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Corporate Social Responsibility is a rising phenomenon in travel today. This was the topic of discussion on the second day of the PATA Travel Mart 2010’s luncheon workshop at the Venetian Macao~Resort~Hotel.
A panel of industry leaders discussed on how community involvement and social and environmental responsibility are now becoming key factors in the decision-making process of today’s travellers – and why we need to address them. Far from a passing fad, increasingly CSR is influencing how and where people choose to travel, the creation of new travel opportunities and products, and increasing tourism’s role as a force for good.
Said John King, chairman, PATA’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Committee; chairman, Australian Tourism Export Council, and managing director, Global Tourism & Leisure: “As tourism increasingly impacts both positively and adversely on communities and the social well being of people, the issue of corporate social responsibility is increasingly one for the tourism industry to consider. Rather that just being an added responsibility, CSR creates new opportunities for destinations as well as the industry. The session that was held during PTM explored the scope and issues for the tourism industry involved with CSR and some of the opportunities it presents.”
Said Nicole Hausler, mas contour, Berlin: “While corporate social responsibility (CSR) is already a major core activity in many economic sectors, it is still very much in its infancy in tourism. The tourism industry in particular needs to proactively respond to these challenges to ensure long-term economic success, especially given that sustainable business management is demanded by an increasing number of European tourists.”
Said Randy Durband, senior partner, Robin Tauck and Partners, US: “Corporate Social Responsibility is important for all industries, but especially so for the travel-and-tourism industry because of the personal connection we have directly with our clients. Travel companies need motivated employees who represent them well. Plus, we have an obligation to preserve destinations, which are really our ‘product.’ A growing phenomenon within CSR for the travel industry is known as ‘Travellers Philanthropy,’ whereby travel providers make it convenient for our clients to provide financial support to worthy causes in the destinations they visit and may have directly experienced.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
