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Did you know that tourism is one of the biggest industries in the world, estimated at ten per cent of the world’s GDP? The tourism industry and most governments see it as an easy means to raise substantial income for shareholders and the economy.
Most holiday-goers too would see tourism as a pleasant and benign activity. But there is an underside in tourism that confronts local people in Asia, Pacific and elsewhere.
The high energy, land and other demands of tourism projects as well as the infrastructure provided are threatening local livelihoods, displacing local people, endangering ecosystems,stretching drinking water resources, and having negative social impacts.
Tourism also raises challenges regarding climate change, trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and children, HIV AIDS…
ECOT was funded in 1982 by ecumenical organizations worldwide. It works in collaboration with faiths-based and secular groups to promote socially, ecologically and ethically responsible tourism.
The Ecumenical Coalition On Tourism aims to:
Respond to the impact of tourism on communities in the Third World, and provide a voice for their concerns.
Advocate and act against unfair practices in tourism to change them.
Empower indigenous and traditional peoples and support them in their efforts for a fair return in tourism.
Lobby against the violation of Human Rights linked with tourism development at a national and international level.
Advance responsible and ethical tourism to promote a just participatory and sustainable world.
Undertake research and disseminate information on the impact of tourism. |
