RTD17 Eswatini Responsible Tourism Matters

Inaugural conference

of the Southern African Chapter of the

International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT)

RTD17 : Responsible Tourism in Destinations 2024 Conference

Register to attend in person or virtually

Registration 10:00 - 10:30

10:30 - 10:35 Introduction Program Director

10:35 - 10:45 Welcome Mr Malcos Sengwayo, Chairperson, Piggs Peak Hotel Board of Directors

10:45 - 11:00 Opening Address

11:00 - 11:30 Dr Harold Goodwin Key Note Address: Why does creating shared value through tourism benefit businesses and communities?

11:30 - 12:45 Panel 1: Inclusive Tourism - Creating Shared Value
The business cases for responsible tourism draw on a range of arguments and market demand evidence. It is the right thing to do (businessmen and women have children and grandchildren). There can be cost savings from reduced resource use, and product quality can be enhanced by local purchasing, freshness and delivering a more meaningful connection with the place for the tourist. Purchasing locally, employing local people on good terms and conditions and encouraging visitors to behave in ways that respect local mores and customs secures good neighbourly relationships and license to operate. Trust, reputation and customer loyalty are core business assets that contribute to PR and marketing, and reduced staff turnover and training costs are also a business advantage.

Lunch 12:45 - 13:45

13:45 - 15:00 The environment, sustainability & social cohesion

As the consequences of climate change impact on destinations around the world, there will be increasing pressure for businesses and destination governments to take responsibility, reduce emissions and adapt the way they construct and sell tourism. Responsible Tourism is critical as it minimises negative economic, environmental, and social impacts; generates great economic benefits for local communities and enhances their well-being; involves local people in decision-making about tourism in their communities; contributes to the conservation of cultural and natural heritage; is inclusive; provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through meaningful experiences and is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, builds local pride and confidence.

15:00 - 16:15 Moving from talk to action: What are the next steps

The travel and tourism sector reflects our planet's natural and cultural diversity. It is significantly dependent upon that diversity to create motivation for travel. Tourism is a social activity with significant and measurable impacts on natural and cultural heritage and communities. The impacts of tourism are shaped by the way tourism is provided by businesses and consumed by travellers and holidaymakers: the choices we make as businesses and suppliers of travel, accommodation, guiding and attractions, the tourism planning and regulatory frameworks imposed by governments and conservation authorities, and tourists' decisions and behaviours determine our and their impacts.– what have we learnt? – how do we chart a way forward for tourism and related industries in Eswatini?

16:15-16:30 Closing address

16:30 Networking
Cocktail function with a cash bar

Coverage in the Eswatini press