Saturday, November 25, 2006

The Future of Travel


The future of travel
By LEONG SIOK HUI
RESPONSIBLE tourism is here to stay. UN’s World Tourist Organisation launched the World Responsible Tourism Day at the World Travel Market in London on Nov 6.
In the November issues of National Geographic Adventure and NG Traveller, “sustainable travel” are the key words.
This year, publisher of the most-read travel guide in the world, Lonely Planet, released Code Green, a book that lists destinations and tourism operators that promote or practise responsible tourism. At the same time, readers get tips on how to travel the world responsibly.

Guided tours and activities involve locals and bolster interaction between locals and visitors.So, what is responsible tourism? It is defined as travel that/where:

Environment
Contributes towards conservation and the protection of a natural area’s biodiversity or indigenous heritage.
Minimises environmental impact.
One gets to learn and share information with locals to better understand and appreciate the destination.


Social
Respects local cultures and traditions.

Tourism income helps preserve traditions and supports community development projects like education and healthcare.

Guided tours and activities involve locals and bolster interaction between locals and visitors.
Economy

Benefits host communities directly and operate on principles of fair trade.
One stays at locally owned lodgings or patronises operators who hire locals and source from local suppliers.


Sources: World Tourism Organisation, http://www.world-tourism.org/ and Lorimer, Kerry; Code Green – Experiences of a Lifetime; Lonely Planet Publications; 2006.


News Source : STAR

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