Can Tourism Be Sustainable?

Entrance to the Petrohué Falls sector, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Chile.
© Marcela Torres

by Marcela Torres

We believe it can! That’s why Southern Cone Journeys is joining the 2011 campaign of the World Responsible Tourism Day (WRTD), which is celebrated every year during World Travel Market – held in London and one of the most important gatherings of the tourism industry- with support by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The WRTD was launched in 2006 to promote practical action by the industry and other stakeholders in light of the need for a more responsible attitude in tourism, especially towards host communities. Responsible Tourism is an important consumer and corporate component of triple bottom line of sustainability, which involves economic, social and environmental factors.

Throughout this blog, we will explore current trends, studies and best practices for the tourism industry to walk the path to sustainability. How do we reach this goal? By promoting the principles of responsible tourism as defined in the Cape Town Declaration (2002):

• To minimize negative economic, environmental, and social impacts;
• To generate greater economic benefits for local people and enhance the well-being of host communities, improve working conditions and access to the industry;
• To involve local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances;
• To make positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world's diversity;
• To provide more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues;
• To provide access for physically challenged people; and
• To be culturally sensitive, engender respect between tourists and hosts, and build local pride and confidence.

Come join us in this challenging but rewarding journey!