WORLD ECOTOURISM CONFERENCE July 17 July 2009, Vientiane, Laos Tourism: Sustainable Approach to Development

Transcription

1 Tourism: Sustainable Development Panel Presentation: Roadmap Basics WORLD ECOTOURISM CONFERENCE July 17 July 2009, Vientiane, Laos Tourism: Sustainable Approach to Development PANEL PRESENTATION: ROADMAP BASICS FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Lecturer: Panel Discussion 16 July 2009 Zadok S. LEMPERT, PhD Tourism-, Environmental-, Humanitarian- Development Management Expert Professor for Environmental Management and Tourism Development Contact: and/or

2 Tourism: Sustainable Development Panel Presentation: Roadmap Basics Distinguished Excellencies, Honourable Tourism and Development Professionals, Respected Academic Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, The paper presented here is an excerpt of longstanding research, many lecturing documents, and based on personal tourism and environmental development experience.

3 WHAT IS TOURISM Definitions The term TOURISM first cited in the Oxford English Dictionary of TOURISM MANAGEMENT In principle TOURISM addresses (or should do so) all political, legislative, economic, industrial, environmental and social, educational issues resulting from - or relevant to - movements of people and their belongings from a geographical point to another as well as the resources, infrastructure and services necessary to enable, accommodate and cater to these needs. (Formulation by Zadok S. Lempert, PhD) TOURISM RESOURCES/ATTRACTIONS can be distinguished as: NATURALLY GIVEN RESOURCES ARTIFICIALLY BUILT RESOURCES TOURISM can be divided into / TOURISTS can originate from/travel to: LOCAL / DOMESTIC / NATIONAL REGIONAL / CROSS-BORDER / CONTINENTAL INTERNATIONAL / OVERSEAS / TRANSCONTINENTAL

4 WHAT IS A TOURIST Definitions TOURIST: TOURISM MANAGEMENT An individual or a group of people who undertake action to move from their point of residence / current living location to another point of choice with a purpose in mind and for a limited period of time. Such persons may be called Travellers, Visitors, Tourists (*please also refer to grey zones). Tourists usually look forward to using and are ready to pay for services such as transportation, accommodation, food and beverages, attractions, sport and entertainment events, information and guiding, shopping and souvenirs. (Formulation by Zadok S. Lempert, PhD) (Grey zones: Are these tourists as well? Travel to be hospitalized, travel of soldiers under command to an assignment point, refugees and displaced people, Immigrants, Guest-Workers). Why do tourists travel? Reasons / Interests for tourist movements: Leisure and Vacation Entertainment and Amusement Sports SPA & Wellness Health Food, Gourmet Adventure-Activities Nature, Wildlife Culture Other Special-Interest Business Conferences incentives Education, Seminars, Courses Other Events (For further complementing information also refer to Tourism Prerequisits, Segments, Suppliers)

5 WHAT IS TOURISM Prerequisits, Segments, Suppliers TOURISM BY ESSENTIALS, SECTORS, SEGMENTS, SUPPLIERS TOURISM ESSENTIALS Safety / Security Disaster/Accident Preparedness Variety of attractions Value for money TOURISM MANAGEMENT LOCAL LEISURE Resort vacation Shopping vacation Sightseeing vacation Cleanliness / Hygiene / Environment BUSINESS Meetings Lunchs/Dinners Limousines TOURISM TOURISM REGIONAL MICE Conferences Exhibitions Incentives INTERNATIONAL Information SPECIAL INTEREST Health & SPA Golden Age Education Flights (ENABLING) SUPPLIER / FEEDER INDUSTRIES: Hospitality, Catering, Transports, Travel Agents, Communications, Furniture, Electricity, Hygiene services, Hospitals, Schools, Textiles, Fashion, Souvenirs, Stationery, Supermarkets, Electronics, Printing, Media, Entertainment, Cosmetics, Urban Infrastructure, Property Development, Banking, Environmental Management, Parking, Post, Translations, Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Processing, Police/Security Seminars & Training Excursions Entertainment Nature, Wildlife Culture Heritage Educationals Sports: Golf Racing Polo Fishing Diving Trekking Cultural Events: Music, Opera, Theatre Food Events Eco- Tourism

6 WHAT IS TOURISM Industry Actors by Segments Is TOURISM an INDUSTRY? Travel Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Tourist Guides, Airlines, Cruise Companies, Bus and Coach Companies, Limousines, Taxis, Railways TOURISM MANAGEMENT Direct Industries and Sectors involved with the Tourism Industry Hospitality Leisure, Entertainment Others Hotels, Guest Houses, Hostels, Lodges, Camping Sites, Restaurants, Cafès & Bars Theatres, Cinemas, Museums, Art Galleries, Theme Parks, Zoos, Sport Centres, Gardens, Amusement & Shopping Arcades, Casinos National & Regional Tourist Offices Border & Customs Police Marketing, Advertising, Publication Agencies Technologies Construction and Property Development, Engineering Telecommunication Roads Car Manufacturing Food Processing Indirect Consumer Goods Outdoors Equipment Gasoline Stations Food, Textiles, Fashion, Souvenirs, Stationery Others Postal/Mail Services Police, Health & Medical Education Environment

7 Tourism: Sustainable Development Panel Presentation: Roadmap Basics The Problem: HUMAN-KIND THE CORE OF THE PROBLEM TOURISM MANAGEMENT Congestion of population / Overpopulation

8 MANAGEMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY INTRODUCTION: GLOBAL PROBLEMS ANALYSIS Congestion of population / Overpopulation ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Examples: Urban congerstion: Megacities Congerstion: Overpopulation Congestion: Waste, Garbage Congestion: Traffic Author: Zadok Severin LEMPERT, PhD

9 MANAGEMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY INTRODUCTION: GLOBAL PROBLEMS ANALYSIS ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT In order to keep up with the growing needs, the cycle of more = - more population, - more request for known luxuries, - more production, - more supply, - more consumption equals - more use / exploitation of natural resources, - more waste, - more pollution has become a pattern of normal life and business conduct in this century. DEVELOPMENT STRIVES TO COPE WITH THESE Author: Zadok Severin LEMPERT, PhD

10 Tourism: Sustainable Development Panel Presentation: Roadmap Basics TOURISM is part of the overall DEVELOPMENT It STIMULATES ECONOMIC GROWTH TOURISM MANAGEMENT STIMULATES INVESTMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURES (Roads, Water Systems, Electricity, Construction, Public Transportation Systems, Hygiene Systems, Agriculture and Food Supplies, Attractions Maintenanace and Attractive Shopping Areas) CREATES JOB AND INCOME OPPORTUNITIES ENHANCES READINESS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION AND PROFICIENCY ENHANCES LIVING STANDARDS OF LOCAL POPULATION IMPROVES THE NATIONAL IMAGE AND CREATES CONFIDENCE IN INVESTMENTS-RELIABILITY BUT

11 Tourism: Sustainable Development Panel Presentation: Roadmap Basics TOURISM has strong IMPACTS: It CREATES NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEBTS TOURISM MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURES MEAN DESTRUCTION OF FORESTS AND AGRICULTURE, DESTRUCTION OF BIODIVERSITY, LAND DEGRADATION, IN SEVERAL CASES DISPLACEMENT OF POPULATION MORE TRANSPORTATION CAUSES CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE, AIR AND NOISE POLLUTION, TRAFFIC CONGESTIONS, TENSIONS MORE VISITORS CONSUME MORE WATER, ELECTRICITY, CREATE MORE WASTE AND SEWAGE, PAY HIGHER PRICES THAN LOCALS FOR RENT, FOOD, CONSUMER-GOODS (INFLATION) TOURISM HAS IMPACTS OF LOCAL CULTURES (Commodification, Standardisation, Loss of Cultural Authenticity, increased Crime and Prostitution) MOTIVATES LOCAL POPULATION TO MIGRATE TO CITIES

12 MANAGEMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY INTRODUCTION: GLOBAL PROBLEMS ANALYSIS Population-Demographics - Urbanisation, Megacities Megacities: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Population congestion Construction: roads, buildings, infrastructure Traffic congestion Pollution: noise, dust, air, smog, garbage, sewage, waste Social problems: poverty, isolation, desperation, criminality Search for solutions: economy, clean air and water, sufficinet energy, parking, safety, waste and sanitation management and pollution prevention, schools, health, entertainment Author: Zadok Severin LEMPERT, PhD

13 Tourism: Sustainable Development Panel Presentation: Roadmap Basics Alternative Alternative Alternative Alternative Tourism Tourism Tourism Tourism Adventure Travel Conscientious Tourism Responsible Tourism Geotourism Nature Tourism Agro-tourism / Rural Tourism SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ECOTOURISM Community based Tourism Pro-poor Tourism Heritage Tourism

14 Tourism: Sustainable Development Panel Presentation: Roadmap Basics WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE? WHAT IS ECOTOURISM?

15 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements Perception 1: World Summit on Sustainable Development SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN ITS PUREST SENSE, IS AN INDUSTRY WHICH ATTEMPTS TO MAKE A LOW IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND LOCAL CULTURE, WHILE HELPING TO GENERATE INCOME, EMPLOYMENT, AND THE CONSERVATION OF LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS. IT IS RESPONSIBLE TOURISM WHICH IS BOTH ECOLOGICALLY AND CULTURALLY SENSITIVE. Perception 2: UNEP United Nations Environment Program WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM? "Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of the present tourists and host-regions while protecting and enhancing the opportunity for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled, while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems". For more information on sustainable tourism: The Convention on Biological Diversity ( has made a compilation and analysis of existing codes, guidelines, principles and position papers on sustainable tourism. Some important documents that discuss the concept of sustainable tourism are: UNEP Principles on Sustainable Tourism Biological Diversity and Tourism. ( The Convention on Biological Diversity International Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism ( WTO has created the Global Codes of Ethics for Tourism, in which a frame of reference for the responsible and sustainable development of tourism is set. ( EU Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas (

16 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements Perception 3: WTO WORLD TOURISM ORGANISATION Sustainable Development of Tourism - Conceptual Definition (2004) "Sustainable tourism development guidelines and management practices are applicable to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations, including mass tourism and the various niche tourism segments. Sustainability principles refer to the environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability. Thus, sustainable tourism should: 1) Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity. 2) Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance. 3) Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socioeconomic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed, including stable employment and income-earning opportunities and social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation. Sustainable tourism development requires the informed participation of all relevant stakeholders, as well as strong political leadership to ensure wide participation and consensus building. Achieving sustainable tourism is a continuous process and it requires constant monitoring of impacts, introducing the necessary preventive and/or corrective measures whenever necessary. Sustainable tourism should also maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience to the tourists, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them." Some Statements and Declarations of the World Tourism Organization related to the Sustainable Development of Tourism: - The Hague Declaration on Tourism, Lanzarote Charter for Sustainable Tourism, Agenda 21 for Tourism & Travel Industry, Global Codes of Ethics for Tourism, Québec Declaration on Ecotourism, Djerba Declaration on Tourism and Climate Change, 2003

17 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements Perception 4: National Geographic What is Sustainable Tourism? Its informative. Travellers not only learn about the destination, they learn how to help sustain its character while deepening their own travel experiences. Residents learn that the ordinary and familiar may be of interest and value to outsiders. It supports integrity of place. Destination-savvy travellers seek out businesses that emphasize the character of the locale in terms of architecture, cuisine, heritage, aesthetics, and ecology. Tourism revenues in turn raise local perceived value of those assets. It benefits residents. Travel businesses do their best to employ and train local people, buy local supplies, and use local services. It conserves resources. Environmentally aware travelers favor businesses that minimize pollution, waste, energy consumption, water usage, landscaping chemicals, and unnecessary nighttime lighting. It respects local culture and tradition. Foreign visitors learn about and observe local etiquette, including using at least a few courtesy words in the local language. Residents learn how to deal with foreign expectations that may differ from their own. It does not abuse its product. Stakeholders anticipate development pressures and apply limits and management techniques to prevent the "loved to death" syndrome. Businesses cooperate to sustain natural habitats, heritage sites, scenic appeal, and local culture. It strives for quality, not quantity. Communities measure tourism success not by sheer numbers of visitors, but by length of stay, money spent, and quality of experience. It means great trips. Satisfied, excited visitors bring new knowledge home and send friends off to experience the same thing - which provides continuing business for the destination.

18 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements Perception 5: American Society of Travel Agents Principles of Sustainable Tourism Increasing evidence shows that an integrated approach to tourism planning and management is now required to achieve sustainable tourism. It is only recently that there has been a growing recognition of the importance of combining the needs of traditional urban management (transportation, land use planning, marketing, economic development, fire and safety etc.) with the need to plan for tourism. Some of the most important principles of sustainable tourism development include: Tourism should be initiated with the help of broad-based communityinputs and the community should maintain control of tourism development. Tourism should provide quality employment to its community residents and a linkage between the local businesses and tourism should be established. A code of practice should be established for tourism at all levels national, regional, and local - based on internationally accepted standards. Guidelines for tourism operations, impact assessment, monitoring of cumulative impacts, and limits to acceptable change should be established. Education and training programmes to improve and manage heritage and natural resources should be established.

19 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements Personal perception and Author s remarks: During the past three decades Tourism has become a major international industry, with many countries all over the world relying on the income it produces. Its economic advantages as a major source of foreign exchange and employment lead to its active promotion by governments and other institutions. The consequences on the environment were long neglected as economic development was more important. The fact that Environment is a major natural integrated factor in the tourism menu has now also been recognized. The demands of tourism can, however, contribute to the destruction of the natural and cultural environment upon which it depends. It is essential to find ways to protect those environments for the present and future generations. Sustainable Tourism aims to achieve these objectives through the development of new solutions, which minimise the adverse effects of tourism, either on the environment, or outside its boundaries. This can be achieved through the development of new strategies for managing the environment, involving the active collaboration of society as a whole. The continuous growth of tourism gives substantial urgency to finding solutions to cope with its impact on the environment, including culture and society. The issues concerned with achieving environmental, social and economic sustainability of tourism alongside the governance mechanisms needed to support sustainable tourism have to be explored and formalized. Sustainable Tourism has to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach and specifically aim to foster greater understanding and collaboration between scientists and social science experts, practitioners and policy makers. It has to employ a broad view of the sophisticated and complex tourism-industry, while continuously examining the practice of sustainable tourism from global travel trends through to destination and site management, innovative environmental and energy solutions, and solutions of preserving the diversity of our planet.

20 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements General background (1) The term EcoTourism started evolving around Dedicated naturelovers, world explorers and expedition participants, environmentalists and biologists observed and commented the destruction of natural resources through economical greed and profit seeking, technical industrial progress, ignorant legislations, lack of interest by local populations to guard their surroundings. The term EcoTourism became a buzzword during the 1980 s, with this nichmarket striving to become mainstream. Unfortunately its influence and acceptance in the market were diluted through misuse within the tourism industry and lacking marketing. EcoTourism has long been a term misused by critics and proponents, including environmentalists and tourism developers. There is no single definition and 20 years after its introduction, the word remains a buzzword. The criteria, principles and definitions of EcoTourism have been repeatedly debated on political, legislative and academic levels. This chapter looks at EcoTourism issues, principles and definitions from various angles. Lately the term EcoTourism has been replaced by Sustainable Tourism, Responsible Tourism, Total Tourism and similar. They all, however, move along following guidelines: While the details vary, most definitions of EcoTourism boil down to a special form of tourism that meets three win-win-win criteria: 1) it provides for environmental conservation 2) it includes meaningful community participation 3) it is profitable and can sustain itself. This three circle model illuminates not only what is EcoTourism, but what could become EcoTourism. It allows individual or specific projects to weigh strengths and weaknesses and figure out in the areas they need assistance.

21 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements General background (2) There can be no EcoTourism if a project doesn't include travellers AND locals..., if it doesn't foster conservation AND promote tourism. If projects are to be considered EcoTourism, they must include local participation and they must assist conservation efforts. This is not to say that tourism services that don't include these components are not "good" - they simply are not EcoTourism. That said, the individual components of EcoTourism are difficult to accomplish, particularly in the developing world. No wonder we have seen the rate of failure of ecotourism projects soar to more than 90 percent. Who are the principal actors, i.e. stakeholders, in EcoTourism? This is an important question. After all, determining who is or is not considered a "stakeholder" determines how the game is played. Successful EcoTourism requires inter-sectoral alliances, comprehension and respect. The following checklist is based on a holistic view of those working toward EcoTourism. It provides a practical checklist of responsibilities and responsibilities. Locals - Permanent residents; - Nearby visitors; -newcomers Travellers - International; - National; - Local Government - International; - National; - Local Media - Writers; - Publishers; - Public Relation Agencies Travel Industry - Tour Companies; - Agents; - Individual Guides Transportation - Airlines; - Bus; - Taxi; - Bikes; - Public Transport; - Rental Cars Social Sector - Academics; - Environmentalists; - Security; - Health Non-Human - Animals; - Plants; - Place

22 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements Perception 1: UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) (1) Ecotourism has been marketed as a form of nature-based tourism, but it has also been studied as a sustainable development tool by NGOs, development experts and academics since The term ecotourism, therefore, refers on one hand to a concept based on a set of principles, and on the other hand to a specific market segment. Ecotourism is of special interest to UNEP for its relationship with conservation, sustainability, and biological diversity. As a development tool, ecotourism can advance the three basic goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity: conserve biological (and cultural) diversity, by strengthening protected area management systems (public or private) and increasing the value of sound ecosystems; promote the sustainable use of biodiversity, by generating income, jobs and business opportunities in ecotourism and related business networks; share the benefits of ecotourism developments equitably with local communities and indigenous people, by obtaining their informed consent and full participation in planning and management of ecotourism businesses; In the field, well-planned and managed ecotourism has proven to be one of the most effective tools for long-term conservation of biodiversity when the right circumstances (such as market feasibility, management capacity at local level, and clear and monitored links between ecotourism development and conservation) are present. Ecotourism as a concept Ecotourism is a component of the field of sustainable tourism. Figure 1 offers a reflection of where ecotourism can be placed within the process of developing more sustainable forms of tourism.

23 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements Perception 1: UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) (2) Ecotourism aspires in all cases to achieve sustainable development results. However, it is important to stress that all tourism activities, be they geared to holidays, business, conferences, congresses or fairs, health, adventure or ecotourism, should aim to be sustainable. This means that the planning and development of tourism infrastructure, its subsequent operation, and its marketing should focus on environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability criteria. The strong orientation of ecotourism toward principles, guidelines, and certification based on sustainability standards gives it an unusual position in the tourism field. In the years since the concept was first defined, a general consensus has formed on the basic elements of ecotourism: - Contributes to conservation of biodiversity. - Sustains the well being of local people. - Includes an interpretation / learning experience. - Involves responsible action on the part of tourists and the tourism industry. - Is delivered primarily to small groups by small-scale businesses. - Requires the lowest possible consumption of non-renewable resources. - Stresses local participation, ownership and business opportunities, particularly for rural people. Ecotourism as a market segment Ecotourism is a small but rapidly growing industry, a niche market that is governed by market forces and regulations. It is primarily advertised as a form of nature tourism. Some countries, companies and destinations have social and environmental policies and programs, while others do not. This has led to confusion worldwide about the meaning of the term ecotourism as it is applied in the marketplace. Further discussion of guidelines, accreditation systems, and sustainability criteria for the ecotourism industry can be found in UNEP's Ecotourism Principles, Practices and Policies for Sustainability. From a functional viewpoint, ecotourism is mostly individual or smallscale tourism (tour groups up to 25, and hotels with fewer than 100 beds) that is operated by small- and medium-sized companies in natural areas. It concentrates on leading and accommodating small groups in natural areas in an educational manner through interpretive materials and local specialist guides.

24 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements Perception 1: UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) (3) Figure 2 provides a reflection of how ecotourism fits into the larger tourism marketplace. Both adventure tourism and ecotourism are components of nature tourism, while ecotourism has stronger links to rural and cultural tourism than to adventure tourism. In ecotourism the prime motivation is generally the observation and appreciation of natural features and related cultural assets, whereas in adventure tourism it is physical exercise and challenging situations in natural environments. In May 2000, as part of the side events on the 8th session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD 8), a group of Indigenous Peoples Organizations, NGOs and other members of Civil Society provided a proposal on guidelines for ecotourism. Although the final result could not be incorporated into the official papers due to procedural aspects, UNEP recognizes its value as a statement of genuine concerns from primary stakeholders. Ecotourism is sustainable tourism, which follows clear processes that: Ensures prior informed participation of all stakeholders, Ensures equal, effective and active participation of all stakeholders, Acknowledges Indigenous Peoples communities' rights to say "no" to tourism development - and to be fully informed, effective and active participants in the development of tourism activities within the communities, lands, and territories, Promotes processes for Indigenous Peoples and local communities to control and maintain their resources.

25 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements Perception 2: Dr Zadok S. Lempert, Tourism & Environmental Expert "...The way to travel with the emphasis to "touch and experience culture, touch and experience nature, become excited by nature and cultures, embeding continuous education, striving to support and maintain communities, cultures and nature - for us and for coming generations... "...For the Eco-visitor the journey is as important as the destination..." Excerpts from the document: "Understanding Ecotourism", 1994, by Zadok S. Lempert Ecotourism is based on the following Criteria: -Observation of -Concern for -Involvement in -Support of -Education in - Adventure and Experience with Leading to Protection, Preservation, and Sustainable Use of the resources: Nature Forests Mountains Deserts Oceans Rivers (Biodiversity) Wildlife Mammals Reptiles Birds Insects Marine Life Culture & Heritage (Authentic) Traditions Rituals Lifestyle Languages Arts, Crafts, Music, Dances Environment (Prevention of) Pollution Exploitation (Resources + Social) Balance between Mankind and the Environment In cooperation and sharing with local communities

26 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements Perception 3: IUCN IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature (now called the World Conservation Union) states in 1996 that ecotourism: "...is environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features - both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low negative visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socioeconomic involvement of local populations."

27 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements Perception 4: EcoTour Directory As there is no established definition of Ecotourism, we have produced our own, which we feel encompasses the principles of ecotourism: Ecotourism involves visiting natural areas with the objectives of learning, studying or participating in activities that do not bring negative effects to the environment, whilst protecting and empowering the local community socially and economically." (Cristina, 2004) So how does Ecotourism benefit the environment, local community and economy? Environmental issues By encouraging travellers to behave in an environmentally responsible way. EcoTour operators offer relevant information and advice on how travellers can minimise their impact on the ecosystem as well as how they can contribute to the protection of fragile ecosystems. By offering travellers the opportunity to participate in conservation or preservation projects. An important element of this type of project is education. The goal is that through participation, eco travellers will return home with increased awareness and concern for environmental issues and therefore continue to behave in an environmentally conscious way. Social issues By involving the local community in aspects of planning, decision-making and management of ecotourism. This encourages the empowerment of individuals. By educating travellers through leaflets, interpretation and advice from Tour operators or guides about the culture, customs and etiquette of locals. This prevents conflict or offence between local and traveller interactions that may be caused through misunderstanding or ignorance. Economic issues By employing local people whenever possible and paying fair wages. This prevents exploitation and benefits the local economy by preventing leakages of the revenue acquired through tourism. Many Ecotour operators are involved in working on initiatives and projects with the local community such as training and education programmes.

28 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Definitions and Statements Perception 5: The International Ecotourism Society Today many different types and definitions of ecotourism exist, however The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) give the following definition which has been widely accepted: "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." This means that travellers must think and act responsibly in all aspects of their holiday experience in order to minimise their impacts on the environment and local community. In addition, ecotour companies must hold principles and practices that seek to either preserve and conserve the environment and wildlife whilst protecting and empowering the local people. The following principles should be followed by everyone who implements and participates in ecotourism activities: - Minimize impact - Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect - Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts - Provide direct financial benefits for conservation - Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people - Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate - Support international human rights and labour agreements

29 Tourism Development: Planning & Analysis Aanalyzing needs in Destination Management Principles of Sustainable Tourism Increasing evidence shows that an integrated approach to tourism planning and management is now required to achieve sustainable tourism. It is only recently that there has been a growing recognition of the importance of combining the needs of traditional rural and urban management (land use planning, transportation, marketing, economic development, fire and safety etc.) with the need to plan for tourism. Some of the most important principles of sustainable tourism development include: Tourism should be initiated with the help of broad-based community-inputs and the community should maintain control of tourism development. Tourism should provide quality employment to its community residents and a linkage between the local businesses and tourism should be established. A code of practice should be established for tourism at all levels - national, regional, and local - based on internationally accepted standards. Guidelines for tourism operations, impact assessment, monitoring of cumulative impacts, and limits to acceptable change should be established. Education and training programmes to improve and manage heritage and natural resources should be established.

30 Sustainable Tourism Development Principles Planning guidelines for conceptualizing Guidelines for the development of sustainable tourism in natural areas: State clear conservation aims. Establish an inventory of existing ecological resources and baseline environmental status. Develop partnerships with all interested parties, especially local communities. Assess the possible environmental degradation and carrying capacity. Analyze tourist markets and visitor's needs. Ensure that tourism supports a wide range of local economic activities. Identify tourism activities that are compatible with the area. Establish standards for quality. Establish management policies that minimize environmental damage, such as zoning for building, and transportation and waste management. Educate and train staff; establish programs for educating visitors. Create a communications and marketing strategy. Establish a program for monitoring and review.

31 Sustainable/Responsible/Eco-Tourism Impacts of Tourism