Responsible tourism

Part of our aim for 2011 is to increase awareness of responsible tourism and to emphasise that this means more than just a few words on a page - both for the enviroment and the inhabitants of the countries we visit.

But what is Responsible Tourism?

This is what the Cape Town Declaration says that Responsible Tourism:

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

...and this is what we will do:

we will offer links to those actively engaged in Responsible Tourism.

Let us celebrate the world's diversity, respect cultural and local differences but also acknowledge our similarities