Tourism
Calyx specializes in sustainable tourism development by:
- Identifying and protecting community assets (people, heritage, land and buildings)
- Providing training in environmental management, green "concept marketing" and communications; and
- Developing linked clusters of experiential and exploratory tourism (see below)
Our tourism development work involves personal engagement with the communities in which tourism takes place. We work with key partners, including residents, community and business groups, and non-profits, to identify community assets - people, nature, culture and buildings. Accordingly, we identify and link sustainable businesses, green spaces, wildlife, nature-based and other activities that highlight the community or business' commitment to sustainable economic development.
A tourism industry that grows without regard for the community and environment, risks destroying the very assets it depends upon.
Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor Hotel Group 2007
Some of our overseas colleagues have expressed an interest in connecting with the community they visit by meeting people who live in the communities where tourism takes place, rather than the traditional "get-off-the-bus", explore, and leave. Visitors want to talk to local people about their experiences and the issues relevant here in Washington. They want to share a drink and some food at the table and get to know "the locals". We have developed approaches to integrate this interest by visitors into income flow not just for a few businesses but also for more of the destination's community.
The 2002 Cape Town Declaration recognizes that Responsible Tourism takes a variety of forms, it is characterized by travel and tourism which:
Behavior can be more or less responsible and what is responsible in a particular place depends upon environment and culture.
- minimises negative environmental, social and cultural impacts;
- generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the wellbeing of host communities, by improving working conditions and access to the industry;
- involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances;
- makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and to the maintenance of the world's diversity;
- provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural and environmental issues;
- provides access for physically challenged people [*]: and
- is culturally sensitive and engenders respect between tourists and hosts.
World Travel Market Travel
*already covered in the US by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)