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Responsible Tourism
In its varied forms global tourism has experienced phenomenal expansion over the past several decades to become the world's largest industry, employing nearly 10 percent of the world's labor force and acting as an economic base for local development in even remote regions (WTO 2003). The expected benefits of global tourism are widely pursued by prospective host regions throughout the world. At the same time, disbenefits have also appeared that undermine the potential for linking economic growth through tourism to local prosperity and sustainability. Among the concerns are those for better stewardship of the environment, sustenance of authentic cultural practices, greater localization of economic multiplier effects, broader local distribution of economic benefits, and support of local systems of governance over these issues.
In light of the need to improve the local outcomes of tourism activities, the idea of "responsible tourism" has gained momentum among government, non-government and private sector institutions operating in many regions of the world. The precepts for responsible tourism include: minimizing negative economic, environmental, and social impacts; generating greater economic benefits for local people including poverty reduction; enhancing the well-being of host communities; involving local communities in culturally sensitive decisions about tourism initiatives and activities; contributing to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage as part of sustaining the world's diversity.
GRC research on responsible tourism covers both policy frameworks and evaluation of actual practices. Initial research reconnaissance has focused on the 'Emerald Triangle' covering areas of Northeast Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
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