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Tackling the world’s tourism issues S


outh Africa’s tourism minister warned of the dangers of climate change and


overtourism in a keynote address to mark World Responsible Tourism Day. Derek Hanekom said the two


issues had to be addressed urgently. “Without massively changed behaviour, the world stands to destroy itself,” he said. “Long before then the growth in tourism stands to come to an end. We are perilously close to the point where carbon emissions will irreversibly change the symbiotic life systems that sustain life. If we don’t do this we will remain on the tragic path of being the architects of our own destruction.” Hanekom said the key issue


surrounding overtourism was “host communities feeling excluded and crowded out by tourists”. “It is becoming a major problem”, he


making a positive difference to the places they visit,” Hanekom added. However, Cape Town’s recent


South Africa tourism minister Derek Hanekom


added, explaining that responsible tourism requires that communities be consulted, benefit from tourism, and are integrated into tourism development in their neighbourhoods. “Tourists don’t want to be viewed as unwelcome visitors or destroyers of lifestyles, habitat and the environment. They want to feel embraced and welcomed and feel that they are


Responsible Tourism Awards winners


This year’s World Responsible Tourism Awards at WTM London saw recipients ranging from a single guest-house to a city and from campaigning organisations to mainstream tourism brands. Head of judges Harold Goodwin said winning the award was “a significant achievement, marking you out as a leader in responsible tourism and it carries a responsibility to exercise leadership”.


Gold and Silver award winners:  GOLD  SILVER


Best for Managing Success  Barcelona (overall winner)  Kumarakorum, Kerala


Best for Wildlife  World Animal Protection  Fringe Ford, Kerala Wildlife ACT, Africa


Best for Communicating


Responsible Tourism  Tui UK and Ireland  Intrepid Group, Nepal Rethink Orphanages, Australia


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This year’s winners sho off their aards


Best for Employment  Intrepid Group, Sri Lanka Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park, UK


Best or oal onomi Benet  One Seed Expeditions, USA African Ivory Route, South Africa Coconut Lagoon, Kerala Madi a Thavha, South Africa


drought crisis had illustrated that change could be radical and rapid, he said. Having implemented a host of water-saving measures, he explained, the city has reduced consumption by more than 50% in just three years. “From adversity, the city has become a global leader in best water practice,” said Hanekom.


He concluded with a call to the industry to be a true leader in developing a sustainable future. “Let us be the industry that leads the world towards sustainable practices,” he said. “If we do this we will ensure there is a world, and one with people living in harmony with nature and each other, and enjoying fulfilling, sustainable tourism experiences.”


winter 2018 wtm insights 9


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