http://youtu.be/EyWawRQQwdc At WTM in November, Colin Bell, founder of Wilderness Safaris, proposed an innovative approach to addressing the problem of poaching wildlife such as rhino and elephant in Africa. Companies profiting from tourism to the continent would pay a 1% levy on profits towards the conservation of the species that are a major reason why tourists visit. It's an elegantly simple proposal that highlights what can be done through co-ordinated collective effort - and it deserves to … [Read more...]
Poaching, Hunting and Responsible Tourism – is there an answer that will please everyone?
South Africa has just announced that last year 1,004 white rhinos were poached in the country, up from 668 the year before and just 13 in 2007. An ever-worsening tragedy in itself, and the threat to South Africa’s responsible tourism industry, which plays a huge role in protecting habitat and providing jobs, is vast. “From a responsible tourism point of view we have to make it a priority,” Fedhasa CEO Eddie Khosa was quoted as saying last month. “Our wildlife resources are key to South Africa … [Read more...]
Tourism and Wildlife: tackling poaching crisis and turning crisis into opportunity
Over the last couple of weeks, I have been learning how South African tourism's response to the poaching crisis affecting rhinoceros and other wild animals has lessons for anyone working in tourism - whatever issues they face. I arrived here straight after WTM, with two initiatives that won at this year's Responsible Tourism Awards very much on my mind for their relevance to tourism and wildlife poaching. Nam Nern Safaris (based in Laos) won the prize for best for wildlife protection for its … [Read more...]
SPOTLIGHT: a survery of organisations working for the protection of animals in Tourism
The importance of animals in tourism is rarely commented upon. Yet for many tourists our holidays involve experiences that connect us to other members of the living world. Everything from going on safaris to visiting zoos and aquaria. Birdwatching to deep sea fishing and scuba. Horse, elephant or yak rides. Whale watching to shark cage diving. Then add to these encounters the food choices that any non-vegan makes while travelling, be it the local cheese or pate from the market to the Blue fin … [Read more...]
Innovator Spotlight: Wilderness Safaris uses great safaris to support community conservation
I can think of no sector of tourism that better exemplifies the need for responsible tourism than the safari industry. Inappropriate development threatens Africa's most valuable natural resources, either through overexploitation or outright criminality. The Rhinoceros, Elephant and Lion are all at serious risk of extinction in the next few years due to the illegal wildlife trade. I can't imagine the future for the continent's tourism if it is left trying to market the 'Big Two'. The good news … [Read more...]
WTTC 2013 awards reward Responsible tourism and sustainable development efforts
The four winners announced this month for the World Tourism for Tomorrow awards are a reminder of the breadth of sustainable development issues such tourism operators address, and in many cases of the timeliness of their actions. In the Philippines, Il Nido was recognised for more than two decades of work in sustainable development and tourism, and for being ahead of the curve by focussing not just on the much vaunted triple bottom line approach, but rather the Quadruple, namely Financial … [Read more...]
Silence is not an option: What can the tourism industry do about wildlife poaching?
Tourism has always used the best shot. Beaches in brochures are enticingly empty or inhabited by immaculately toned models. The sun is setting with the concrete tower block cropped just out of view. Lazy travel cliches paint the best possible verbal pictures too, so that neigbourhoods are relentlessly 'vibrant', markets always 'bustle', and seas across the world lap aquamarine, turquoise or azure. We sell people these holiday ideals, then leave out the bad bits, and hope they will be enjoying … [Read more...]
Reviews of my travel book – Clean Breaks – 500 new ways to see the world
I co-wrote the award-winning 'Clean Breaks - 500 new ways to see the world' with Richard Hammond (founder of greentraveller). Rough Guides published it in August 2009, and then relaunched it in 2010 under the name 'Great Escapes'. It's sold around 30,000 copies to date. It's the most comprehensive worldwide guide to unusual holidays and alternatives ways to travel that make a real difference to the lives of local people and the planet. For a preview of the book see: Clean Breaks … [Read more...]