Harold is WTM’s Responsible Tourism Advisor, he puts together the flagship Responsible Tourism programme at WTM London which attracted 4000 participants in 2020 and the programmes run at WTM Africa, WTM Latin America and Arabian Travel Market. Harold has worked on 4 continents with local communities, their governments and the inbound and outbound tourism industry. He is Managing Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership and chairs the panels of judges for the World Responsible Tourism Awards and the other Awards in the family, Africa, India and Latin America. Harold works with industry, local communities, governments, and conservationists and undertakes consultancy and evaluations for companies, NGOs, governments, and international organisations. He is also a Director of the Institute of Place Management at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he is an Emeritus Professor, and Founder Director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism promotes the principles of the Cape Town Declaration which he drafted.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the remarkable winners of the first Irish Responsible Tourism Awards – part of the family of World Responsible Tourism Awards. Today the longlist for the Africa ... Read more
When we first campaigned in the UK for Responsible Tourism back in late 1990s it was often argued that Responsible Tourism was only relevant in developing countries. We had to argue ... Read more
The industry needs to do more to encourage guests not to use plastics. Some companies, like &Beyond and CGHEarth, have shown it’s possible to be stylish and sustainable. Now the ... Read more
One in four new jobs in Kerala is reported to be in tourism. The state in Southern India, which remains largely unravaged by modern industry, has near universal literacy. It’s ... Read more
Can tourism in Kerala help local people seeking sustainable development? Reporting from the Indian state, Professor Harold Goodwin cites an inspiring case that makes him believe it can
The situation in Greece is very grim, with economic output more than 20% below its 2007 level and one in four workers unemployed. The Syriza party which won power on ... Read more
The media has been filled with reports that the new Greek government might turn its back on all inclusive holidays. Harold Goodwin explores the ramifications and chances of such a ... Read more
The situation in global oil markets appears to deny the relevance of the arguments about peak oil. It is not so simple. There were always two arguments about peak oil ... Read more
What impact will falling oil prices have on the tourism industry and its efforts to be more carbon efficient? Harold Goodwin explores the science and its ramifications
Climate Change, child protection and labour conditions are all likely to be high on the agenda for those pushing for more responsible tourism. Harold Goodwin looks into how and why ... Read more
In the consumption of travel and tourism the major cause of carbon pollution is transport – around 90%, and aviation is the major part of that. What are we ... Read more
What are the big issues that will define responsible tourism over the coming months and years? Each year at WTM we debate the burning topics of the day, and every ... Read more
With the IPCC new report into climate change, we are reminded of the impacts of choices we make. Join us to discuss making the best choices throughout WTM.
Issues around overseas volunteer programmes have been widely discussed in recently. The key is to find programmes that suit the volunteer and the community
Animals like elephants, dolphins and lions are some of the biggest draws in tourism. As issues like lion petting and dolphin shows become more prominent, what can the industry do ... Read more
Will TUI’s ongoing commitment to develop the sustainability of its portfolio, matched with its financial success, encourage more in industry to follow suit?
Preparations are underway for World Responsible Tourism Day 2014 – and more than ever before the focus is on how operating responsibly is good for business.
By Professor Harold Goodwin On November 5th, World Responsible Tourism Day, there will be events taking place around the world as businesses and tourism organisations demonstrate what can be done ... Read more
Vote for who you want to win in 12 categories – inc. best destination, poverty reduction, wildlife conservation – in 2013 World Responsible Tourism Awards.
What ideas and solutions were provided at the latest Responsible Tourism in Destinations conference? Harold Goodwin reports from an inspiring meeting of industry and campaigners
Is it possible to meet increasing demand for travel and tourism while protecting and promoting the wellbeing of the people who live in the destinations?
Should travel companies join Tripadvisor’s GreenLeader certification scheme? Harold Goodwin explains why he thinks it could be a game changer.. for good.
Despite ever-mounting evidence to the contrary, accompanied by worsening weather conditions and terrible storms, many people act as if climate change was not real. Why?
Will tourism ministers focus more on the quality of tourists visiting a country rather than just the quantity? New Zealand’s approach may provide a way forward
This year, the monies raised at WTM will fund a specific project to bring clean water to two schools in Kenya. WTM is also covering the costs for four staff ... Read more
The growth of responsible tourism draws in people with an ever wider mix of experiences and skills. The events, speakers and participants at this year’s World Responsible Tourism Day at ... Read more
Agreement on aviation carbon emissions at International Civil Aviation Organisation was hailed by industry as a landmark. Looks like a backward step to me.
Smart travel companies ensure their consumers trust them about sustainability, recognising they do not need to feel uneasy or guilty about the impact of their holiday.
Responsible Tourism has become mainstream. Big operators and small business are making tourism more sustainable and sharing the story with their customers.
World Responsible Tourism Day has debated orphanage tourism every year. And this is no different, with the industry still having a long way to go to be sure it isn’t ... Read more
What are the key issues in certification and responsible tourism? How is this part of the industry developing, who are the movers and shakers, and what are the pitfalls businesses ... Read more
An international conference in Kumarakom, Kerala, reviewing progress made in the state since the International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations launched their local economic development initiative in 2008. ... Read more
But by 2030 it is expected that the demand for water will exceed supply by 40% and that half the world’s population will be living in areas of high water ... Read more
Aviation emissions continue to rise despite increases in fuel efficiency. Will the new Dreamliner help move the industry towards greater sustainability?
For consumers who are concerned about the impact of their flight’s environmental impact, a new app from Calasi makes it easy to choose the flight with the lowest aviation emissions
This year during the International Year of Water Co-operation WTM is addressing the issue of water consumption in the key debate on World Responsible Tourism Day.
How best can the travel industry tackle child abuse? Everyone has a responsibility to ensure the routes the industry creates are not being used for trafficking.
There is increasing interest in source markets for Responsible Tourism products. Both travel professionals and consumers increasingly recognise its importance.
Tourism employment issues are central to how the industry addresses its triple bottom line. Responsible businesses cannot offer sustainable experiences while treating staff badly
Child Protection remains a major issue for the travel industry. It has a responsibility to be extra vigilant and to take significant steps to tackle a crisis that it is ... Read more