RT News: Latest Developments in Responsible Tourism 12/2024

1. Remember the Tsunami
2. Climate Change
3. Overtourism
4. Short Term Rentals [Airbnb]
5. India at the cutting edge of RT 
6. All-inclusive,  good or bad?
7. Tourism Taxes
8. Hydrogen - clean fuel
9. Aviation
10. Miscellaneous

1. Remember the Tsunami
On Boxing Day 2004  a magnitude 9.1 earthquake struck off the west coast of Aceh in northern Sumatra.  The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was among the deadliest natural disasters in human history, with at least 227,898 people killed or missing in 14 countries bordering the Indian Ocean, violently in Aceh (Indonesia), and severely in Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu (India), and Khao Lak (Thailand). The 2004 tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, and the worst tsunami disaster in history. There is an introduction to tsunamis on Wikipedia. They are generated by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and explosions beneath bodies of water.  The tsunami too 5 hrs to reach Western Australia, 7 hrs to reach the Arabian Peninsula and 11hrs to reach South Africa. Scientists investigating the damage in Aceh found evidence that the wave reached a height of 24 m (80 ft) when coming ashore along large stretches of the coastline, rising to 30 m (100 ft) in some areas when travelling inland.

Natural tsunami warnings include strong or long earthquakes, a loud roar (like a train or an airplane) from the ocean, and unusual ocean behaviour. The ocean could look like a fast-rising flood or a wall of water. Or, it could drain away suddenly, showing the ocean floor, reefs and fish like a very low, low tide. FEMA

2. Climate Change
2024, a year of storms, heatwaves, wildfires, floods and feedback loops, the more the Earth warms, the fewer low-lying clouds form, and the more the Earth warms. Deadly wildfires in Europe, the US, Canada and the Amazon; and recent flooding in Spain, the US and the United Arab Emirates due to named hurricanes. Industries and livelihoods from agriculture. Scientists have calculated and the Arctic could see its first ice-free day as early as 2027. Earth is warming faster than expected 
In his New Year's Message, Guterres reported that the top 10 hottest years on record have occurred in the past decade. “This is climate breakdown — in real-time. We must exit this road to ruin — and we have no time to lose,” he said. “In 2025, countries must put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions, and supporting the transition to a renewable future. It is essential — and it is possible.” Climate change intensified 26 of the 29 weather events studied by World Weather Attribution that killed at least 3700 people and displaced millions. Celeste Saulo, the WMO Secretary-General, described the year as a sobering wake-up call. “If we want a safer planet, we must act now. It’s our responsibility. It’s a common responsibility, a global responsibility,”
2024 - A year of extreme weather that challenged billions

Mayotte was hit by Cyclone Chido, which brought wind speeds of more than 225km/h (140mph). There are before and after images of Mamoudzou on the BBC website.  39 dead as at 24 December.
Flooding in Malaysia and Thailand - at least 12 dead. More than 122,000 people have been forced out of their homes in northern Malaysia, while in southern Thailand, around 13,000 others have also been displaced.
TUI cancelled Christmas Lapland trips because of the lack of snow. Alpine ski areas are looking to diversify beyond snow due to climate change. Ten areas across Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland have been working with Beyond Snow for three years since its launch in 2021. The aim is to develop ways of coping with the loss of tourist revenues, social change, and the environmental impact of diminishing snowfall.
Bloomberg published some good news stories about climate change - demonstrating that while we know what we need to do we are not doing it fast enough.
South Pacific With the threat of rising sea levels and extreme weather events, countries like Tuvalu are taking proactive measures to preserve their rich cultural heritage and unique ecosystems, even creating digital backups to safeguard their legacy. Christopher Cocker, Chief Executive of the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), recognising that tourism is fundamental to island economies. "By embracing responsible tourism practices, fostering community collaboration and committing to innovative solutions, the Pacific can chart a sustainable path for its tourism sector."

3. Overtourism

In the Serengeti climate change, burgeoning human and livestock populations, invasive plant species, threatened water resources, and more, are creating a perfect storm of threats for the Serengeti ecosystem and Maasai pastoralists are under pressure to leave their ancestral lands to make way for more tourism. "Tourism compounds these threats by adding vehicles, roads, lodges, and other infrastructure to the ecosystem, in the process disrupting wildlife hunting and reproduction and access to key river areas."
In Tenerife, anti-tourism protesters have daubed 200 sunbeds with slogans such as “Canarias se defiende” (The Canary Islands defend themselves) and “Canarias no se vende” (The Canary Islands are not for sale) can be seen written in black spray-painted lettering on the sunbeds’ fabric.
Mexico plans to impose a new $42 immigration fee on each cruise ship passenger. Mexico’s Immigration Institute will issue a “collective visa to every person on the ship’s passenger list.”
Ginzan Onsen, a popular hot spring town in Japan known for its picturesque winter scenery, historic ryokan inns, and peaceful atmosphere, has imposed a limit of 100 day visitors after 17:00. After 20:00, only hotel guests, local employees, and vehicles for official or business purposes will be permitted access. Until February 2025 day trippers will have to use, and pay for, a shuttle bus to take them to the hot springs. more here
The government is targeting the Labuan Bajo the Komodo National Park gateway for tourism growth in Indonesia, as one of five New Bali destinations. Regular temporary closures are being considered for 2025 to "reduce the pressure in the park, minimize the negative impact of tourist activities, and revive alternative tourist destinations surrounding the park area."
Fodor's 2025 No List includes Bali, Mount Everest, Barcelona, Mallorca, Lisbon, the Canary Islands and Venice, Koh Samui, Thailand ( the new season of the “The White Lotus” premieres this year) and Agrigento in Sicily, this year's  Italian City of Culture.
Travel and Tour World reports on the rise of AI in travel planning with 66% of travellers planning to use technology to make informed decisions that respect the locations they visit while contributing positively to local communities and 41% of tourists expressing interest in using such tools to curate meaningful journeys. " Nearly 44% of tourists have pledged not to tag lesser-known locations on social media to prevent them from being overwhelmed by “Instatourists.” However, 47% of Gen Z and 44% of millennials would reconsider visiting a destination if they couldn’t tag its location—Booking.com's AI-powered search function.
Chris Crampton, chair of Pata UK and Ireland,  argues that "there needs to be a lot less shaming of travel and tourism as a whole and more promotion, education and encouragement of the positive impact travel has. ... There is so much change for good happening, we should be proud of the progress that is being made and highlight that. Tourism is a net positive that creates opportunities to profoundly benefit individuals, families, communities and countries. Let’s celebrate that."
Londoners are reported to be posting fake reviews to push tourists away from their favourite restaurants.

4. Short Term Rentals [Airbnb] Tourists in Italy will no longer be able to access short-term rentals using key boxes after the country's police chief said owners must verify the identity of guests in person. Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri welcomed the order, saying it would mean "more effective controls on access, and a first break on unfair competition". Guests’ personal details and identity documents must be sent to police authorities by owners within 24 hours of check-in.
In Rome 17 per cent of housing in the centre is already listed for rent online, "neighbourhoods with distinctive, centuries-old characters are morphing into bland tourist dormitories." Filippo Celata, a housing expert at La Sapienza University in Rome, explains: " “In Italy, short-term rental properties may be 1.3 per cent of the total, but they account for an enormous 13 per cent of rentals, and that’s why rental prices are soaring, forcing residents out of cities.”
Airbnb is reported to have introduced anti-party technology to prevent "unauthorised and disruptive parties" and blocked nearly 74,000 people around the world from booking rentals around New Year's Eve. Airbnb revealed that in the UK, around 7,800 people were blocked or redirected on its platform last Christmas Eve - approximately 2,900 guests were in London and 470 in Manchester. Amanda Cupples, Airbnb general manager for the UK and northern Europe, said "Airbnb is committed to supporting hosts and the communities they live in, and we hope these defences allow guests, hosts and neighbours to celebrate the holiday with added reassurance.”
Analysis by DataAppeal reveals that "among 25 European capitals, NYE night hotel prices rise by 2.7%, while short-term rentals soar almost 8%, with Innsbruck’s average rental rate of €417 surpassing hotels at €323—highlighting the growing demand for flexible, unique accommodation options this New Year’s Eve."

5. India at the cutting edge of RT

Kerala has long been the global leader in Responsible Tourism. It should come as no surprise then that Kerala hosted the first Global Women’s Conference on Responsible and Gender Inclusive Tourism over four days at Munnar Hill Station. There is increasing evidence that women are more important than men in determining leisure travel destinations and bookings and that there are strong ethical and commercial reasons to empower women in the tourism sector as both hosts and guests. The Kerala conference has addressed both

Shri K. Biju, Secretary of Kerala Tourism, highlighted the fact that the initiative focuses on experiential tourism, offering stay packages, artistic villages and cultural streets. Smt. Sikha Surendran, the Director of Kerala Tourism, emphasised the importance of increasing women’s participation in tourism, explaining that this boosted the confidence of women travellers, resulting in increased tourist flow. 
All those present at the conference, government officials, entrepreneurs and panchayat leaders signed the declaration, which included in the call to action both an intent and a mechanism for reporting and ensuring progress – We the signatories pledged to: i) Integrate gender inclusivity and responsible tourism practices as the core principles in tourism planning, with a special focus on women-friendly initiatives, and ii) continuously monitor and report on gender inclusivity and responsible tourism practices, ensuring transparency and accountability

Travel Trends Today reported on RT in Kerala, the RT Mission and CGH Earth Hotels in a major review of recent developments in India: " Net Positive Tourism in India – Moving from Goals to Groundwork!"
"Following the inspiring example of neighbouring Kerala, an ‘older player’ in this journey, from the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh (MP)has been paving the way, leading by example, in showing a way for governments to implement community inclusion and foster empowerment for widespread societal benefits. In terms of gender equality impact, it is calculated that 75,000 women will be involved in the future, and 300 villages will benefit from it. Of the first 100 villages currently identified, 30 have already started to implement the RT Mission,  which will provide 10,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. A clear strategy directs this long-term commitment of the State to its people."

6. All-inclusive,  good or bad?
This year we are looking for examples of good practice in all-inclusive hotels and resorts.
Demand is changing and increasing. Expedia Group chief commercial officer Greg Schulze reports that since 2019, the all-inclusive demand on Expedia and Hotels.com has grown by 70% and the average daily rate (ADR) by +40%. In 2024 the most popular all-inclusive destinations on  Expedia Group platforms were in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Turkey, followed by Spain, Greece, Cyprus and the East Adriatic. Schulze reports that this "remarkable growth is largely thanks to higher quality offerings which are attracting new demographics of travellers" with " a shift ...  currently underway from a one-size-fits-all model to more personalised experiences for all-inclusive." "We are witnessing a shift to high-end all-inclusive experiences with gourmet dining, personalised service and luxury experiences."

7. Tourism Taxes
Balearics raised close to €377 million, through the sustainable tourism tax in 2024. €247 million, will go to schemes focused on environmental conservation and water cycle management. Efforts to extend the season, preserve historical and cultural heritage, promote responsible tourism support research and development, and training programmes and initiatives to enhance job quality in the tourism sector will also benefit. Up to €16 million a year has been set aside to help municipalities improve inspection systems, ensure safety, and raise awareness.
Liverpool is considering implementing a City Visitor Charge of £2 per night which would raise around £ 6 million a year,  65% of which is reserved for a “subvention fund” and 21% for  “destination marketing.”
The Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions (WAVA), representing over 100 leading attractions across Wales, recommended its members to close for one day to protest against the £1.25 per night tourism tax on hotels, B&Bs and self-catered accommodation proposed to be implemented from 2027, 75p would apply to hostels and campsites. WAVA reports that 60% of Welsh attractions had fewer visitors in 2024 than in 2023. I have not been able to find details of any closures on December 10th 

8. Hydrogen - clean fuel
US Geological Survey researchers say there could be 5.6 trillion metric tonnes of hydrogen in rocks and underground reservoirs, enough to fuel human activities for nearly 200 years. Acknowledging that most of this hydrogen reservoir could be inaccessible, it estimates that harvesting just 2 per cent could power humanity for about two centuries. There is more detail on the Green Car Congress website including a conceptual model
In Texas, MAX Power Mining Corp. and Larin Engineering HHC, are seeking to locate natural hydrogen. "MAX Power CEO Rav Mlait compares the current hydrogen push to the earlier oil boom the state experienced in the 20th century, tapping into Texas’ history of energy innovation. It basically has low carbon intensity, measured at around 0.4 kg CO2 for every kg of hydrogen."
Fuel Cell Works has a review article "Celebrating 2024: Advances and Challenges for Hydrogen in a Year of Transformation" In the US the year-old Hydrogen Interagency Task Force, or HIT, there are already 4.5 gigawatts of electrolyzers being built or on the ground, 25 times more than in 2021. Aerospace Manufacturing and Design forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.6% from 2024 to 2032, fueled by a heightened emphasis on zero-emission aviation solutions.

9. Aviation
IATA Director General Willie Walsh said in his end-of-year industry briefing to the media in Geneva that IATA has not made as much progress as we wanted, or is needed, on decarbonising the aviation sector. "Blame was attached to governments and big oil producers for the slow investment in sustainable aviation fuel facilities, with anticipated SAF production in 2024 falling significantly short of IATA’s own expectations." The UK government has opened a consultation on aviation carbon offsetting considering options for how the UK will implement the UN’s global Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The consultation includes proposals for how the scheme will be regulated in the UK, including penalties for non-compliance, according to the Department for Transport.
Climate Home News has challenged Shell on sham carbon credit projects 
Barbuda has a new airport catering for private jets, "described at its ribbon-cutting ceremony by Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority chief executive Colin C James as a “game changer for Barbuda, as we look to attracting the luxury traveller and private jet owners from around the world to Barbuda”.

10. Miscellaneous
> Cruise ships visiting Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park pour contaminated water and exhaust chemicals into the ocean, risking the health of the world’s biggest reef system, local stakeholders claim.
> There is debate in Guyana about whether the former commune where Jim Jones and more than 900 followers died in 1978 in a mass suicide should be turned into a  tourist attraction.
> Panama has branded its approach to Responsible Tourism as regenerative.
> Sustainable Hotel News published opinions from various experts on what they think hotels could have done better on the sustainability agenda in 2024 including Sarah Habsburg, Debbie Hindle, Glenn Mandziuk, Randy Durband ...
> Dark Tourism is growing in popularity, ", Gen Z appear to be the sector’s latest fans. In fact, some say it is Gen Z’s obsession with dark tourism that is driving its rise: an overwhelming 91% of Gen Z surveyed had already done some form of dark tourism back in 2022."
> TTG advice on how to persuade clients to take a move responsible holiday 
> PS [Pop Sugar] has published A Guide to Traveling Responsibly in Hawaiʻi

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