Responsible Tourism Policy, Wales

Responsible Tourism Policy, Wales

Responsible Tourism places equal importance on the following issues:

• Social and Cultural 
• Economic 
• Environmental.

Responsible Tourism is much more than" eco or green" tourism as it must consider the needs and quality of life of the local community, enhance and respect cultural and local traditions, and contribute to local economic prosperity as well as enhancing, or at least minimising, damage to the environment. Working partnerships is essential for the success of Responsible Tourism from local businesses, local and national government organisations, and the local community as a whole.

Sadly one important issue is often forgotten when policy and plans are set, that being the Customer, the Tourist.
The “goal” of all policies must be to ensure that the customer enjoys and benefits from their experience. There has been a growing demand for alternative forms of tourism over the last few years and organisations must react and cater to this growing demand.

Celticos is committed to, and passionate about, Responsible Tourism. The Walking industry in general is obviously an environmentally friendly activity. Our policy, a working document that we are committed to enhancing, focuses on Environmental, Economic and Social issues. It is open to everyone and has been developed for the benefit of North Wales. We are determined to achieve high standards and set ourselves achievable goals regarding our Responsible Tourism policy. It is easy to write policies but much harder to put these policies into practice. See greenwashing.net

North Wales

 “We, the tourism, marketing and Customer Care Service at Conwy, Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey Council fully support the principles of Responsible Tourism and sincerely hope that Celticos can strive to improve and benefit Conwy, Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey’s economy through its delivery.”

North Wales has been a well known tourist destination for many years. Like all areas and countries, mass tourism has left its mark, particularly along the coastline of North East Wales. Local and central government organisations are now actively and effectively monitoring this type of tourism in order to minimise the negative effects.

Organisations involved with Responsible Tourism should not adopt a “high and mighty” attitude towards mass tourism but should concentrate their efforts on providing forms of Alternative Tourism for those interested.

The further west you travel along the North Wales coast, and as you travel inland, the effect of mass tourism cannot be seen. Snowdonia National Park has been actively preserving the environmental and community aspects of this area for many years. This is an ideal area (within both the National Park boundary and surrounding areas) to develop the concept of Responsible Tourism.

Statement of intent.

Celticos is committed to Responsible Tourism and we will:

1. inform employees and clients of our Environmental, Social and Economical standards, guidance and information within our Responsible Tourism policy;
2. use and encourage the use of local produce and services;
3. develop long term working relationships with local suppliers and help new businesses;
4. make positive contributions to the environment by studying our walking routes, and we will refrain from using some sections of these routes during certains times of year in order to protect sensitive areas;
5. introduce our customers to Welsh local community life, through direct participation, observation and arranging cultural talks;
6. encourage our customers to speak Welsh, if only a few phrases;
7. promote out of season winter holidays to extend the holiday season;
8. ensure no littering or damage occurs on our walking routes;
9. support environmental projects in the pursuance of sustaining Responsible Tourism for future generations to experience and enjoy.

We review our Responsible Tourism policy every 12 months.

• RESPONSIBLE TOURISM.

To learn more about Responsible Tourism please visit the ICRT website.

	The International Centre for Responsible Tourism based at the Leeds Metropolitan University. More Info.
	Celticos is working closely with The Snowdonia National Park in preparing joint ventures for the near future. More Info. Also working closely with Green-Snowdonia
	Celitcos is working closely with  Nature's Work
	Celticos has made links with our local university at Bangor to gain and develop expertise as part of working on future projects.  More Info.
	This year Celticos has employed people under the GoWales scheme. This scheme supports Welsh businesses, students and graduates.  More Info.