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Cape Town Travel Market To Focus On Responsible Tourism

Cape Town Travel Market To Focus On Responsible Tourism

Travellers are increasingly aware of the impact they have on the environment, and businesses that offer environmentally responsible options can often see tangible results, according to a report in BreakingTravelNews.com.

Responsible tourism is good for businesses, local communities and economies, the report said.

How principles of responsible tourism can be used for business advantage will be the focus of an upcoming inaugural World Travel Market Africa event, scheduled May 2 and May 3
at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Responsible tourism isn’t limited just to looking after the environment — something that can benefit not only precious natural resources but also the bottom line of any business.

Responsible tourism is also focusing increasingly on awareness of child protection issues that arise in the travel and tourism sector. At a World Travel Market event in London in November, the Responsible Tourism Awards showcased efforts to combat sexual exploitation of children.

The responsible tourism program will be coordinated by industry leader Prof. Harold Goodwin, Manchester Metropolitan University.

The WTM Africa responsible tourism program kicks off May 2 with a debate on
whether responsible tourism is good for businesses, local communities and economies and how principles of responsible tourism can be used for business advantage. This panel debate which includes Fabrice Leclercq of T.R.I.P. GHANA. Heidi Van der Watt of the ICRT will focus on the business case for responsible tourism with case studies using examples from Africa to push boundaries, raise questions and highlight good practice.

The responsible tourism program will continue May 3 with a session on
environmental responsibility. Looking after the environment can benefit not only the sites visited by tourists but also the bottom line of businesses, ensuring that a destination is maintained for long term benefit. With travelers increasingly aware of the impact they have on the environment, businesses that offer environmentally responsible options can often see tangible benefits. A panel will include Wilfred Cheval of Dyer Island Cruises and Marine Dynamics and Anne-Kathrin Zschiegner of the Zeitz Foundation. Both will offer insights into their work and success stories.

The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Program will conclude with a debate on
social responsibility and child protection. The industry is addressing issues of child labor, trafficking, orphanages, sexual exploitation, neglect and abuse of children travelling with friends and relatives. The panel will feature Anne van der Tuuk of inbound tour operator
Abang Africa Travel and Andre van der Marck of Khiri Travel (Thailand).