Impacts

Any business will make an impact on the environment and the local community - the problems come when this impact is a negative one. A responsible business will make concerted efforts to limit any impacts which can damage or disrupt the local order whether this is the environment, economy, landscape, workforce or even cultural heritage of the area.

The arrival of a business in a region can in fact have an incredibly positive impact on that area, particularly those businesses within the tourism sector, bringing employment, trade opportunities and the benefits of the tourist dollar.

By understanding the potential impacts your business can have -good and bad -you will be more equipped to adapt your operations and ensure the only impacts your business is making are positive ones.

This section will explain the various impacts your business should consider and explain exactly what and how you need to include in your responsible tourism policy and report.

Environmental Impacts

From how you power your building to how you fertilize your plants, there are many ways your business can limit its impact on the environment by incorporating more responsible operations such opting for more sustainable energy sources, using natural alternatives to harmful chemicals and adhering to local laws and regulations relating to wildlife.

Accommodation Providers

As the most prominent business in the tourism sector, accommodation providers have a greater responsibility to make sure their impact is a positive one; by adopting sustainable construction and landscaping methods, ensuring your business is accessible to all and establishing a reciprocal relationship with your local community your business will become a welcome addition to the local area.

Cultural Heritage

Overseas travel gives us the unique opportunity to enjoy and experience different cultures, sample local foods, purchase local handicrafts and visit historical monuments – your business should work to promote and protect these aspects of the local cultural heritage.

Supply Chain

Your relationship with your supplier is more than a simple transaction – a responsible business will consider the economical impacts of their purchasing on the local economy, and establish long-term relationships with local suppliers of locally sourced, fair-trade products to help the economy and also increase your business' sustainability.

Employee Welfare

A business is nothing without its staff – the happiness, welfare and protection of your workforce is imperative to the efficient, and responsible, running of your business by providing fair wages and working hours to equal opportunities for training and career progression.

Tourist Impacts

It's not just your business that can impact on the environment but your clients themselves – by providing pre-departure briefings on cultural differences and appropriate behaviours and encouraging guests to explore the local area outside your business, you can help limit any negative impacts whether these are social or economical.

Community & Conservation

Investment in your local community doesn't always have to be financial – by investing time, knowledge, manpower or resources in worthy causes such as local conservation efforts or community projects, or sharing services such as access to clean water, your business can make a long-lasting contribution to the local area.