There are a plethora of terms that are used to define what can be considered as responsible tourism in the countryside. Often there is considerable overlap, especially as terms move in and out of fashion and develop with time and experience.
Tourism, as we know, is one of the worlds largest and most complex industries, involving a very diverse value chain based around travel, accommodation, food, drink, activities and destinations. There is no single definition of a tourist - the modern dynamic western holiday maker may be the beach tourist, ecotourist, cultural tourist, dive tourist and party tourist all in he space of a week.
For my blog, here are some of my working definitions of six key terms:
Sustainable Tourism: This is an all encompassing, industry-wide term, looking at reducing the impact of all aspects of tourism. It may include low-energy consuming hotel design, reducing detergent used in the washing of hotel sheets and towels, ensuring catering businesses purchase their supplies locally, minimising heavy infrastructure development, managing tourism access to sensitive locations, being respectful to host communities, as well as considering the financial sustainability of any tourism related investment.
Ecotourism: Ecotourism is now considered as a process of planning, consultation and careful management of tourism to rural locations. Focused around conservation, often there is a wildlife viewing component, but also includes participating in local culture and ensuring positive experiences between tourists and host communities. Ecotourism would look to ensure the value chain provided as much benefits as possible to local communities, producers local businesses and the disadvantaged.
Pro Poor Tourism: Similar in many ways to ecotourism, but may take place in any setting. Specifically pro-poor tourism targets the poorest and most excluded of communities, where ecotourism may not. Conservation may not be a central concern.
Nature Based Tourism: Similar again to ecotourism, but usually not involving the in-depth analysis and community/stakeholder consultations. It is mostly centred around tourists receiving a natural experience, and may include wildlife watching, camping and visiting protected areas.
Responsible Tourism: Tourism in any setting where the tourist wishes to feel they are positively contributing to a destination. This is similar to sustainable tourism, but will be more centred around ensuring positive social impact.
Cultural Tourism: Generally, I would consider cultural tourism to involve visiting heritage sites that are related to human activity, especially built heritage. It may also include experiencing dance, theater and local cuisine.
Of course, there are many other definitions and terms used, I could continue for weeks!
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