It's all about sustainable & responsible tourism

Going green, reducing carbon footprints and all other terms related to eco-friendliness seem to be the buzzwords at most conferences, both national and international, where discussions revolve around what should be done. Few have actually come up and said what they are really doing to fight the problem.

Amidst all this are smaller set-ups and individuals who are quietly laying the groundwork for this. A young girl has taken up the challenge on her own, fought through bureaucracy and set up Ecosphere, which is dedicated to the cause of responsible tourism (check the article on Spiti in this issue for more). Then there is India's first such society - Eco-Tourism Society of India - that has a group of individuals committed to working towards the cause of eco-tourism and not just using it for branding purposes. Shama Pawar is yet another silent worker doing her bit behind the scenes in the Hampi region of Karnataka.

The Dark Continent is a pioneer in responsible and sustainable tourism. The Honourable Onkokame Kitso Mokaila, Minister for Environment, Wildlife & Tourism, Botswana, said and to quote him, "Committee-based management of natural resources in Botswana means that local communities actively participate in protecting the environment. Our challenge is to educate our people to make sure that they play the biggest role possible in developing the industry and protecting our natural resources. Focused and committed is how one would like to describe the work and ideas of those who have already started their mission towards responsible and sustainable tourism."

Moreover, as was discussed during the WTTC Summit, responsible tourism and profitability can go hand in hand. CCAfrica and the Taj group are brilliant examples of this in Africa and India, respectively. We will probably hear more on this with the Arabian Travel Market round the corner, that has global warming on its agenda.

Finally, the age-old agent-airline marriage is witnessing its cracks. From printing of misleading fares to commission cuts, the airlines have a lot to explain. But it is important for travel agents who are (and we will agree on this) still divided on this topic. We need to remind ourselves of the adage - that united we stand, but divided we fall.

Reema Sisodia
Editor
editorial.etw@expressindia.com