June 3: 8th World Responsible Tourism Day

The event is intended for professionals, organizations as well as those who are aware of the need to change attitudes and regulations for a tourism that is more responsible and sustainable. 

"SOLIDARITY AND SOCIAL VALUES, For an Innovative Tourism"

Since 2007 the International Coalition for Responsible Tourism (CITR) has been organizing an annual event which highlights a specific topic to discuss along responsible tourism.

The event's first edition was held in 2007 under the theme : "No sex tourism, crime without borders" The event was relayed in different countries, including Cameroon, Burkina Faso , Togo, Senegal and Niger .

  •  In 2008, the theme was Tourism as a means to combat poverty, while the event put Haiti in the spotlight, one of the world's poorest countries.
  •  In 2009, the event took the theme: Tourism and Water Resources, to highlight the importance of limiting the impact of tourism projects on fragile water resources worldwide . As the event's guest country, Cameroon presented the initiatives launched in this field to help preserve this rare resource.
  • The year 2010 was dedicated to the theme Tourism and rural heritage, to highlight the impact of urbanization and defend tourism activities essential to maintaining and developing rural areas' economic and demographic dynamism. This year focused on various pilot projects implemented in the Balkan region.
  •  Sustainable tourism, for which guarantees? was the theme of the 2011 event which highlighted the proliferation of certifications and labels. Several professional and institutional experiences were emphasized in countries from Global North and Global South. South Africa was the guest of honor.
  •  2012 was devoted to Tourism and Climate Change, a theme that brought together many professionals with Tunisia as guest country.
  •  In 2013, the event took the theme: The islands, laboratories of sustainable tourism: what governance to preserve the heritage. The Vanilla Islands concept was created to develop the tourism industry and ensure the protection and preservation of the natural heritage. The Vanilla Islands are a group of islands in the Indian ocean including: Mauritius, Reunion, Seychelles, Madagascar , Comoros and Mayotte Islands.

The 8th edition will focus on the theme: "SOCIAL AND SOLIDARITY, values ??for innovative tourism"

Tourism continues to grow; it even has become the most important part of most country's GDP. In the coming years, the development of tourism will offer new opportunities for encounters, adventures and exchanges, however unless we are able to control its development, tourism may also disrupt local economies, impact negatively on the environment and undermine the country's social and cultural fabric. The concept of responsible tourism will become more and more important in the coming years to help promote practices that are more fair and more sustainable. 

Events Organized in Some European Countries

Journée mondiale tourisme responsableFrance – Organized by the International Coalition for Responsible Tourism (CITR) , a symposium is to commence at 2 pm. witth two round tables that will discuss issues such as: Solidarity and equality values ??of can they give a boost to innovative tourism? Is there room for innovation in responsible tourism? 

Italy – Thge evetn is organized by the Italian Association for Responsible Tourism. (AITR). Since May 31, a number of events are being held throughout the country (view map of events here), like the festival “Migrants and Travelers IT.A.CA ” in Bologna to sensitize the public to actively participate in the promotion of sustainable development and social responsibility.

Spain – organized by the Spanish Centre of Responsible  (CETR) ) and the Spanish Association of Professional Tourism (AEPT)the event is reflected in various experiments to better understand what is happening in the field , so that core values ??are more present in the tourism industry.

 

At Dianova International and Rutas Escondidas we stand in favor of a fair, responsible and sustainable tourism. In this regard, a cooperation agreement was signed between both parties to help raise awareness on this issue and develop responsible tourism alternatives in Nicaragua, directed to groups including private sector and nonprofit organizations alike. The experience will be launched in June.