Operators must look to long term sustainability
First Choice managing director Dermot Blastland is among the speakers participating in a seminar on how tour operators and other tourism businesses can be more socially responsible.
The event, organised by Tourism Concern, is being co-ordinated in association with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and UK Trade and Investment. It is on Friday 1 October at the DCMS in London.
Other speakers include journalist Alison Rice, president of the Tourism Management Institute Anthony Climpson and responsibletravel.com chief executive Justin Francis.
The day is split into three sections: Presentations from the speakers on corporate social responsibility (CSR), case studies displaying effective CSR and finally an interactive session to help delegates develop a CSR strategy for their businesses.
Dunira Strategy is a consultancy that works on sustainable business solutions and is helping Tourism Concern with the event. Managing director Benjamin Carey told TravelMole: “A lot of companies haven’t embraced CSR yet and don’t realise it is more than just recycling paper. For tour operators it is recognising that they need to work with all stakeholders in destinations by aligning the objectives of all parties and getting everyone working in the same direction to reap the benefits.
“Tour operators are recognising that they have a lot of clout and can contribute to destinations to enhance the long term sustainability of their own product.”
The event costs £75 per person and up to 80 can be accommodated at the venue. It is expected to attract domestic and outbound operators, destination managers and delegates from hospitality and tourism organisations. For details go to http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk/pdfs/CSR_Tourism_Seminar.pdf.
Report by Ginny McGrath
Ginny McGrath
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