Written by Responsible Tourism Initiative on 6 Oct 2011 with 0 comments. Be the first!

This year's the Responsible Tourism Event supported by ITB Asia 2011 will Inspire others with what you have done for the destination where you work in. Is the local community, environment and wildlife better off because of what you've done? If yes, tell us! We're keen to find out.

Tourism is one of the world's largest industries and is of particular importance to the economies of many developing countries and emerging markets. As a significant source of foreign exchange and employment the sector can have a great potential for development. Nevertheless, there are great concerns about the social and environmental problems that tourism can cause. Uncontrolled mass tourism can lead to environmental degradation, destruction of fragile ecosystems, decline of local economy and cultural degradation.

Responsible Tourism (RT) however is about "making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit." There are world changers out there who are making a difference. They are leading the way in making destinations more sustainable through innovative ideas and smart engagements. Find out who these world changers are and what they have done. Three inspirational stories will be chosen as curtain openers to our Responsible Tourism Event supported by ITB Asia in Singapore this October. To submit your story, click here.

The Responsible Tourism event will also feature experts and practitioners in responsible tourism who will be able to give you insights and know how to implement sustainable best practices within your organization. Come and learn, engage and be inspired! Presentation topics are as follows:

• How to Engage and Motivate Staff to Support Your Sustainability Strategy

Zhang Mei, Founder WildChina

• Making the shift towards responsible tourism

Arnfinn Oines - Responsible Conscience, Six Senses Resorts and Spas

• Voluntourism - are we helping or harming local communities?

Gopinath Parayil - Concern Without Borders

We invite you to join us in Singapore to network with the travel operators, grassroots organizations, the media and responsible tourism professionals. Details are as follows:

NEW! RT Clinics supported by ITB Asia. Grab your chance to meet and speak with RT experts at the RT Booth at ITB Asia, 2011. Find out more here!

Do you have an inspirational RT story to tell? Tell us! Click here to find out how you can submit your story.

Take part in our Responsible Tourism Awards 2011/2012. Open for entries! Download your application form here.

The Responsible Tourism Event is a continuation of the successful RT networking events that started in 2009. Organized and supported by ITB Asia, Wild Asia, The Blue Yonder and The Green Circuit, this annual event hopes to bring together sustainable tourism practitioners to share, engage, learn and be inspired to make a difference.