What to know about this? SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
First the youth needs to understand what it means, the word “Sustainability”, then after a better understanding of this “KEY WORD” the concept can be applied within the tourism environment.
In a simple word, sustainability means: “ability to be maintained or keep a certain level. In other words, to avoid the depletion of something. Either natural resources, cultural resources or again any other values attached to a place, people or things in order to keep the ecological balance.”
“Sustainable tourism development requires the informed articipation of all relevant stakeholders which include the youth of the community, country or that specific entity as well as strong political leadership to ensure wide participation and consensus building. The youth can assist in achieving sustainable tourism which is a continuous process and it requires constant monitoring of impacts, introducing the necessary preventive and/or corrective measures whenever necessary. But because we talk of the youth, we need to note this very important wise saying: “The youth of today is the future of tomorrow.” In our context, we can clearly see that today’s engagement of the youth in tourism sustainability is the successful sustainability tourism of tomorrow. Hence becoming responsible Tourism.
YOUTH RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Responsible tourism is like sustainable tourism, however as often the word sustainability is often overused and not understood, responsible tourism has been adopted as a term used by travel and tourism industry. Responsible tourism is any form of tourism that can be consumed in a more responsible way. Youth should watch over any heritage whether natural or man- made that can benefit tourists that it is not destroyed. It is paramount for the Youth to be aware of the following responsible/sustainable tourism results:
• minimizes negative social, economic and environmental impacts
• generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the wellbeing of host communities or country
• improves working conditions and access to the industry
• involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
• makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
• provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
• provides access for physically challenged people
• is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence
Ref/Cape Town Declaration, 2002 on Responsible Tourism
MORE TYPES OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM THE YOUTH SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
ECOTOURISM Ecotourism is a form of sustainable tourism – all forms of tourism can become more sustainable but not all forms of tourism can be ecotourism.
“Ecotourism is environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy, study and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features – both past and present), that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socioeconomic involvement of local populations”
GEOTOURISM
Geotourism is very similar to sustainable tourism and is a definition brought about by National Geographic Traveller…the concept is the same but they focus on the ‘sense of place’ in an area rather than the industry’s efforts.
VOLUNTOURISM
Voluntourism is a form of travel where one volunteers on projects which give back to the community. But beware – not all voluntourism is good tourism… be careful what is promised and who provides it! The youth involvement sustainable tourism can ensure the project really gives back to community.
Overtourism
The youth engagement in making sure a sustainable tourism principle is observed.
“the excessive growth of visitors leading to overcrowding in areas where residents suffer the consequences of temporary and seasonal tourism peaks, which have enforced permanent changes to their lifestyles, access to amenities and general wellbeing” (Milano et al., 2018) Generally, many tourists attraction areas fall victims of Overtourism yet it is not easy to notice the negative impact it has over the community affected as the attention turns more towards the profit and economic growth rather than the shift in lifestyle of the local community that feels deprived of their normal cultural, natural or environmental rights to enjoy their lives freely. Based on the above, the earlier youth gets involved in sustainable tourism, the better for the community and the safer for the tourism industry, the environment, the culture, economy and the people.
By Mr Didier Bayeye Africa Tourism Expert
