WTM forms expert panel for World Responsible Tourism Day
Eight international experts in the responsible tourism sector are joining forces on an advisory panel set up by World Travel
Market to support the inaugural WTM World Responsible Tourism Day on November 14.
The panel will advise on the development of a programme of events at this year’s event, tackling issues including water, poverty reduction and carbon offsetting and featuring destination case studies.
Headed by Harold Goodwin, prrofessor responsible tourism management at the International Centre of Responsible Tourism, Leeds Metropolitan University, the panel will also look at how WTM World Responsible Tourism Day, which is officially supported by The UNWTO, can develop into a major, recognised international day of action in future years.
The panel consists of:
Adama Bah – Founder member of Gambia Tourism Concern and a major player in the formation of ASSET (Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism)
Nicole Haeusler, managing director, mas I con tour and Associate of the ICRT at Leeds Metropolitan University and the University of Applied Sciences in Eberswalde near Berlin has extensive experience in Asia and South America
Andrew Jones, guardian Sanctuary Resorts and Foundation of International Responsible and Sustainable Tourism
Jamie Sweeting, senior director, travel and leisure, Conservation International
Patrick Matlou – deputy director general, Tourism South Africa
Gabor Vereczi – deputy chief, UNWTO Sustainable Development of Tourism Department
Mandip Singh – founder and managing director, Ibex Expeditions
Fiona Jeffery, managing director, WTM said: “The day is a unique opportunity for governments, the travel industry, local communities and travellers to show that it is practical contributions that count, not just talk.
“The advisory panel will provide us with invaluable advice and support as the day develops and expands.”
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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