'Doing nothing "because consumers don't demand it" is not good enough'
The exceptional recent flooding seen in Spain, the extreme summer temperatures in the Mediterranean and the global protests against tourist – none of this is unforeseen. We’ve been talking about these things for at least the past 20 years.
But we’ve reached a point where we all need to do something about it now, because it will only get worse.
The UK travel industry has a unique opportunity to make a difference. We’re one of the world’s top ten source markets for tourism, sending more than 20 million people away every year.
If everyone in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors took responsibility for ensuring those trips were as sustainable as possible, we could be part of the solution.
I’ve taught postgraduates and adults for many years, and carried out consultancy work writing policies on these topics and guiding organisations on how to tackle them.
And I’m a firm believer that to change the world, everyone needs to understand their role in it and what they can personally do to make that change.
If we don’t do anything because “consumers don’t demand it”, that’s not good enough. Consumers expect us to do the right thing. Our children expect us to do the right thing.
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That’s why we’ve launched the International Centre of Responsible Tourism global, or ICRT global. We’re a non-profit which will act as a global hub for education, training and knowledge sharing.
The reasons for overtourism protests differ from place to place. That means different solutions. We’re on top of what’s happening around the world, and we’re on a mission to share what can be done about the issues we all face – the new ideas and levers for change tourism professionals can apply.
We’ll also share links to open access academic guidance and real-life examples of best practice from the winners of the Global Responsible Tourism Awards. And we’re going to support universities, particularly in the global south, to launch new courses and access more current materials so we educate future generations as quickly as possible.
It’s no surprise that the many businesses which have comprehensive sustainability policies place education at their core. Our founding partner easyJet holidays, which has supported the creation of our courses, has three ambitions – to create better holiday choices, to keep its holidays special, and to transform travel for everyone.
That third goal requires collaboration, and easyJet funds, supports and partners with organisations like ours helping to make more sustainable tourism mainstream.
So what’s in it for me, I hear you ask. Well if you’re a tour operator, hotelier, travel agent, transport provider or supplier, understanding these issues means you can understand your role in all of this where you can influence change.
Our first course in January will introduce the principles of responsible tourism, while our second in February will look at overtourism. Our final unit for each course moves from theory to action, and everyone who takes part will write a short practical report on how they can use this knowledge in their own work.
What the world needs now is you.
Emeritus professor Harold Goodwin is managing director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership and founder of the International Centre of Responsible Tourism global.
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