Tourism ventures need to balance the needs of guests and staff with the needs of surrounding communities. Researchers in Southern Africa suggest using water-use benchmarks to provide targets for water usage and to serve as a planning tool for future wildlife tourism developments in the region.
The diploma is the first of its type and is aimed at students from developing countries and small island states. It will train students to support businesses in the travel and transport industry in adjusting their operations towards the goal of becoming carbon neutral, in the face of the global challenge of Climate Change.
Stopping tourism leakage requires long-term strategic goals and new success metrics. It also requires a holistic approach that focuses on niche markets, supports local businesses and workers, and protects destinations’ unique social and natural assets.
As tourists begin to tentatively spread their wings once more, the hope is that we will begin to travel with a newly acquired consciousness, which could have far-reaching consequences on both people and the planet.
While tourism is on pause, there has been much discussion about how we can improve the sector from an environmental and overcrowding standpoint. But we also need to improve it for local people by respecting them and their culture and ensuring they have equal access to the infrastructure and economic opportunities that tourism can bring.
