Travel and TourismAn Overview

“Tourism is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes”

World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)

• 25.7 million arrivals in Malaysia alone in 2013

• Global Paradigm Shift Towards Experience Economy.

Tourism and the Environmento Inherently linked• City breaks, countryside getaway, beach holidays, mountain

trekking• Financial reliance• Attraction• Tours and Exploring

oComplex relationship• Adverse and Positive impacts

The Downside of Tourism• Climate Change

– Flights, transport, deforestation

• Pollution– Water, sewage, air

• Litter– Plastic, waste, introduction new

sources

• Depletion of Resources– Water, food sources, materials

• Direct Physical harm– Damage, trampling, altered

ecosystem

It’s not all doom and gloom

• Financial Contributions– Governance and management

• Raising Awareness– Interactions and experience

• Improved Management– Waste management, litter

collection

• Protection and Preservation– Supply and demand

• Alternative employment– Eco-tourism

Sustainable and Responsible TravelThe What, the Why and the How

What is Sustainable Tourism?

Tourism development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

-1987 Brundtland Commission report “Our Common Future”

Triple Bottom Line People, Planet, Profit

Contribute through Public Participation!

Ecotourism is: "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." 

(TIES, 1990)

Why travel responsibly?• Personal experience

– People– Food– Culture

• Future Generations– Sustainable

• Respect

• Giving back– Nature– People

What can you do to help?

Look Before you Book- Reviews

- Descriptions

- Environmental procedures?

Eliminate Emissions- Fewer but longer holidays

- Green Options

- Public Transport

Everything but the kitchen sink- Pack Light; reduce emissions

- Buy in-country to help local economy!

Think Local- Food

- Guides

- Transport

- Water use

- Support

Respect

- Culture

- Nature

- Clothes

- Language

Let Nature stay Natural- Feeding animals

- Follow the ‘beaten track’

- Don’t ride the wildlife

- Keep your distance

- Litter

Conclusion

• Support the local community

• Protect the natural environment

• Save Energy

• Be aware!