We also need to think that responsible tourism may not just be about tourists and how they behave when they travel. Responsible tourism is also about those who allow these people to act the way they do. It is also about control measures, policies, paradigms, safety nets and proper planning. It is about a choice to control the industry that has the potential to wreak havoc in our communities.
The following are just a few ways by which communities can promote responsible tourism.
1. Start with a plan. As a planner, I consider a dream project as a place that is starting out as a “clean slate”. This means that the destination managers, stakeholders and residents recognize the potential impact of uncontrolled tourism and wish to establish a road map that will align development along the path of sustainability. Sadly, in the Philippines there are very few local leaders in government who are progressive enough in their approach, and would decide to have a plan first before launching their first promotional event or project. Often, promotions are done before the place is ready. There were times when I had been approached by local governments that wish to solicit my assistance in coming up with a plan when the local industry is already in the midst of chaos. I call this the Boracay approach because that is how tourism happened in Boracay. "Promote now, plan later!" That island is doomed if the following plans are to be pursued: accept boatloads of tourists from the cruise industry, build the 500 room economy hotel near the airport and build a bridge that will connect the island to the mainland. I cannot understand why authorities and stakeholders are opting to further pump up demand, when what the island needs is to limit volume. Let the island breath people! It is at the brink of death!
Being responsible means that all stakeholders in a destination, including visitors, will do their share in making sure that the local industry grows and operates within the limits that nature provides. Responsibly managing the many aspects of the destination, as well as the different dimensions of the industry will ensure that the next generation will be able to enjoy the things that we have learned to appreciate during our lifetime.
http://www.suievents.com/philippine-ecotourism-101.html