World Responsible Tourism Day

The aim of June 2nd Day is to make all the people involved in tourism industry sensitive about the concept of Responsible Tourism. The first edition has been organised on June 2nd 2007 under the theme: "No to Sexual Tourism, borderless crimes".

This first edition was also organised in different countries in the world: Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Togo, Senegal & Niger.

International conferences will be organised every year on June 2nd.

The main event will be organised in Paris (France). Other events will be organised around the world thanks to the committment to the members of the International Coalition.

In 2011, chosen theme is: "Sustainable Tourism: the question of certification "; South Africa Destination has the place of honour.

June 1st : Word Responsible Tourism Day- Paris

The 5th edition of the World Responsible Tourism Day will be held exceptionally on Wednesday 1 June this year and not on June 2nd as each year due to public holiday in France on June 2nd, 2011.

Featured Country: South Africa

While the number of labels and certifications are steadily increasing, tourism industry really do not know who to turn to validate their actions, to evaluate their behavior and distinguish themselves commercially.
The International Coalition for Responsible Tourism would therefore make an assessment at the 5th edition of the World Responsible Tourism Day on the issue of certification and especially to hold the concrete experiences in this field both in North & South countries.
World Responsible Tourism Day 2011 will therefore meet the following key issues:

What are the differences, interests, requirements and interactions of different labels and certification in sustainable tourism?
What are the experiences, practices, initiatives, ground realities and needs of different countries and territories to promote responsible tourism?
Is the label the only guarantee for responsible tourism?
Do we need a general accreditation of the tourism sector?
What are the alternatives to certification?

South Africa will be showcased in the heart of a roundtable discussion in the afternoon to think about scientific experts, professionals and institutions, to discuss the experiences of field workers and to find solutions that will allow stakeholders in this country to better understand the issue of certification.
The International Coalition for Responsible Tourism already called all the tourism professionals in France and internationally, to book June 1st 2011 Day exceptionally this year because of holiday on June 2 in France and to join to provide feedback on the issue of certification in their country.