Blog

August 20, 2014September 18, 2017

Was TBEX right to cancel its dolphin ride tours? I’m not sure.

Blog, Certification, Responsible Tourism

Travel blogger conference TBEX has removed a dolphin tour from its programme. Despite objecting to the very existence of such tours, I am not sure how pleased I am.

August 19, 2014January 24, 2017

Responsible Blogging – a Quick Industry Guide

Blogging

This month saw the launch of the 2014 WTM Responsible Tourism Website and along with other developments within our community over the past few months, I found myself thinking once more ... Read more

August 15, 2014January 24, 2017

Wellness and Wellness Tourism – the need and reason for demand is increasingly more obvious

Wellness

Wellness and wellness tourism is an enormous segment. It encompasses more than what may readily spring to mind and certainly, today, depression, resilience, stress, anxiety and general mental health issues, ... Read more

August 12, 2014June 22, 2017

World Responsible Tourism Awards Long-list published

Blog, Responsible Tourism

For the first time the Responsible Tourism awards long list has been published to create an opportunity for people to comment and share their views

August 11, 2014September 18, 2017

Heroes of responsible tourism take one step closer to Awards

Disability, Press Releases, Responsible Tourism, WTM London

Debate over who will win the World Responsible Tourism Awards 2014, sponsored by the Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Tourism, begins in earnest today as the official Longlist is released. ... Read more

August 11, 2014August 28, 2015

World Responsible Tourism Awards Long-list

Responsible Tourism

The presentation of the World Responsible Tourism Awards at World Travel Market on World Responsible Tourism Day at Excel each year is a red letter day; an opportunity to see ... Read more

August 5, 2014September 18, 2017

What should smart travel companies do about elephant rides, dolphinariums and orphanage visits?

Blog, Certification, Responsible Tourism

Issues around tourism and dolphins, elephants and orphanages have been in press recently. How should smart travel companies respond?

August 1, 2014January 24, 2017

How long can we go on drinking bottled water?

Hospitality

Any business that is serious about its sustainability credentials should seriously look at how it sells water, says Peter Ducker FIH, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality Bottled water ... Read more

July 31, 2014January 24, 2017

Innovator Spotlight: discover authentic rural Italy with Terra Tua

Blog, Responsible Tourism

Terra Tua introduces guests to authentic Italian village life. Jeremy Smith spoke to Elena Riccioni about her company’s responsible tourism approach.

July 29, 2014September 18, 2017

How to ensure destinations and guests benefit from tourism

Development, Responsible Tourism

Managing tourism to maintain quality of life for local people and a quality visitor experience is a challenge in increasing numbers of destinations.

July 25, 2014January 24, 2017

Airlines, Hotels: Why are you giving away your mobile customers?

Technology

Image: TepWireless I make no apologies for getting back to the subject of mobile. It is simply the most important issue that is affecting travel right now. It is vital ... Read more

July 22, 2014September 18, 2017

Where are the best places to discuss responsible tourism online?

Blog, Certification, Responsible Tourism

Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and various websites provide many ways to discuss sustainable and responsible tourism online. Do you agree with our favourites?

July 22, 2014June 15, 2020

WTM’s Responsible Tourism Programme Includes The Biggest Companies In The Industry

Disability, Press Releases, Responsible Tourism, WTM London

World Travel Market 2014’s, the leading global event for the travel industry, Responsible Tourism Programme includes some of the biggest names in travel including Tui, Thomas Cook, Kuoni, Virgin Holidays ... Read more

July 18, 2014January 24, 2017

Revelation and Education in Wellness Tourism

Wellness

It’s been a sociable and revelatory few weeks. I was very privileged to be invited to the newly opened Woburn Forest Center Parcs in Bedfordshire last week, to see the ... Read more

July 16, 2014January 24, 2017

4 Blogger Benefits at WTM from TBU

Blogging

Since 2011, Travel Bloggers Unite have been working in partnership with World Travel Market to further the blogging industry. This year’s collaboration sees the greatest range of opportunities for bloggers ... Read more

July 15, 2014September 18, 2017

Meeting the many challenges of child protection for tourism

Blog, Human Rights, Responsible Tourism

Issues around tourism & child protection are wider than paedophilia. This year WTM looks at the issues at their widest level yet.

July 7, 2014September 18, 2017

How to make a difference using social media marketing for tourism

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism, RT Marketing

Social Media gives travel companies an incredible opportunity. How can we use the tools better and provide leadership as well as noise?

July 4, 2014January 24, 2017

Welcoming Chinese travellers

Hospitality

With a new simplified visa process, the UK is expected to welcome more Chinese visitors. Peter Ducker FIH, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality, explores how operators can best ... Read more

July 4, 2014January 24, 2017

WTM & Just a Drop – New Challenges

Charity

As you all know, this January we headed out to 2 schools in Kenya that had successfully had water tanks installed for them, funded by WTM and implemented by Just ... Read more

July 1, 2014January 24, 2017

Wholesalers and Butterflies

Technology

At the beginning of June, I organised the recent Distribution Best Practice Forum for Travel Technology Initiative – www.tti.org. (TTI will be partnering with WTM to bring you the WTM ... Read more

July 1, 2014September 18, 2017

Would TUI merger push industry towards greater transparency and sustainability?

Blog, Carbon & Water, Certification, Responsible Tourism

Will TUI’s ongoing commitment to develop the sustainability of its portfolio, matched with its financial success, encourage more in industry to follow suit?

June 26, 2014June 2, 2020

Innovator Spotlight: Surtrek and sustainable luxury travel in South America

Blog, Carbon & Water, Certification, Responsible Tourism

Surtrek runs luxury travel experiences across South America. jeremy Smith spoke to its founder Alfonso Tandazo about his inspirations, challenges and ideas.

June 25, 2014January 24, 2017

The 360 degree value of Wellness Tourism

Wellness

I had the privilege of attending a speech last week by a gold medal winning Paralympian, from the 2012 games. David A. Smith MBE has been on a heart-rending journey ... Read more

June 24, 2014September 18, 2017

20 beautiful words which remind me why I love travel

Blog, Responsible Tourism, RT Marketing

Across the world, different cultures have perfect words that capture the essence of why we travel. This is language designed to inspire better holidays

June 16, 2014September 18, 2017

Responsible Tourism increasingly makes good business sense

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

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.

June 13, 2014January 24, 2017

8 Press Benefits for Bloggers at World Travel Market

Blogging

Press registration for World Travel Market 2014 has recently opened for bloggers and whilst November may seem a long way away, it is worthwhile registering as early as possible to ... Read more

June 11, 2014September 18, 2017

Could there be ‘responsible’ dolphin shows or are some things beyond certification?

Blog, Carbon & Water, Certification, Responsible Tourism

STA travel has stopped offering dolphin shows on its holidays. What does it say about our relationship with such intelligent animals that they exist at all?

June 6, 2014January 24, 2017

So how many people does hospitality and tourism really need?

Hospitality

If the industry’s workforce is to expand, productivity levels will need to increase, says Peter Ducker FIH, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality One of our industry’s most publicised ... Read more

June 2, 2014September 18, 2017

How can tourism’s supply chain be sustainable if employment practices aren’t?

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

Shouldn’t tourism companies that focus on sustainability of the supply chains also ensure they adopt ethical employment practices?

May 30, 2014January 24, 2017

It’s Personal

Technology

There is one area of travel that technology has yet to tackle well. We are getting there but I don’t think that it is yet good enough. Pre-Internet when travel ... Read more

May 28, 2014June 2, 2020

The art of destination marketing: inspirational storytelling to sell responsible tourism

Responsible Tourism, RT Marketing

The New ‘Reconsider South Africa’ destination marketing video is causing a stir online. Is this viral hit greenwash, or an example of excellent tourism marketing?

May 26, 2014September 18, 2017

Time to nominate your winners for World Responsible Tourism Awards 2014

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

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

May 19, 2014September 18, 2017

Time to nominate your winners for World Responsible Tourism Awards 2014

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

Vote for who you want to win in 12 categories – inc. best destination, poverty reduction, wildlife conservation – in 2013 World Responsible Tourism Awards.

May 13, 2014September 18, 2017

5 travel apps & websites that bring responsible tourism alive

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism, Technology

WRTD Five travel apps & websites that bring responsible travel alive by enriching traveller experiences and building better relationships with brands

May 9, 2014January 24, 2017

To own or not to own? That is the question

Hospitality

Peter Ducker FIH asks whether it is better for hotel operators to own property or not Optimism about hotel development, financing and property values is growing. At the annual International ... Read more

May 7, 2014January 24, 2017

Mobile Matters

Technology

Nucleus, the brand, digital and intellectual property consultancy has been regularly surveying its clients since 2011, tracking the growth in mobile web browsing. The company’s latest survey highlights the continued ... Read more

May 7, 2014January 24, 2017

Innovator Spotlight: developing community tourism in remote rural India

Blog, Responsible Tourism

Maroon Migrates develops community tourism in Gujarat, India. Jeremy Smith speaks to founder Nischal Barot about his approach to responsible tourism

May 6, 2014January 24, 2017

WTM Africa means responsible tourism in London, Sao Paulo & Cape Town

Blog, Responsible Tourism

Last week saw the first WTM Africa, with responsible tourism running through the event. This builds on the success of WTM Latin America

April 30, 2014January 24, 2017

The State of European Start Ups

Blog, WTM TV

Join Phocuswright as we discuss global online travel trends and the state of startups in Europe, and interview some of the most impressive demonstrators from The Travel Innovation Summit @ ... Read more

April 30, 2014September 18, 2017

Is Tripzero’s offer of free carbon offsets for flights+hotels a good thing?

Carbon & Water, Certification, Responsible Tourism

Tripzero says it will offset the carbon emissions caused by your transport and accommodation – for free – through a deal with Expedia. Is this a gamechanger?

April 24, 2014September 18, 2017

How tourism can help stop shark finning – the Fijian perspective

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

Can Fiji and other Pacific Island nations stop shark finning in their waters, and promote responsible tourism in its place?

April 23, 2014September 18, 2017

Spotlight: Can all inclusive holidays be truly inclusive? Brazilian resort shows way forward

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

One inspiring Brazilian accessible holiday resort is pioneering truly inclusive holidays for everyone, no matter their age or ability.

April 16, 2014September 18, 2017

Why the growth of Wellness Tourism is good for the responsible tourism market

Responsible Tourism, Social Economy, Trends

A new report showing the scale and potential for growth in Wellness Tourism makes good reading for anyone trying to market tourism responsibly.

April 14, 2014April 25, 2022

The jobs paradox

Hospitality

If there are large numbers of young people out of work, then why are major employers struggling to fill positions? Peter Ducker FIH, chief executive, Institute of Hospitality, reports. In ... Read more

April 7, 2014September 18, 2017

Sharing responsible tourism solutions: the only way to meet the challenge is together

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

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

April 4, 2014January 24, 2017

The Benjamin Button of Travel

Technology

This year World Travel Market will be celebrating its 35th event. I thought it might be interesting to write a retrospective on how the technology exhibited at WTM has changed ... Read more

April 2, 2014September 18, 2017

New report says responsible tourism good for business. So why am I not celebrating?

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism, RT Marketing

The Center for Responsible Tourism’s new report says it has the statistics to prove responsible tourism is good for business. So why isn’t it using them?

March 28, 2014June 2, 2020

14 tips when choosing travel bloggers to partner with: important advice for all SME travel brands and destinations

Blogging

Throughout the previous four years there have been two perennial questions we have been asked: Can a SME travel organisation like ours really benefit from working with travel bloggers? If ... Read more

March 28, 2014September 18, 2017

Spotlight – Lamai Homestay, Thailand

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

Why aren’t tour operators selling trips to Lamai, an award-winning homestay in rural Thailand?

March 24, 2014September 18, 2017

How can we achieve sustainable tourism growth? Is “Wise Growth” possible?

Carbon & Water, Development, Responsible Tourism

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?

March 19, 2014May 15, 2017

Crushing Expectations on Ibo Island, Mozambique

Blog, Destinations

After an indescribably long journey from the U.S. to this untouched corner of Africa, I was happy to finally reach my hotel on Ibo Island, Mozambique The trip began like ... Read more

March 19, 2014September 18, 2017

TripAdvisor GreenLeaders Programme: game changer for tourism certification?

Carbon & Water, Certification, Responsible Tourism

Should travel companies join Tripadvisor’s GreenLeader certification scheme? Harold Goodwin explains why he thinks it could be a game changer.. for good.

March 18, 2014May 15, 2017

Coming to Cape Town? Here are a few handy things to know

Blog, Destinations

Cape Town International Airport has repeatedly been awarded Skytrax rankings and is served by more than 50 international airlines, as well as national carriers, so getting to Cape Town is ... Read more

March 17, 2014January 24, 2017

The resilience of the GDS

Aviation, Hospitality

The GDS (computerised–reservations systems) were originally created by the largest airlines to distribute their flights through travel agencies, but they then moved on to become independent firms. Industry observers see ... Read more

March 17, 2014June 2, 2020

Why you need to stop selling tourism products (and start telling better travel stories)

Blog, Responsible Tourism, RT Marketing

A new report says top trends for travel 2014 include ‘green’ and ‘meaningful’. How can responsible tourism businesses capture this growing market?

March 13, 2014September 18, 2017

Is it time to ban the word ‘sustainability’?

Carbon & Water, Development, Human Rights, Responsible Tourism

Is it time to ban vague talk of sustainability and instead focus on the specific actions necessary for us to achieve the ‘s’ word’s aims?

March 7, 2014January 24, 2017

I am going to tell you a story

Technology

This is a tale about the storyfication of travel. Once upon a time there was an industry called Travel. It sold holidays to People. People were happy. Travel would tell ... Read more

March 5, 2014January 24, 2017

Two Travel Blogger Trends You Need To Know for 2014

Blogging

Travel Blogger Alliances Since the first travel blog post was written by Jeff Greenwald in 1994, there has always been collaboration of sorts between loose groups of travel bloggers. In ... Read more

March 5, 2014May 15, 2017

Poaching – The unjustifiable destruction of natural heritage

Responsible Tourism

Macabre Rhino Massacre The massive increase in the slaughter of southern Africa’s rhino population over the last seven years or so evokes a profoundly emotional response in many. There are ... Read more

March 5, 2014May 11, 2017

Travel Blogging

Blogging

For almost four years Travel Bloggers Unite have been privileged to be at the forefront of an exciting and burgeoning industry such as travel blogging. We have seen it grow ... Read more

March 3, 2014September 18, 2017

Does responsible tourism work? Six new pieces of proof that it does

Blog, Certification, Development, Responsible Tourism

Does responsible tourism work? Six new studies show how its economic impacts far exceed those offered by less sustainable alternatives.

February 27, 2014January 24, 2017

WTM & Just a Drop Rainwater Harvesting Project: Charlotte

Charity

Four members of the WTM team have just returned from a project visit to Kenya, accompanied by Just a Drop’s Nicola Baskerville and Colonel Mike Reynolds. The teams were visiting ... Read more

February 25, 2014June 22, 2017

Does the rise of the OTA mean the demise of the destination’s voice?

Blog, Responsible Tourism

How is the rise of the Online Travel Agent (OTA) and Peer Review sites impacting on destinations efforts to find a voice and presence online?

February 19, 2014January 24, 2017

WTM & Just a Drop Rainwater Harvesting Project: Amy

Charity

Four members of the WTM team have just returned from a project visit to Kenya, accompanied by Just a Drop’s Nicola Baskerville and Colonel Mike Reynolds. The teams were visiting ... Read more

February 18, 2014June 22, 2017

Responsible tourism communication: Are we talking to the right people?

Blog, Responsible Tourism

Sometimes the art of good communication isn’t making sure you are saying the right thing. It’s talking to the right people, at the right time.

February 17, 2014January 24, 2017

The return to growth

Hospitality

What does the recent spate of economic good news mean for the UK hospitality industry? Peter Ducker FIH, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality, shares his thoughts. After nearly ... Read more

February 14, 2014January 24, 2017

WTM & Just a Drop Rainwater Harvesting Project: Erin

Charity

Four members of the WTM team have just returned from a project visit to Kenya, accompanied by Just a Drop’s Nicola Baskerville and Colonel Mike Reynolds. The teams were visiting ... Read more

February 14, 2014May 15, 2017

Cape Town, a top leisure destination and so much more…

Blog, Destinations

Cape Town recently claimed the top spot on the prestigious New York Times’ list of 52 Places to visit in 2014, ahead of destinations such as Los Angeles, the Vatican ... Read more

February 11, 2014September 18, 2017

What issues are responsible tourism issues?

Blog, Certification, Responsible Tourism

What defines responsible tourism? How does it differ from sustainable tourism, and what is WTM, and other industry players, role in bringing it about?

February 7, 2014January 24, 2017

WTM & Just a Drop Rainwater Harvesting Project: Nicola

Charity

Four members of the WTM team have just returned from a project visit to Kenya, accompanied by Just a Drop’s Nicola Baskerville and Colonel Mike Reynolds. The teams were visiting ... Read more

February 6, 2014September 18, 2017

The secret of good tourism communications (or why I hate towel reuse schemes)

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

Communicating the benefits of responsible tourism has to connect to the reasons guests go on holiday. It is not the place for a lecture.

January 30, 2014May 15, 2017

CTICC, Cape Town

Blog, Destinations

For a unique event experience, Cape Town and CTICC is the perfect destination Situated at the foot of one of the world’s most iconic mountains, in the heart of South ... Read more

January 27, 2014September 18, 2017

Kerala tourism honoured for achievements in Responsible Travel

Carbon & Water, Development, Responsible Tourism

Kerala is increasingly recognised as a model for responsible tourism, and it has just won the highest honour given to government bodies for tourism

January 24, 2014September 18, 2017

Spotlight: Elding Whale Watching Iceland

Blog, Certification, Disability, Responsible Tourism

Icelandic travel company Elding offers responsible whale watching and is admirably open about its position on many issues – from whale meat to gay rights

January 20, 2014January 24, 2017

Poaching, Hunting and Responsible Tourism – is there an answer?

Blog, Responsible Tourism

Is managed hunting part of the solution to the poaching of Southern Africa’s wildlife? And how does this fit with responsible tourism?

January 14, 2014September 18, 2017

Tackling the “Unknown Known” of climate change

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

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?

January 10, 2014January 24, 2017

The Year of the Tablet

Technology

2014 is set to be the year of the tablet. These user friendly devices are expected to make the long-expected jump to global acceptance. Recent figures show that 47.6 million ... Read more

January 9, 2014June 22, 2017

Where to go in 2014: the responsible traveller’s must-do travel list

Blog, Responsible Tourism

The beginning of the year is all about must-do lists. So what’s on the cards for the responsible traveller in 2014?

January 6, 2014September 18, 2017

December Spotlight: Bulungula Lodge, South Africa

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

Few places have left as much of a mark on me as a remote lodge on South Africa’s Wild Coast called Bulungula.

December 18, 2013September 18, 2017

How can all inclusive holidays be responsible and successful?

Blog, Certification, Responsible Tourism

The growth of all inclusive holidays can be a good thing for destinations if it brings lasting benefits to local salaries, goods and services.

December 12, 2013September 18, 2017

Why do good guides matter for responsible tourism?

Blog, Responsible Tourism, RT Marketing

Good local guides reveal secrets about the places we visit, connect us to unique experiences, and help preserve the places they love as a result.

December 3, 2013January 24, 2017

How should we judge the performance of Tourism Ministers?

Blog, Responsible Tourism

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

November 26, 2013June 22, 2017

Tourism and Wildlife: Turning crisis into opportunity

Blog, Responsible Tourism

South Africa’s response to the poaching crisis affecting rhinoceros and other wild animals has lessons for anyone working in tourism – whatever issues they face.

November 19, 2013September 18, 2017

Child protection is key challenge for tourism

Human Rights, Responsible Tourism

The issue of child protection in tourism was a key focus for this year’s World Responsible Tourism Day at WTM. There is still much to be done

November 12, 2013September 18, 2017

Bigger and better – World Responsible Tourism Day 2013

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

World Responsible Tourism Day 2013 saw the initiative grow in strength, with more companies using tourism to address issues from climate change to child protection.