is a thirst for different and more ‘exciting’ holidays; 
  • second, there is a growing realisation of the negative impacts of tourism – its clod-hopping footprints in other people’s homes in the deserts, forests, seashores and mountains of the world;
  • third, of course is climate change.

All tourism has the potential to be more sustainable and could have the following characteristics:


Economic prosperity

Long term competitive and tourism businesses, who offer fair pay and conditions for all employees.  There  is maximum economic benefits to local communities, when products and services for tourism are sourced locally. Sustainable tourism should be relevant to every holiday sold and should offer an opportunity to  customers concerned about their travel making a difference.


Social equality

Sustainability offers great benefits to customers keeping destinations special, offering safe, and satisfying new experiences whilst having the opportunity to interact with happy locals, who are truly benefiting from their visit. More of you are concerned about sustainable travel and want to make a positive difference on holiday.


Environmental and cultural protection

It gives resources and incentive for destinations to conserve ancient culture and traditions, as well as wildlife and the natural environment. It helps reduce carbon emissions, by encouraging accommodation providers and holiday makers to conserve energy. Most importantly it helps ensure there will be great destinations for us all to visit for generations to come.

Keeping destinations special is important to everyone.


Terms related to Sustainable Tourism


Responsible Tourism

Refers to the consumers’ choice of destination and mode of transport based on their ethical, political and racial sensitivities as well as being concerned for the environment and local culture.


Green Tourism

Historically the definition of this term has been travel which is environmentally friendly or benign that in general does not concern itself with cultural or economic elements of the destination. Current uses of the term are becoming broader to incorporate full sustainable tourism principles.

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