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“Some climate-related impacts on development are already being observed (e.g. changes in agriculture, increases in coastal vulnerability). Added to other stresses such as poverty, inequality, or diseases, the effects of climate change will make sustainable development objectives such as food and livelihood security, poverty reduction, health, and access to clean water more difficult to achieve for many locations, systems, and affected populations”20.2.1
The latest International Panel on Climate Change focuses on eight key risks refer to possible deaths, injuries and health impacts associated with, for example, flooding in low-lying coastal zones or heat waves. The breakdown of infrastructure following extreme weather events; the disruption of food production and supply; and the negative impact on communities that depend on threatened ecosystems - such as coastal fisheries - also make the list.
Leaders in Responsible Tourism have been attracted to Manchester for this year’s conference. Amongst the speakers on Thursday 3rd April are James Berresford, the CEO of Visit England, Peter Lane of the British Destinations Executive, Nikki White, Head of Destinations and Sustainability at ABTA, Manda Brookman of CoaST and Jane Lady Gibson of Visit York – there are a series of panel discussions and debates on the impact of OTAs on DMOs, what WiseGrowth means in practice and whether destinations are used by tourism or can benefit from it. On Friday 4th April industry speakers include Elise Allart Manager Sustainable Tourism TUI Nederland, Martin Brackenbury President IFTO 1990-2010, Chairman Federation of Tour Operators, 1984 – 2006; Paul Britton Marine Operations Manager – Thomson Cruises & Island Cruises; Andy Cooper Director of Government and External Affairs, Thomas Cook Group; Stephen Farrant, Director at Business in the Community & International Tourism Partnership; Justin Francis ICRT & CEO responsibletravel.com; Stephen Miles, Founder Hotel Future The National Hospitality Training Academy and a host of others in a day looking at how we can make tourism more responsible. Details
TripAdvisor has launched its GreenLeaders programme in Europe, this will be a game changer if it encourages businesses to communicate more transparently about what they are doing to reduce their negative environmental impacts. If the scheme works as planned, and TripAdvisor can avoid being used for greenwashing, it will advance responsible business practice, particularly if the established schemes encourage their members to use the GreenLeaders badge to promote their responsible practices.
The new Masters in Responsible Tourism was validated at Manchester Metropolitan University this month, enrolment takes place in April and the first cohort of students commences the course in May. The new MSc places tourism in the broader context of responsible business and is strongly focused on leadership and achieving change in the sector. more
There are three panels on Responsible Tourism with speakers form Latin America and further afield
23 Apr 3.45pm – 4.45pm Responsible Tourism: Good Business
24 Apr 6.45pm – 7.45 pm The Tourism Industry and Child Protection
25 Apr 3.00pm – 4.00pm Wildlife Tourism in Latin America: opportunities and constraints.
WTM Latin America
The inaugural Irish ICRT conference attracted over 100 participants to the Radisson Blu in Dublin for a conference about the opportunities for Responsible Tourism in Ireland. The event attracted a diverse and enthusiastic group form the tourism sector and beyond. There are some great initiatives in Ireland engaging communities in tourism to diversify and strengthen local economies – the conference heard about developments in the Burren, Loop Head and Blackstairs Ecotrails. Conference presentations on line
In 2013 Kuoni joined the UN Global Compact and it has conducted human rights assessments, developed action plans for Kenya and India and revised both the Kuoni Code of Conduct and their Supplier Code of Conduct. There is a new Statement of Commitment on the Environment and a Kuoni Water Champion manual on sustainable water management in hotel operations.
The report is online
Responsible100 is piloting its new approach to responsible business based on transparency and allowing consumer feedback. Companies explain how they respond to the social, environmental and ethical challenges they face and there is an opportunity for people to comment. Full details of their transparent process are on the site.
There are four categories this year: Community Engagement and Development, Cultural Preservation; Responsible Tourism Operator; and Responsible Tourism Initiative. Closing date: 23 May 2014 More details
reponsibletravel.com has launched more of its ground breaking two minute travel guides which suggest when, and when not, to go; what they rate and what they don’t; and really useful knowledge on local issues and tips on about the destinations: Botswana, Namibia and South Africa have been added to the destinations and there are guides to volunteering and whale watching. Online
