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The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Rhode Island Thursday, January 28, 2010 Appendix What is Sustainable Tourism? Sustainable tourism, like a doctor’s code of ethics, means “First, do no harm.” It is basic to good destination stewardship. Sustainable tourism does not abuse its product—the destination. It seeks to avoid the “loved to death” syndrome. Businesses and other stakeholders anticipate development pressures and apply limits and management techniques that sustain natural habitats, heritage sites, scenic appeal, and local culture. It conserves resources. Environmentally aware travelers favor businesses that minimize pollution, waste, energy consumption, water usage, landscaping chemicals, and excessive nighttime lighting. It respects local culture and tradition. Foreign visitors learn about and observe local etiquette, including using at least a few courtesy words in the local language. Residents learn how to deal with foreign expectations that may differ from their own. It aims for quality, not quantity. Communities measure tourism success not by sheer numbers of visitors, but by length of stay, distribution of money spent, and quality of experience. What is Geotourism? Geotourism adds to sustainability principles by building on geographical character—”sense of place”—to create a type of tourism that emphasizes the distinctiveness of its locale, and that benefits visitor and resident alike. Geotourism is synergistic: All the elements of geographical character together create a tourist experience that is richer than the sum of its parts, appealing to visitors with diverse interests. It involves the community. Local businesses and civic groups work together to promote and provide a distinctive, authentic visitor experience. It informs both visitors and hosts. Residents discover their own heritage and how the ordinary and familiar may be of interest to outsiders. As local people develop pride and skill in showing off their locale, tourists get more out of their visit. It benefits residents economically. Travel businesses do their best to use the local workforce, services, and products and supplies. When the community understands the beneficial role of geotourism, it becomes an incentive for wise destination stewardship. It supports integrity of place. Destination-savvy travelers seek out businesses that emphasize the character of the locale. Tourism revenues in turn raise local perceived value of those assets. It means great trips. Enthusiastic visitors bring new knowledge home, telling stories that send friends and relatives off to experience the same thing—a continuing business for the destination. Summit Report 55
The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Rhode Island Thursday, January 28, 2010 Appendix Tour Operators’ Initiative Statement of Commitment to Sustainable Tourism Development 1. Commitment to sustainable development and management of Tourism 1.1 We regard Sustainable Tourism Development as a guiding concept for the sound management of our business. 1.2 We define Sustainable Development as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 1.3 We are committed to developing, operating and marketing tourism in a sustainable manner; that is, all forms of tourism which make a positive contribution to the natural and cultural environment, which generate benefits for the host communities, and which do not put at risk the future livelihood of local people. 1.4 As Tour Operators we believe that we can be important contributors to Sustainable Tourism Development. We will strive to anticipate and prevent economic, environmental, social and cultural degradation. We will work towards integrating these considerations into our operations and activities. 1.5 We are entering into a partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to improve our performance in order to achieve sustainable development and management of tourism. 2. Principles of sustainable development and management of tourism 2.1 We recognise that tourism can contribute to the viability of local economies. We also recognise that tourism can have negative impacts on the economy, environment, nature, social structures and local cultures. In the long-term interest of host communities and of our industry, we will endeavour to prevent or minimise these impacts. 2.2 We are committed to complying with local, national and international laws and regulations applicable to our business activities. 2.3 We oppose and actively discourage illegal, abusive or exploitative forms of tourism. 2.4 We are committed to a continual attempt to improve our performance in the context of sustainable development and management of tourism. 2.5 We will manage and monitor the environmental, cultural and social impacts of our activities. Summit Report 56
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