Responsible tourism – that creates “better places for people to live in and better places to visit” – is becoming a global trend.
The global significance of sustainability is more and more recognized; indeed, many operators and tourism organizations all around the world – such as in South Africa, in the United States, in the United Kingdom, in Gambia, India and Sri Lanka – are devoted to promote sustainability.
Enrico Ducroit and Andrea Tamagnini are working together to create a cap of tents in Espiritu Santu – an uncontaminated place located in Baja California. Their main objective is to support a unique economic model that combines the high quality and the uniqueness of tourist facilities with the highest responsible-business standards.
The Eco Luxury project includes sustainable measures to be taken in the already existing “Retreats of the World” along with initiatives for the creation of new facilities.
Today, Eco Luxury comprises 147 exclusive lodges that are characterized by the great attention to the environment and by the great respect for local traditions.
Eco Luxury wants to achieve market ecology, since the market is considered the most important sponsor and partner for environmental protection.
The real estate industry can improve the quality of the environment by favouring the creation of eco resorts not only in virgin areas, but also in high-density tourist areas. Moreover, by preserving environmental assets, the success of the tourist industry is granted.
Some parameters of environmental sustainability have been taken from the Leed Certification. It is important that the project is developed by respecting local environment and culture and in cooperation with local authorities and government.
The supply of responsible tourism facilities does not manage to meet the demand. The Eco Luxury turnover in the tourist sector amounts to more than 2 billion Euros and is growing fast. Nonetheless, Mr Ducroit says this is only the beginning and that it is necessary to help this kind of realities to emerge.
Responsible tourism aims at generating great economic benefits for local people, while minimizing the negative impact of tourist activities on the local environment and while contributing positively to the proper preservation of local natural and cultural heritage.
Meaningful and respectful connections between tourists and local people can help holidaymakers live more enjoyable experiences.
In Egypt , in Dakhla oasis, a privately-owned hotel has been built by local masons who have reintroduced ancient building techniques. In Al Tarfa, a 7-sqkm area has been declared Local Park, as it hosts extremely beautiful intact sandy formations.
In Peru, a colonial dwelling has been renovated by following original methods and by using local materials. Ecological practices are used for water resources and for the disposal of waste materials.
In South Africa, a hotel has been built in compliance with energy saving practices and solidarity initiatives towards the staff. Workers are granted assistance for the financial management of their savings, during IT and health education and so on...
Fregate Island is a private island where a contemporary zero-carbon-dioxide-emissions tourist premise will be built.
In Botswana, there is the smallest and most sustainable luxury camp of tents in the world. The resort is a solar-energy farmhouse with 150 solar panels that meet all the needs of the camp.
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