An introduction to the ICRT, its origin., purpose and diversity of its members and an invitation to consider joining this network of RT groups

1. Harold Goodwin
Founder Director of the ICRT

2. ICRT
1. Origins
2. Purpose
3. An International Network
4. An Opportunity

3. Relish Diversity
• The ICRT has a network of sister organisations around the
world all committed to furthering the aspirations of the
Cape Town Declaration. The Cape Town Declaration
reminded us of the world’s diversity: “Relishing the
diversity of our world’s cultures, habitats and species and
the wealth of our cultural and natural heritage, as the very
basis of tourism, we accept that responsible and
sustainable tourism will be achieved in different ways in
different places.”
• There is no blueprint, no internationally valid prescription
for how tourism should be made more sustainable. The
salience and importance of issues varies from place to
place, affected by the cultural and natural environment,
and solutions vary too.

4. 1 Origins
• 2002 1st International Conference on
Responsible Tourism in Destinations in Cape
Town
• Cape Town Declaration placed the emphasis
on taking responsibility for achieving
sustainable development through tourism
• CRT became the ICRT – for individuals who
supported the Cape Town Declaration

5. • As this grew in status we began to be ask about
setting up local groups – often linked with the
ICRTD conference series.
• The UK ICRT has never had a bank account or any
legal structure.
• We have established Responsible Tourism
Practitioners to protect the ICRT as an identity in
the UK – 4 directors Goodwin, Font, de Vial &
Warburton
• The ICRT has never been the property of any
university – it has always been idependent.

6. 2 Purpose
• To provide a focus for those wanting to promote the
idea of Responsible Tourism as presented in the Cape
Town Declaration.
• “Relishing the diversity of our world’s cultures, habitats
and species and the wealth of our cultural and natural
heritage, as the very basis of tourism, we accept that
responsible and sustainable tourism will be achieved in
different ways in different places.”
• There is no blueprint, no internationally valid
prescription for how tourism should be made more
sustainable. The salience and importance of issues
varies from place to place, affected by the cultural and
natural environment, and solutions vary too.

7. Why join?
• To create a national network
• to be part of an international network with like
minded people.
• To find ways of collaborating and partnering in
pursuit of the objectives of the Cape Town
Declaration.
• Advocacy, training, discussing, awareness raising
– not a consultancy company
• You may be not more than a loose network, with
or with out a bank account, with or without a
website!

8. Publishing
• Open Access on line Journal: Progress in
Responsible Tourism
• Occasional papers

9. 3 An International Network
• ICRT composed of groups and individuals
• The activity varies, in level and focus, widely
from group to group.
• Each affiliated centre will have its own page
on the hub site.

10. Sisters
Long established Newish Very New
Gambia => West Africa Ireland Turkey
Canada Kerala India Thailand ASEAN
Germany - relaunch Wales Finland
South Africa Barcelona Arabia
Belize Brazil
Australia

11. 4 An Opportunity
Joining the network is relatively easy – sign a
Memorandum of Understanding.
Membership of the network is signified by being
listed on the hub site and participating –
delisting would only occur if a group brought the
ICRT into disrepute.
More information harold@haroldgoodwin.info