THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER

Carefully planned and managed, tourism has many benefits. It can provide local employment and revenue for developing economies; and gives governments a financial incentive for preserving natural areas, historical sites and cultural heritage. On a personal level, it helps to broaden our understanding of the world and our place in it.

But for all its benefits, the arrival of thousands and thousands of visitors every year inevitably has an impact on a destination. At their worst, these can include rapid over-development; degradation of natural environments, displacement of local residents and loss of local culture.

The challenge faced by the modern traveller is how to continue our passion for travel and all the personal rewards it brings, without contributing to significant change in those destinations and the reasons they appealed to us in the first place?

The answer is to travel in such as way that our impact is reduced as much as possible, or even better, makes a conscious positive contribution to the places we visit.

It doesn't necessarily mean undertaking volunteer work; or forsaking a good comfortable bed and a hot shower; but it does mean that we should be taking responsibility for our own actions while travelling and supporting operators with responsible practices.

What is responsible travel?

‘Responsible' travel is defined as travel which minimises negative environmental, social and cultural impacts; enhances the well-being and economic benefits of host communities and local people; and contributes to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

By actively supporting such activities, tourism authorities and businesses see the value of protecting what tourists are coming for: nature and wildlife, history, great scenery, distinctive cuisines, local customs and way of life.

Globally, many sectors of the industry are starting to realise that mass scale development is simply not sustainable or often, desirable, in the long term. The rapidly growing ‘ecotourism' sector and an increased demand from consumers for environmentally sensitive, authentic, and culturally appropriate experiences is driving much of this change.

The good news

Travel can make a difference to the survival of some destinations. Those countries affected by natural disasters and political disturbances often rely on the income generated by tourist dollars, and in many places, tourism is responsible for ensuring that wilderness areas are protected and funded.

Tourism in Madagascar plays an important part in safeguarding the country's natural and cultural environment. Once regarding its forests as little more than a source of easily exploitable timber, today Madagascar views its unique biodiversity as a high-value tourism asset and is working with conservation organisations to triple its number of protected areas over the next few years. Visits to conservation sites and projects often provide much needed funding for research of endangered species and heighten awareness of the need to preserve this fragile resource.

The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is one country that ensures travellers take a ‘responsible' attitude by restricting the number of visitors allowed into the country each year and charging a minimum fee each day. These royalties and taxes help to maintain the country's infrastructure and other areas of development, and by limiting tourist numbers the government is making an effort to grow tourism in a sustainable way that does not adversely affect its environment or society.

Tourism has the potential to lead the way to enhanced economic activity; environmental conservation and a greater understanding of our world. But there is still a lot of work to be done to maintain the delicate balance where benefits outweigh the negatives.

It is up to the new breed of ‘responsible travellers' to provide the direction the tourism industry needs, by being aware of our own impact and actively supporting tourism practices that help to protect those places and people where we can make a difference.

Some tips for responsible travellers

• Support operators that contribute to the environment or well-being of local communities at the destination. Ask about their responsible tourism policies before booking.
• Be culturally sensitive. Learn about the destination before you get there and respect the privacy, values, language, social customs and religious beliefs of local people. Make your visit a positive experience for everyone.
• Be environmentally friendly. Try and conserve natural resources when travelling and be aware of your impact on sensitive areas. Remember to ‘take only photographs and leave only footprints'.
• Generate economic benefits. Buy from local vendors and be prepared to pay a fair price. Support locally-owned businesses that directly benefit the host country.

More info: www.world-tourism.org || www.sustainabletravelinternational.org

Kris Madden is managing director of Eco Media Group, a consultancy that assists governments and tourism businesses to develop sustainable tourism strategies and adopt responsible tourism policies and practices. [www.ecomediagroup.com]