Responsible Tourism – An Introduction

There is an African proverb which says, ‘Treat your guest as a guest for two days - then on the third day give him a hoe’. This proverb achieves greater significance when applied in the context of the topic which I have selected for my project work – ‘Relevance of Responsible Tourism in Kerala’. The concept of Tourism has come out of the happy-go-lucky days and is all set to move towards a more serious participative, issue based model. In simpler terms the guest cannot remain as a guest for a long time. Active participation is demanded from him to make his stay and the well being of others a success.

This project explores the concept of tourism in the light of the newly developed practice which is termed as responsible tourism. The project gains much relevance when done against the backdrop of Kerala – an exotic destination much sought after by both national and international tourists. The need for a study like this will create awareness about the concept of responsible tourism and will certainly help in creating a better eco-sphere where the natural bounties are preserved for the use of generations to come.

Responsible tourism and sustainable tourism have an identical goal, that of sustainable development. The issues that are taken into consideration in both responsible tourism are environmental integrity, social justice and maximising local economic benefit. In responsible tourism individuals, organisations and businesses are asked to take responsibility for their actions and the impacts of their actions. The need for responsible tourism stems from the fact that very little progress has been made on realising sustainable tourism since the Earth Summit in Rio. The emphasis on the word ‘responsibility’ in responsible tourism means that everyone involved in tourism – Government, product owners ,transport owners, community services, NGO’s, tourists ,local communities, industry associations are responsible for achieving the goals of responsible tourism.

The 2002 Cape Town declaration on responsible tourism in destinations defines it as a type of eco-tourism which minimises negative, environmental and social impacts. It should generate greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities. It must make positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity. Responsible tourism is mainly conceived with three kinds of responsibilities which are termed as the ‘triple bottom-line’ – economic responsibility, social responsibility and environmental Responsibility. Responsible tourism strives to be culturally sensitive, to encourage respect between tourists and hosts and to build local pride and confidence. Tourism industries in South Africa, the United Kingdom, United States, the Gambia, India, and Sri Lanka are already practicing Responsible tourism and this list is growing. Recognising the global significance of Responsible Tourism World Travel Market one of the world’s largest travel exhibitions had created World Responsible Tourism day to be celebrated annually on November 12. World Responsible Tourism Day is endorsed by the World Tourism Organisation and World Travel and Tourism Council.

There are different factors that prompt the tourism industry to explore the possibilities of practicing responsible tourism. Some of the main factors are the concern about global warming, destruction of the environment, erosion of cultures and lifestyles and the issue of poverty. The number of initiatives aimed at saving some part of the environment, or improving the living conditions is increasing day by day. To a certain extent this awareness has affected the mindset of the people especially the tourists. They have become keener in getting maximum value for the money they invest in their annual holidays. A significant and growing number of tourists are looking for a better experience, a better quality product. They are looking for experiences which enable them to get closer to the ‘real’ living culture of countries and to experience the diverse and natural and cultural heritage. For example in India, after the success of the movie Slumdog Millionaire, an increasing number of westerners are shunning the beaches of Goa and palaces of Rajasthan. There is an increasing demand to see the slum life in Mumbai and other cities. This type of tourism goes by the name of slum tourism or poverty tourism. Slum tourism is promoted by travel companies to reduce poverty and enable local people to participate more effectively in tourism development.

Today there is an increased awareness in the tourism industry with regards to preservation of natural resources especially water. Some of the steps that are being widely practiced to encourage travellers to be economical with their use of water in areas where there is a scarcity and to support local initiatives to improve access for poor to water.