Responsible and Sustainable Tourism
- encourage respect, understanding and positive experiences between our different cultures
- make sure local people are involved and benefit economically from tourism
- share knowledge and experience to help develop and promote sustainable and community based tourism and educational projects
- help preserve our environment and natural resources
- respect and raise awareness of International Human Rights
- respect and raise awareness of The Convention on the Rights of the Child (watch a video)
The Millenium Development Goals our world leader's signed up to in 2000
The
8 Millenium Development Goals form a blueprint agreed to by the
world's leaders at the Millenium summit and supported by leading
development institutions. 2008 was the half way mark for the 2015 target
and many Countries are failing to deliver their promised commitment. In September 2010 there will be a summit of World Leaders on the progress of the MDG's
as the 2015 looms ever near. In Rwanda, a Millenium Development Village demonstrates how finance
has been used to develop sustainable projects that have made a huge difference to peoples
lives and is an example of just how important these goals are. In Ethiopia, more children are in school. Both Ethiopia and Rwanda are in the 20 Countries who have made the most headway to meet MDG targets, but there is still a long way to go.
- eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- achieve universal primary education
- promote gender equality and empower women
- reduce child mortality
- improve maternal health
- combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
- ensure environmental sustainability
- develop a global partnership for development
©UNWTO 
The Cape Town Declaration
In
2002, 280 delegates from 20 countries involved in, or associated with
tourism, agreed that Tourism should, in a nutshell, 'maximise positive
impacts and minimise negative impacts' and identified a set of
principles. Gail's view is that ' the declaration mustn't be seen as
an opportunity just to paste a few words on websites or promotional
material, nor to gain business by alluding to being 'responsible';
there has to be evidence of true commitment and practice'.
- minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts
- generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities; improves working conditions and access to the industry
- involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
- makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
- provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
- provides access for physically challenged people
- is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence
Protecting Children in Tourism - EPCAT UK
EPCAT UK - End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes. EPCAT UK are a leading children's rights organisation that works with it's International and European partners to protect chldren from sexual exploitation in travel and tourism. Did you know that British Nationals can be prosecuted for crimes committed abroad. EPCAT UK works with the police and Travel and Tourism Industry to safeguard children regardless of where they live. To find out about the legislation and to learn more about the work of ECPAT UK click on the links below.
Code of Conduct - more
EPCAT UK - more
world responsible tourism day supports and promotes the aims of the Cape Town Declaration
Responsible Photography Holidays
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