Responsible Tourism and Tourists (Grade 12 NSC Matric Tourism): Revision Notes
Responsible Tourism and Tourists
Understanding responsible tourism
Responsible tourism is about making travel choices that benefit local communities, protect the environment, and respect local cultures. As tourists, we have the power to make a positive impact on the destinations we visit through our behaviour and spending decisions.
The concept of responsible tourism has evolved from simply "doing no harm" to actively contributing to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of tourist destinations.
Codes of conduct for tourist behaviour
Tourist codes of conduct provide practical guidelines for travellers who want to be responsible. These guidelines are organised into three main categories that work together to create sustainable tourism practices.
Remember the "SEE" approach to responsible tourism:
- Social responsibilities
- Economic responsibilities
- Environmental responsibilities
All three areas must work together for truly responsible tourism.
Social responsibilities
Being socially responsible as a tourist means respecting and engaging positively with local communities. This involves actively including local people in decisions that affect their lives and fostering mutual respect between visitors and residents.
Before travelling, tourists should research the culture of their intended destination to understand local customs, traditions, and social norms. Learning basic phrases in local languages shows respect and helps build connections with residents. This cultural preparation helps build local pride and creates more meaningful interactions.
Responsible tourists also protect vulnerable members of society, particularly by being vigilant about preventing child exploitation. They respect the dignity and privacy of all people they encounter, treating locals as equals rather than subjects for entertainment or photography without consent.
Practical Example: Cultural Respect in Action
When visiting a Buddhist temple in Thailand:
- Research appropriate dress codes (cover shoulders and knees)
- Learn the greeting "Wai" (hands pressed together with a bow)
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Remove shoes when entering sacred spaces
- Speak quietly and observe local prayer customs
Economic responsibilities
Economic responsibility focuses on ensuring that tourism spending benefits local communities directly. Rather than purchasing souvenirs from large international retailers, responsible tourists buy directly from community markets and local crafters. This approach ensures that money flows to local businesses and supports community economic development.
Responsible tourists also contribute to community development by donating to local charities that support community projects. When negotiating prices, they ensure fair payment that provides reasonable income for sellers and producers, recognising that extremely low prices often indicate exploitation of workers.
The economic impact of tourism can be measured by how much money stays within the local community. When tourists spend money at locally-owned businesses, up to 90% of that money can remain in the community, compared to only 15% when spending at foreign-owned chains.
Environmental responsibilities
Environmental responsibility requires tourists to actively contribute to conservation efforts and minimise their environmental impact. This includes using water and electricity efficiently, following the principle of "take only pictures, leave only footprints."
Responsible tourists avoid disturbing wildlife by not approaching or feeding wild animals, which can be dangerous and disrupt natural behaviours. They refrain from taking natural keepsakes like shells, rocks, or plants, as removing these items damages ecosystems.
Sustainable transport choices are crucial - using public transport or walking tours reduces carbon emissions compared to private vehicles. When dining, responsible tourists avoid consuming endangered seafood species, helping protect marine ecosystems.
The "3 Rs" Principle
- Recycle: Use recycling facilities provided at accommodations and attractions
- Reuse: Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bags
- Reduce: Minimise waste by avoiding single-use items and excessive packaging
Proper waste disposal through not littering keeps destinations beautiful and healthy for both wildlife and future visitors.
Attracting environmentally conscious tourists
Tourism destinations can appeal to environmentally conscious travellers by demonstrating genuine commitment to sustainability. Key factors that attract these tourists include:
Community support and development: Destinations that actively support local communities through job creation, project upliftment, and community involvement attract tourists who want their travel to make a positive difference.
Environmentally conscious tourists are often willing to pay 15-20% more for services that demonstrate genuine commitment to sustainability and community development.
Resource conservation: Reducing water and electricity consumption demonstrates environmental responsibility and appeals to tourists concerned about climate change and resource scarcity.
Fair labour practices: Ensuring all employees receive fair wages and work in good conditions shows social responsibility that conscious tourists value.
Local economic benefits: Creating systems that generate greater economic benefits for local people, rather than allowing profits to flow to external corporations, attracts tourists who want to support local development.
Fair Trade in Tourism (FTT)
What is Fair Trade in Tourism?
Definition: Fair Trade in Tourism is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that promotes sustainable tourism development and responsible tourism practices. FTT focuses on how tourism businesses interact with the environment and local communities in tourist destinations, ensuring that tourism benefits are distributed fairly.
The organisation has evolved its branding over time, moving from "Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa" to the current "Fair Trade Tourism" identity, expanding its influence beyond South Africa's borders.
How FTT promotes responsible tourism
FTT advances responsible tourism through several key activities:
Advocacy and awareness: The organisation advocates for sustainable tourism issues with tourism authorities and creates awareness about responsible tourism practices among both businesses and tourists.
Capacity building: FTT builds capacity through training programmes that help tourism businesses implement sustainable practices effectively.
Research and planning: The organisation researches better ways of implementing and planning sustainable tourism, contributing to the development of best practices in the industry.
Certification system: FTT awards special labels to qualifying businesses that meet their standards, helping tourists identify responsible tourism operators.
The FTT certification process involves rigorous assessment of businesses across multiple criteria including fair wages, working conditions, community benefit, and environmental practices.
Fair trade principles
Fair Trade in Tourism operates according to several core principles that guide responsible tourism practices:
Fair wages and working conditions: Ensuring that all workers in the tourism industry receive adequate compensation and work in safe, dignified conditions.
Fair purchasing and operations: Promoting transparent, equitable business practices that don't exploit suppliers or communities.
Equitable benefit distribution: Ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are shared fairly among all stakeholders, particularly local communities.
Human rights respect: Upholding fundamental human rights in all tourism operations and interactions.
Cultural and environmental protection: Respecting local cultures and protecting natural environments for future generations.
Example: FTT Certification Benefits
A tourist staying at an FTT-certified lodge can expect:
- Local staff receiving fair wages above minimum wage
- Locally-sourced food and crafts in the facility
- Environmental management practices like solar power and water conservation
- Community projects supported by a percentage of profits
- Cultural activities that respectfully showcase local traditions
By choosing services from FTT-certified organisations, tourists can be confident that they are contributing to responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives that benefit local communities and protect the environment.
Key Points to Remember:
- Use the "SEE" approach: Follow Social, Economic, and Environmental codes of conduct to be a responsible tourist
- Support local communities: Buy from local markets, respect local cultures, and contribute to community development projects
- Protect the environment: Follow the 3 Rs (Recycle, Reuse, Reduce), avoid disturbing wildlife, and use resources efficiently
- Choose Fair Trade Tourism certified operators: Look for FTT certification to ensure your tourism spending supports responsible practices
- Research before you travel: Learn about local cultures, customs, and environmental considerations before visiting any destination