Our version of Responsible Tourism

Responsible Tourism

Responsible Tourism is tourism ‘that creates better places for people to live in, and better places to visit’.

The 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism in Destinations defines Responsible Tourism as follows:

“Responsible Tourism is tourism which:
• 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”

Responsible tourism is the fastest growing segment of the Tourism Industry & Tourism is one of the largest industries worldwide.  Responsible tourism is sometimes in conflict with "mass tourism" over the use of resources, and it is the responsibility of stakeholders (Government, communities, etc.) to decide how they want to resolve this dispute.

How Responsible Tourism differs from Sustainable Tourism

Responsible tourism and sustainable tourism have an identical goal, that of sustainable development. The pillars of responsible tourism are therefore the same as those of sustainable tourism – environmental integrity, social justice and maximising local economic benefit. The major difference between the two is that, in responsible tourism, individuals, organisations and businesses are asked to take responsibility for their actions and the impacts of their actions. This shift in emphasis has taken place because not much progress has been made on realising sustainable tourism since the Earth Summit in Rio. This is partly because everyone has been expecting others to behave in a sustainable way. The emphasis on responsibility in responsible tourism means that everyone involved in tourism – government, product owners and operators, transport operators, community services, NGO’s and CBO’s, tourists, local communities, industry associations – are responsible for achieving the goals of responsible tourism.

Sustainable Tourism

Tourism depends for its very existence on quality natural environments; it is equally dependent on human environments, resources and cultures.

For a long time tourism was seen as a 'soft' activity, different from other forms of development, inherently conservatory given that its sustainability relied on the preservation of the natural resource base and the local cultures.

However it is now recognized that tourism is an industry just like any other, an industry which has been characterized by rapid, short-term ventures which have often damaged those very assets upon which they depend.

"Tourism kills tourism" is acknowledged as a widespread phenomena.

Tourism is essentially an exploitative industry, and as such it is justified to regulate tourism as is done for any other polluting industry. Obvious is the need for the tourism industry to become sustainable.

There is so much hype floating around on "responsible tourism", "eco-tourism", "sustainable tourism", etc. it is difficult for most people to know what is real and what is not!  in part the answer lies in national & international certification programs which customers can trust & rely upon (which has not happened todate).  

Finally it comes down to the individual action of each tour operator, the desires & needs of the customers & stakeholders (which includes local host families, local communities, local Government, etc.).  The only way to clear the hype is that there MUST be lots of open communication on the internet and other forums which sifts out the rubbish and gets down as quickly as possible to provide what is needed & of mutual benefit to everyone including the environment. 

Karma Waters & Responsible Tourism

On 26 May 2009 the United Nations awarded the status of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands) which is a significant upgrade in terms of protection & enforcement (previously it was a Marine Park).  This status makes our responsible tourism tours & activities even more important for Bai Huong and Cham Islands!

For our Cham Island Community Homestays we provide real participation & interaction between host family, guest & environment including participating in gathering food, preparing meals, eating together, sleeping inside a village home, etc.