As economic gloom descends those striving to emerge from the trough in good shape should consider embracing responsible tourism as a core business strategy.
The warning was issued this week by Fiona Jeffery, chairman of the World Travel Market, supported by Travel Weekly as media partner.
Jeffery said: “It’s untrue that responsible tourism cannot help companies to achieve a good financial return. Making a profit from responsible tourism is the new way forward yet many simply shy away from it with something approaching embarrassment.”
Jeffery, who urged the travel trade – given its economic woes – to “consider a more enlightened approach with fresh initiatives” , said WTM’s one-day conference, following its World Responsible Tourism Day on Wednesday, 12 November, should inspire, provoke and make people “think more deeply about the kind of legacy the industry wants the next generation to inherit.”. T
he event will be chaired by Professor Harold Goodwin, director for the International Centre for Responsible Tourism. Speakers include Jane Ashton, head of sustainable development, TUI Travel, Nicky Fitzgerald, Conservation Corporation Africa and Liam Lambert, operations director, Europe, Mandarin Oriental Hotels among others.
The conference, part of World Travel Market’s delegate event programme, will appeal specifically to hoteliers and operators. Pre-registration is £195 and onsite registration is £235, including lunch. Click here for details and click on conference..