Responsible Tourism

Responsible Tourism, is tourism ‘that creates better places for people to live in, and better places to visit’.

Responsible Tourism is tourism which:

  • minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts
  • generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities
  • improves working conditions and access to the industry
  • involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
  • makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
  • provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
  • provides access for physically challenged people
  • is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence”
  • an authentic meeting among the travellers and local people

Download the Responsible Tourism code (pdf, 336 kb)

Nganga Lingolo - Italian tourists of Malaki ma Kongo

Nganga Lingolo – Italian tourists of Malaki ma Kongo

 

Today, many travelers are sensitive to the impact of their trips to the region that attracts them, and experiment with new forms of travel. They try to be consistent with the positive principles they apply in their own countries, but also to improve the quality of their vacation, to live authentic experience.

Economic Importance

Tourism is the world’s largest industry, more than 800 million international travelers. The consequences of uncontrolled mass tourism can be devastating for both the environment and local populations.

A part of responsible tourism it is to be economically useful to a country, a  culture, men and women who now have the means to face the harsh reality of every day and for whom the  income from tourism can be a source of additional resources to exist.

Journeys of Responsable Tourism organized by Malaki ma Kongo

More info on Responsible Tourism:

  • ICRT Canada – http://icrtcanada.ca/ – international centre for responsible tourism
  • International Centre for Responsible Tourism – http://www.icrtourism.org/ – postgraduate teaching & research centre at Leeds Metropolitan University
  • ECPAT – http://www.ecpat.org.uk/ – preventing sexual exploitation of children in tourism