Divided as it is into numerous initiatives, it appears difficult to clearly define responsible tourism these days. It’s a sector that’s experiencing genuine momentum, as much as from the point of view of public polices as from the practical services that are developing in the area.
It is essential to point out initially that this interest in tourism can be explained by the sector’s economic aspect. It generates more than 5% of the European Union’s GDP and employs around 9.7 million people.
A strong argument that justifies EU’s latest impulse to create a responsible tourism charter. For Antonio Tajani, European Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, "the European Commission wishes to blow new life into this essential sector". This charter will define the criteria for sustainable tourism and award a prize to the most environmentally friendly destinations?
Tourism offers the possibility of blending economic development with sustainable development. This is, moreover, one of the goals of Abu Dhabi, which is hosting the World Green Tourism show in November 2010. The Emirates, which are trying to position themselves as key ecological players, have already organised the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) this year. This new eco-tourism summit is great way of making Abu Dhabi a responsible destination: “Through his different roles encompassing government, tourism, investment and development, Sheikh Sultan has helped shape Abu Dhabi's transformation into a leading tourism destination in an environmentally, socially and culturally aware manner” says Rick Theobald of Streamline Marketing Group, which is organising the show.
Tourist services for a different way of visiting
The question of the journey is, of course, an integral part of the reflection about responsible tourism. It’s no accident that the SNCF is behind the Responsible tourism awards competition.
In the eco-mobility award category, new car services are at the centre of innovation. Moreover, among the three companies nominated, we find the car-pooling service Comuto, which has developed a mobile application in order to make the service easier to use for people.
Finally, the arrival of self-service electric car hire also signals a new form of responsible tourism in towns. In Paris, the "Mouv’in Paris" service allows visitors to Paris to drive around without polluting the capital. The cars are fitted with iPhones that are programmed with around twenty tourist routes. The cars all have a 150-km (93-mile) range and can reach up to 80 km/h (almost 50 mph).
In the same style, "Visit My City” proposes an electric vehicle in which one can discover Nice and its surroundings; built-in GPS provides information on nearby monuments.
In the centre of London, the Base2stay Hotel now offers electric car hire to its guests. It’s worth remembering that the Mayor of the city, Boris Johnson, declared that he wanted to make London "the electric capital of Europe". This is why electric vehicles pay neither the congestion charge nor parking fees in many areas.
These are sustainable mobility initiatives that wonderfully combine fun and responsibility.
