Travel’s top brass are throwing their weight behind a global initiative launched today at World Travel Market to save the planet from irresponsible practices that may ultimately destroy it.
Virgin Atlantic chairman Sir Richard Branson, conservationist Professor Sir David Bellamy and representatives from international trade associations have all backed WTM World Responsible Tourism Day.
The scheme has been endorsed by classical singer Katherine Jenkins, who opens WTM 2006 today.
WTM World Responsible Tourism Day is a joint venture between WTM and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. Organisers are asking travel companies to support it by undertaking their own responsible tourism schemes, to be celebrated on a dedicated day each year – the Wednesday of WTM.
The first WTM World Responsible Tourism Day will be on November 14 2007.
WTM managing director Fiona Jeffery said: “We can no longer pay lip service to responsible tourism.
“Taking part in WTM’s World Responsible Tourism Day does not necessarily mean undertaking a massive initiative, although of course we will be urging every sector of the industry to get involved.
“Collectively, small ideas can change the course of the industry for years to come.”
UNWTO assistant secretary -general Geoffrey Lipman added: “The need for a more responsible attitude to tourism, especially towards the host communities, has become evident in recent years and stronger efforts must be made to encourage all stakeholders to adopt a responsible approach.
“WTM World Responsible Tourism Day, to be celebrated every year during one of the most important annual gatherings of the tourism industry, will certainly contribute.”