The ongoing World Travel Market (WTM) launched "World Responsible Tourism Day" on Wednesday in a joint industrial effort to make the world a more responsible place to live and travel.
The event marked an important day in the 28-year-long history of the WTM with a series of activities covering carbon offsetting, water, poverty reduction and destinations.
The first ever WTM World Responsible Tourism Day is a major global initiative in association with the United Nations World Tourism Organization and supported by leading associations such as the World Travel & Tourism Council and the Pacific Asian Tourism Association.
"There is no industry in the world better placed to embrace a day that highlights the importance of protecting environments, respecting local cultures, supporting local communities, conserving natural resources and minimizing pollution," said WTM Chairperson Fiona Jeffery.
"WTM World Responsible Tourism Day continues our reputation of acting as a catalyst for debate on all issues relating to responsible tourism," Jeffery said.
Polar explorer Pen Hadow believed the initiative can "make a real difference."
"We are on the first step of a journey, a big endeavor that is of inestimable value for generations ahead," he said at the launch on the third day of the WTM, an international trade gathering that draws over 45,000 professionals from over 200 countries and regions.
The WTM also encouraged exhibitors and visitors to submit opinions regarding what the environment and WTM's World Responsible Tourism Day means to them on a pledge board.
Over 100 companies, associations, tourist boards and charities have been approved to use the WTM Responsible Tourism logo as they recognize the importance of highlighting their own responsible tourism initiatives to a wider audience.
A number of environmental initiatives were also introduced to reduce waste, energy consumption and to use reusable products.
"It is a day that we are confident will expand over the years, showing the world what the international travel industry can achieve in making the world a more responsible place to live and travel," said Jeffery.
Source: Xinhua
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