Record number of WRTD logo uses for 2013
Almasalla Travel News – By Ashraf El gedawy – A record number of companies have signed up to be logo users for this year s World Responsible Tourism Day. By the time the show opened on Monday 4th November, 185 companies from around the world had joined this growing initiative. They represent all different types of tourism enterprises, from the very small to the very large, and across all sectors, from skiing to safari, bus companies to walking trails.
This year Elding was the first company from Iceland to successfully apply to become a WRTD logo user. The family-run business takes tourists to see whales (and puffins, and the Northern Lights) in the bays around the country. According to General Manager Rannveig Grétarsdottir: "Becoming a WRTD logo user connects us to a growing movement of companies spreading the message of responsible tourism to as many people as possible." She explains that as whaling vessels operate in the same bay as her tours, and tourists can buy whale steak in the Mexican restaurants in the city, she is up against formidable resistance, which is why the company ensures that it uses it position to educate as well as entertain, with every trip having marine biologists and researchers on board. Elding stands out for promoting not just environmentally friendly tours, but also gay friendly ones, and such a statement of social responsibility and inclusiveness is still all too rarely seen.
Across the other side of the world, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Reni Pani has also this year become a logo user for the first time. The company operates on one of only two safari lodges in the Indian park of Satpura, about three hours from Bhopal. It is already developing some fairly unique safari offerings, including walking safaris, cycling tours and night safaris, which also double up us patrols to reduce the risk of poaching in the park. "Being a WRTD logo user helps us spread the messages that we are working with everyone from the state forestry department to the local communities to protect this park and promote responsible tourism," explained Zafar Rashid, who runs the Reni Pani lodge.
And it’s not just companies – entire destinations have become supporters this year, as they look to develop responsible tourism across an entire region. The Mediterranean island of Gozo may only have a population of 30,000, but 125,000 tourists visit each year, putting huge pressures on its resources. As a result the island is developing an ambitious plan – EcoGozo – to differentiate itself both from its; bigger and better known neighbour Malta, and from other islands in the mediterranean. "We want people to see us as offering more than just sun and sand," explained the director of Tourism and Economic for Gozo, Manuel Tabone. "Being part of the WRTD logo initiative supports our efforts to position Gozo as a responsible destination throughout the year".
Already the island has banned all landfill of waste; is developing its renewable energy resources; and – fittingly considering tthat his year Water is the one of the themes of World Responsible Tourism Day, it has stopped any untreated water from entering the sea. "It helps us to promote the quality of our diving, and reuse the treated water for our local agriculture," said Tabone.
World Responsible Tourism Day takes place on Wednesday November 7th, furthermore there are also events on Tuesday and Thursday as well.
