The third Totem Sustainable Tourism Report, released today forecasts international tourists to reach 1.05bn by 2010 and sustainable tourism to reach 250m. The report also forecasts that there will be a recognized "Fair Trade in Tourism" label, a tourism "Ecocertification" programme and that Carbon Offsetting of flights may become mandatory. In its review, the report says that "Although still booming, the worldwide travel and tourism industry is facing serious challenges, each of which have the possibility of stopping growth in its tracks. The business is made up of travellers who expect their physical security to come as part of the package, so the biggest issue is their safety and security. Currently the dangers are sufficiently contained as to make travel still appear a relatively relaxing and enjoyable occasion." "Global warming has reared its head this year. It has been proved that global warming is caused by human activity, that it is getting worse, that air transportation is the fastest-growing element and that costly measures will have to be taken to avoid its worst ravages." "The industry will have to work very hard indeed to obviate the effects of this phenomenon and use travel in a positive way. Carbon offsetting will only be a part of the solution, but it may go a long way to helping the industry's image." "It is good to see that the Millennium Development Goals are still high on the agenda and that it is still expected that tourism projects will pay a big part in global poverty-eradication. An extra answer may be to combine carbon offsetting with these projects so that they may have a double effect. All of these challenging situations give sustainable tourism an opportunity to thrive." " "Sustainability" now has a real meaning in the public domain and there is a chance that eco-certification will give it a stronger definition and more powerful branding in the marketplace. Furthermore, shortly there should be a "Fair Trade in Tourism" brand which will rally those companies and customers still hesitant." "As India and China progress in their economic climb, the opportunities for tourism growth become dramatic. India's low-cost airline industry has already grown out of all proportion, if this happens in China, who knows what the results will be?" "Sustainable tourism is a process that achieves an effective balance between the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development to guarantee long-term benefits to host communities and a high quality experience for tourists." (UN-WTO) Sustainable tourism now truly has an opportunity to fully exemplify its description. The 39-page report comes with a Power Point Presentation and is updated 3 times during 2007. The cost is $99, UK£49, Euro69 It is available from http://www.totemtourismmarketing.org   Valere Tjolle

Categories:  SustainableTourism, T Mole Sustainable Newswire

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