SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

What is "Sustainable Tourism?" First of all, an excellent definition of "sustainability" is simply "the capacity to endure." Or, not to leave negative impacts to future generations from our actions today.

Sustainable Tourism is envisaged as leading to management of all resources such that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems (source: UNWTO).

GeoTourism is tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place – the environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture and well-being of its residents. (source: National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations)

Sustainability is about “building a relationship” with the places you visit – with the local culture, the natural environment and working together with people who live there and partners to enhance and protect for the future.

For more definitions please see the glossary of terms provided by Sustainable Travel International.

Robin Tauck and Randy Durband are travel industry advocates for Sustainable Tourism.  It is fortunately experiencing phenomenal growth in awareness and application, with positive results relating to socio-cultural impact, heritage protection and economic development and jobs.  “Travel & Tourism is one of the most incredible forces of positive change in the World" Robin and Randy are speakers at leadership forums including WTTC, UNWTO, World Bank, travel industry trade groups, and more -- providing key note speeches and workshops. Click here to see articles Robin has written on Sustainable Tourism and click here to see our affiliations.  Contact us to enquire about speaking engagements.

The chart below from by Phocus Wright provides a nice visual representation of the various aspects of “Sustainable Travel.”

Sustainable tourism is on a rapid rise … Consumer awareness of sustainability efforts is growing and they are demanding change. The tour and travel industry, associations, corporations and individual advocates are making a positive effort through strategic plans. Such changes include wonderful programs and efforts to enhance cultural integration and development with local people and the local economy.

Sustainable Tourism

Source:Phocus Wright 2008