TravelMole - Forum

I love the quote "Tourism is like fire. You can cook your dinner on it but if you are not careful it will burn your house down".� In this case, the risk to our house is a very real risk of consumer backlash against an industry not seen as taking the global warming threat seriously.

In the case of global warming I think that "denial" is the worst possible response the tourism industry can adopt (air travel isn't really bad at all), followed closely by "its not our problem" and platitudes like"we take this very seriously", whilst all the while ignoring any real action.

Rather, I would like to see the tourism industry take THE leadership role amongst all industry sectors, by spelling out the issues clearly and proposing very clear, visible and meaningful actions.

Air travel stands out as the "elephant in the room" when it comes to global warming, so this becomes a key area of focus. I admire the courage of people like Mike Ellingham and Tony Wheeler in taking issues like this on. Here are two people who have done so much to open the world up to travel, now taking the difficult position of arguing that more is not better any more. They both see the tremendous value tourism can have but are worried about the consequences for the global environment if we continue the path we are on now.

� � �� The message they are pushing now is that we should make fewer trips by air (travel domestically or internationally by rail or bus etc.) and plan on staying longer in the destinations we travel to. It is a theme the IFC has picked up on with their Stay Another Day initiative being pioted in the Mekong. Its an attempt at a win-win-win outome for all key stakeholders.....the global environment, travellers and the local community.� In this initiative, they are working with local NGOs and development agncies to bring loacl community initiatives into the tourism offering for the destination. This encourages travellers to stay longer (less of the 1-2 day see the temples and go mentality) and in the process start to really engage with the local people.� The impact on travellers has been great, and outcomes for the destination have also been very positive. They stay longer, spend more and ...over time at least...we hope will travel less frequently.

Another really great initiative came from a group of tour operators attending the Worldhotel-link global workshop in Siem Reap in March. Attendees from Swaziland, Zanzibar, Kenya, Samoa, Fiji and Lebanon were discussing what they could do (as individuals) to change their way of living and demonstrate their commitment to saving the environment. All felt the first step was a personal commitment, and they came up with the idea of "pinning a leaf" on their� shirt or blouse to show they had turned over a new leaf. A new web site for Pinaleaf has since been launched and already they have attracted media interest and a good following in 40 countries. Discussions are underway with groups like the Earth Day Network (EDN) to see if they can extend this idea further. This is an initiative from the tourism industry.... a grassroots one from mostly developing countries.... which shows real concern and a willingness to act.

I'd strongly recommend the industry get behind initiatives like these..

TravelMole - The Online Community for the Travel and Tourism Industry	© TRAVELMOLE LTD. 2010
Privacy Policy, Including use of cookies . Terms and Conditions . Media Kit. Help . Advertise . Tell a friend. Web design by isd-sign

Dear Nickola, 'You are important. This is your chance to be heard..... Please take one minute to answer these questions to help produce a report that is all about your issues, views and concerns.'