Responsible Tourism Concept

The concept of Responsible Tourism is derived from the wider concept of “alternative tourism”, which arose in the 1980s and 1990s particularly in response to the adverse impacts of mass tourism; travellers are becoming more aware of issues relating to the destructive nature of mainstream tourism such as over-development, exploitation of natural resources, degradation of local traditions and values, global warming, carbon emissions, etc.

In other words, responsible tourism allows the travel pattern needs to shift in focus from the wellbeing of the tourists to the wellbeing of the host community since it allows tourists and the tourism industry to have minimal impacts (or smaller ecological footprints) on the host community in terms of its natural and socio-cultural environments.

As for the case of Sabah,

responsible tourism is considered as the catalyst for sustainable development of rural tourism industry; it provides the means for poverty eradication by widening the distribution of tourism economic benefits by including the interior communities, in particular. The key objectives of responsible tourism applicable in Sabah, include:

• To protect the environment – makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural heritage (flora, fauna and landscapes), maintaining the world’s diversity.
• To respect local cultures – traditions, religions and built heritage, minimising negative economic, environmental and social impacts as a result of tourism development in rural areas.
• To benefit local communities – involves local people in decisions that affect them both economically and socially. By adapting the ‘Fair Trade’ principles, it generates sustainable economic benefits to the local communities, enhances their well-being and improves their accessibility to the tourism industry.
• To conserve natural resources – better management of tourism destinations, efficient use of tourism resources and improved working conditions through effective training.
• To minimise pollution – reduction of noise, waste disposal and congestion, application of green technology and educating visitors about the local environment and its issues.
• To provide authentic experiences – enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and foster a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues.