ABSTRACT OF THE KEYNOTE SPEECH BY PROF. HEMANTHI RANASINGHE Ensuring Sustainable World through Sustainable Tourism

Abstract

Sustainable tourism is an industry committed to making a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate future employment for local people. It ensures that development is a positive experience for local people, tourism companies and tourists themselves. There are numerous types of tourism in the world and responsible tourism is an important segment in this. According to United Nations World Tourism Organisation, 2017 has been appointed ‘The International Year of Sustainable Tourism” as a unique opportunity to advance the contribution of the tourism sector to the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental, while raising awareness of the true dimensions of a sector which is often undervalued. Global campaigns have been set in place to promote more sustainable forms of travel and industry professionals should expect a shift in the mindset of travelers everywhere. They will be more interested in the environmental, economic and social impact they're making at the destination they visit and are likely to support companies that embody these values. There will likely be many mindful changes ahead for the modern traveler, like staying closer to home to reduce their carbon footprint. Tour businesses with a strong awareness of the impact they're making will benefit greatly from their already established ecotourism practices. A strong social focus need to be developed in this. In developing sustainable tourism all the stakeholders need to be adequately empowered including tourism operators, local government, tourism organisations, heritage managers, regional development bodies, park managers, community groups, cultural heritage agencies and attraction managers, indigenous community, regional development organisations, interpretation officers and all those interested in fostering a sustainable approach to tourism. The guiding principles to achieve sustainable tourism are inclusive decision-making, sustainable development, tourism and heritage principles, appropriate tourism development. The main benefits from resorting to sustainable tourism includes better communication between stakeholders, a heightened understanding of the issues, higher quality tourism products, increased support from local communities, minimal and managed impacts, increased awareness and understanding of natural and cultural heritage for staff, communities, operators and guests.