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Responsible Tourism News is a newsletter of record carrying the 10 most important Responsible Tourism stories of the month. Please forward to those you think may be interested – you can subscribe here. If you wish to contribute a story email harold@haroldgoodwin.info or post it on our RTNews Facebook page.
Responsible Tourism is about businesses, destination managers and travellers taking responsibility for the impacts of tourism, minimising the negative ones and maximising the positive. This year’s Responsible Tourism programme at WTM addresses many, but by no means all, of the issues, we continue to vary the programme each year depending on what's new and on some of the hotter issues. Carbon efficiency is a challenge for the industry and the spotlight because of the climate change negotiations opening in Paris at CVOP21. We'll be looking at how big the challenge is and what industry is doing to reduce its emissions and debating whether the industry is doing enough. The WTM World Responsible Tourism Day networking reception is as usual 18:00-20:00 on 4th November.
We are also discussing destination management in Barcelona & Venice, wildlife and hunting, child protection, the role of government in destination management, increasing local economic benefits, gender equality, snow sports, cruising and food tourism. On Tuesday the last panel is about change makers, dissecting how four leading change makers have managed to make tourism better. There is more about the programme here and the full programme is online here in a form which can easily be read or printed.
There will be a buyer's badge again this year - don't forget to pick up yours and wear it, new this year is the banner you'll find on some exhibitors stands, ask them about their approach to Responsible Tourism. There is a Responsible Tourism stand for the first time - a great place to meet like minded people - AF568. We are introducing a Responsible Tourism Speed Networking event first thing on Wednesday, World Responsible Tourism Day, go along and sell - you can find out what they are looking to buy here.
"A special NepalNOW Festival is being organised at World Travel Market (WTM) 2015 on 4th November 2015 at Nepal Stand AS 150, where guest & invitees will be educated with destination highlights in a post-earthquake situation with latest facts and figures and real time stories. The Festival will be spiced up with unique cultural performances, Nepali special snacks and a cocktail reception.
Nepal is a land of contrasts, a land of breath-taking beauty and a land of unrivalled diversity. The recent earthquake about six months ago challenged the tourism industry, but its given it the strength and resilience to bounce back better. The ever smiling and hospitable Nepali people are ready to welcome travellers and share the bounty that nature and culture has bestowed upon them."
Come along and express your support. Your invite is here
Tourism is one of the major pillars of the national economy of Senegal, a development vector and the fight against poverty. The Agency for the Promotion of Senegalese tourism brings together 5 speakers to showcase how investable, responsible and sustainable tourism products brings about overall development of the country. A special insight into the power West African diaspora living abroad can have on the development of home countries. Tuesday 3rd November, 11.00 - 13.00 WTM Excel SG10 More details and book your seat here
The Awards will be presented on World Responsible Tourism Day at World Travel Market and posted on line. Our vision for the Awards rests on a simple principle - that all types of tourism, from niche to mainstream, can and should be organised in a way that preserves, respects and benefits destinations and local people. We want to celebrate the shining stars of Responsible Tourism - the individuals, organisations and destinations working innovatively with local cultures, communities and biodiversity. The list of finalists in on-line here. As usual Harold Goodwin, Chair of Judges, will publish in Progress in Responsible Tourism the judges' reasons. The results and the judges' reasons will be published on-line immediately after the ceremony.
Last year we launched regional Awards for Africa and Ireland, part of the family, they apply the same processes and criteria. The judging takes a long while, for the World Award nominations closed this year on 20th April, judging was on 8th July. When you see nominations closing and Awards being announced within a few days, ask yourself how thorough the judging process has been. The Awards were started to raise the bar, it is important that the idea of Responsible Tourism is not devalued by abuse. If you come across cases where it is being trashed, post on irresponsible tourism.
One GM of a major hotel asserted noisily from the audience, in the panel session on carbon at the WTM Africa in Cape Town, that any GM not investing on carbon efficiency was ‘insane’. Investment in marketing campaigns can only pay off in the short-term; gains in carbon efficiency reduce costs, and improve the bottom line, for many years – contributing improved profitability in the short, medium and long-term. In an industry obsessed with immediate returns we still hear from many that the pay back periods are too long and the investment cannot be made. We are looking for examples of initiatives which have reduced carbon emissions with details of the payback period and the reduction in emissions - if you know of any please send them to harold@haroldgoodwin.info The ones we have can be found online.
Excletur have published on the impacts of the exponential growth in P2P marking and sales of holiday accommodation in Spain. The process of disintermediation has major consequences for providers of licensed accommodation, governments and tour operators - without doubt one of the major themes of next year's WTM RT programme will be how we bring P2P rentals within the Responsible Tourism movement. The full study in Spanish English PowerPoint
Nepalese officials plan to introduce ban on novices, as well as disabled, old and very young people, in effort to improve safety and lessen overcrowding. The regulations are being considered in order to improve safety and maintain the “glory” of the summit. More
Kevin Anderson, the key note speaker on World Responsible Tourism Day argues, in Nature that it is not. Read his argument here.
"Company officials said they were reviewing their options a day after the California Coastal Commission approved a $100 million expansion of the tanks SeaWorld uses to hold killer whales in San Diego -- but banned breeding of the captive orcas that would live in them. The panel's decision raised an array of questions, including whether the company would proceed with the project or raise a legal challenge, possibly on whether the commission overstepped its authority." Read more on NBC The campaign goes on with the focus now shifting to securing a a vote in the California state legislature. More
Opportunity
Yurt Holiday Portugal is looking for a team of two to come on board from Spring 2016. This opportunity is perfect for dynamic people interested in tourism, low impact living, with the energy to become resident manager and continue to develop the business partnership with Hannah and Derrick. www.yurtholidayportugal.com
Interested? Email yurtholidayportugal@gmail.com
