Responsible
Tourism - South Africa
Responsible Tourism Guidelines
The Responsible Tourism Guidelines encourage tourism operators to grow their businesses whilst providing social and economic benefits to local communities and respecting the environment.
The major points are summarized below.
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Economic Guidelines.
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Assess economic impacts before developing tourism.
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Maximize local economic benefits by increasing linkages and reducing leakages.
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Ensure communities are involved in and benefit from tourism.
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Assist with local marketing and product development.
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Promote equitable business and pay fair prices.
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Social Guidelines.
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Involve local communities in planning and decision making.
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Assess social impacts of tourism activities.
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Respect social and cultural diversity.
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Be sensitive to the host culture.
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Environmental Guidelines.
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Reduce environmental impacts when developing tourism.
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Use natural resources sustain ably.
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Maintain biodiversity.
HOW TO DEVELOP A RESPONSIBLE TOURISM PLAN
1. Review the Responsible Tourism Guidelines.
2. Choose realistic objectives and targets.
3. Use this handbook to identify practical steps that you can take.
4. Use clear benchmarks to measure and report on your progress.
5. Work with trade associations, local people and government to achieve your objectives.
6. Use responsible tourism as part of your marketing strategy.
7. Show your progress to staff and clients.
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