Human-caused global heating has already raised the average global temperature by about 1.3°C, and rising sea temperatures are causing coral bleaching and reducing the oceans’ ability to absorb CO2. The Global Tipping Points report published for COP30 in Brazil reveals the scale of the ecological crisis we are causing and living through. We have known that greenhouse gas emissions cause global warming and climate change since the 1850s. Climate change is An Inconvenient Truth.
The travel and tourism industry makes a significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, driving climate change, and suffers the consequences: drought, wildfires, and storms, with consequent damage to infrastructure, natural and cultural heritage, and landscapes. Ski resorts are closing, glaciers are retreating, and mosquito-borne dengue and West Nile virus are reported in Europe.
This is a Tragedy of the Commons, Garrett Hardin’s naming of the age-old problem identified in an essay written in 1833 by the British economist William Forster Lloyd, who used a hypothetical example of the effects of unregulated grazing on common land. The benefits to individuals, businesses, and nations of continuing to burn fossil fuels outweigh the consequences of global warming.
To paraphrase Garrett Hardin: Therein is the tragedy. Each man is locked into a system that compels him to increase his burning of fossil fuels without limit – in a world that is limited. Ruin is the destination toward which all men rush, each pursuing his own best interest in a society that believes in the freedom of the commons.
Obviously, the Responsible Tourism agenda is much wider than climate change, extending across a whole host of environmental, social, and economic issues. No business or destination can address the whole range of issues, from including the differently abled as guests and workers, to increasing local economic benefits. It is important to explain why we choose to address the issues we do, why they matter and to whom, how we are doing it, and with what impact.
It is important to do this to differentiate Responsible Tourism from greenwashing and to avoid greenhushing for fear of being accused of mis-selling. The market advantage of telling our clients and potential clients about what we are doing to #maketourimbetter is significant and part of the case for taking responsibility. If we are taking responsibility, we should take the credit and the market and PR advantage, as part of the business case.
So why take responsibility?
- Because it is the right thing to do for this and future generations
- Regulatory compliance
- Reduced risk and license to operate – maintaining good relationships with our neighbours creates a safer and richer destination experience
- Cost savings from reduced consumption and lower transport costs when we source locally
- Improved product quality with local guides, craft products, and local produce
- Staff morale and commitment with lower staff turnover and reduced training costs, where staff see the wider benefit of the business to the community
- Market advantage from a better product and PR, and differentiation
No business or destination can do everything; we have to choose, do what we can.
To learn more about these strategies in action, register for free to watch our annual summit and the Global Responsible Tourism Awards online, or access the recording at ICRT. The event is supported by easyJet holidays and awards sponsor Sabre.
