quickly overdeveloped in a frenzy of hotel and amenity building, only to decline a few years later when the development, which originally attracted tourists, has been taken too far resulting in them seeking out new ‘untouched’ destinations where the cycle starts over again.
Another concern associated with the development of tourist destinations is ensuring that the economic gains of foreign-owned tourism businesses filter through to the local communities via employment and procurement of goods and services. Some holidays can result in guests spending little time and money outside their resort hotels, limiting the opportunities for local people to generate income from tourists. It is essential that the relationships that foreign- owned tourism businesses and tourists have with their host communities are based on trust and respect rather than exploitation5
.
As a tour operator, Virgin Holidays tailor-makes trips including flights, hotels, cruises, activities and transfers which are all provided by third party suppliers. This means that the majority of its impacts are outside its direct control and it is therefore actively encouraging its suppliers to be aware of their impacts and work to reduce them. Virgin Holidays’ commitment to sustainability is articulated as its threefold Human Nature Promise to:
• get its own business in order by working to address its direct impacts
• be a good partner and always aim to treat suppliers fairly and honestly and to encourage them to be more sustainable
• give something back by supporting the communities it operates in through its ‘Help Youth Shine’ programme .
‘Help Youth Shine’
Virgin Holidays has partnered with the local council, schools and community organisations in its home town of Crawley, UK to raise the aspirations of young people at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education Employment or Training). ‘Help Youth Shine’ is a programme to help children and young people who don’t get access to the opportunities they deserve to achieve their full potential.
5. Travel Concern (http://www. tourismconcern.org.uk/ index.php?page=about-us)
The Travel Foundation is an independent UK charity which acts as
• the leading authority on developing and promoting sustainable tourism within the UK and at mainstream destinations worldwide
• an essential resource of tools, guidelines and training to help companies take effective action integrating sustainability into every aspect of their business
• a unique and expert resource helping to set priorities and establish best practice.
www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk
Virgin Holidays’ joint project with Oxfam and The Travel Foundation to help Caribbean farmers grow produce to supply to local hotels.
Costa Luminosa. Virgin Holidays
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Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai.
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