Blog

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.

November 1, 2013September 18, 2017

World Travel Market 2013 supports Just a Drop & brings clean water to over 400 children in Kenya

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

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

October 29, 2013September 18, 2017

Climate Change and Tourism at WTM

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

If you want to talk about climate change and tourism, from effects on destinations to seeing how resorts are adjusting, WTM is a pretty good place to start

October 28, 2013September 18, 2017

SPOTLIGHT: World Responsible Tourism Day 2013

Carbon & Water, Disability, Responsible Tourism

Each month we feature a Logo user for World Responsible Tourism Day. But the growth of this initiative means most of the stories are still to be told. Next week ... Read more

October 21, 2013January 24, 2017

Cultural heritage and tourism: who pays for preservation?

Blog, Responsible Tourism

Cultural heritage is a major driver for tourism. Free access encourages visitor numbers, but does it do enough to fund essential preservation work?

October 17, 2013September 18, 2017

Sustainable hotel water use – who is responsible?

Carbon & Water, Development, Responsible Tourism

In an era of increasing pressure on resources, managing hotel water use effectively is essential. But who is responsible, and what should they do?

October 16, 2013September 18, 2017

Hotel working conditions protests spread

Carbon & Water, Human Rights, Responsible Tourism, Social Economy

Is the tourism industry at risk from protests over hotel working conditions? What would be the impacts of far reaching strikes and boycotts by hotel workers?

October 7, 2013September 18, 2017

ICAO does little to reduce aviation carbon emissions

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

Agreement on aviation carbon emissions at International Civil Aviation Organisation was hailed by industry as a landmark. Looks like a backward step to me.

September 27, 2013June 2, 2020

Tourism and water conservation solutions

Blog, Carbon & Water, Certification, Responsible Tourism

The finalists in the Tourism and Water Conservation award for the 2013 World Responsible Tourism Awards use innovations best suited to their location

September 23, 2013June 2, 2020

Trust is at the heart of responsibility

Development, Responsible Tourism

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.

September 18, 2013June 2, 2020

SPOTLIGHT: Animals in Tourism

Responsible Tourism, Responsible Tourism Spotlight

What organisations ensure experiences with animals in tourism are responsible, whether on safari, in zoos, birdwatching, fishing, scuba diving, taking elephant rides, or whale watching?

September 17, 2013September 18, 2017

Will Accessible Tourism soon be the largest travel market?

Carbon & Water, Disability, Human Rights, Responsible Tourism

Accessible tourism is rapidly becoming the largest sector of the travel market. Business providers need a new approach to this growing opportunity

September 9, 2013September 18, 2017

Aviation carbon emissions – level playing field needed

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

TUI calls for industry standard on reporting fuel and carbon efficiency for UK airlines so customers can choose least polluting airline.

September 2, 2013September 18, 2017

Tourism marketing: getting the guests you want

Blog, Responsible Tourism, RT Marketing

How should responsible hotels and lodges manage their tourism marketing so as to attract the sort of guests that appreciate and enhance what you are trying to do?

August 27, 2013September 18, 2017

For TUI, responsibility and trust are the bottom line

Development, Responsible Tourism

For tour operators like TUI, trust and responsibility go hand in hand, and are increasingly seen as essential to how they do business.

August 19, 2013August 14, 2020

Do online travel agents give enough accessibility info?

Carbon & Water, Disability, Diversity & Inclusion, Human Rights, Responsible Tourism

A new campaign aims to ensure travel agency and booking websites are meeting legal obligations for delivering accessibility information for flights and airports.

August 13, 2013September 18, 2017

Responsible Tourism: getting the story right

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

Responsible Tourism has become mainstream. Big operators and small business are making tourism more sustainable and sharing the story with their customers.

August 5, 2013September 18, 2017

How to give tourists a sense of ownership (without selling your destination’s soul)

Blog, Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

What makes us feel ownership and responsibility to somewhere we visit? Can tourism be used to preserve the essence of place and generate sustainable revenue?

July 29, 2013January 24, 2017

Taking responsibility for orphanage tourism

Blog, Responsible Tourism

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

July 23, 2013September 18, 2017

Travel Boycotts – what should responsible tourism do?

Carbon & Water, Human Rights, Responsible Tourism, Social Economy

Travel Boycotts have grown fast thanks to internet. But has it made them more effective? And how should companies and individuals working in responsible tourism respond?

July 15, 2013September 18, 2017

What is certification’s role in ensuring Responsible Tourism?

Carbon & Water, Certification, Responsible Tourism

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

July 8, 2013January 24, 2017

Responsible tourism is about relationships

Blog, Responsible Tourism

Responsibility is judged on how I behave towards those others with whom I have relationships – my colleagues, friends, staff, guests, suppliers, community and the wider environment. What makes ... Read more

July 1, 2013September 18, 2017

RT makes business sense in Kerala – and elsewhere

Development, Responsible Tourism, RT Marketing

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

June 24, 2013September 18, 2017

How to get responsible tourism communications right

Blog, Responsible Tourism, RT Marketing

How should RT companies connect when people don’t click on responsibility statements, and wouldn’t know whether your ‘village visit’ is an add on fig leaf of fake ethical respectability, or ... Read more