UK Ferry Tickets

If you’ve been keeping up with the newspapers, industry media and various Internet sources then you’d be forgiven for having conflicting views of the state that tourism will be left in as a direct result of the recession this year. Some sources and research say that there will not be much of a change as far as the demand for tourism goes whilst others point to a major change in holidaying habits. With more people staying in their home countries and UK holidaymakers showing definite trends in that direction, responsible tourism is a definite must for all those travelling abroad via ferry or otherwise in the coming year.

Responsible tourism is important for the environment in general as well as the local economies in which you plan to stay this year. Taking the former factor first, strides have been taken in areas that are marked as hosting responsible tourism to make sure that they maintain the environment rather than damage it. Although such destinations may be a little more expensive than other destinations, the few extra pounds are worth it when you consider that other areas might have a really detrimental impact on the surrounding area. It is easier to choose cheap destinations when you have little money but thinking about the impact of your holiday on the fragile world we live in might convince you to do otherwise.

By choosing to travel and stay in areas that include responsible tourism, you can also help out the people living in the local area. In turn, this could help to minimize the effects of the recession. It is worth bearing in mind that most European countries are in the grip of the credit crunch and thus people living in some areas are struggling just as much as people in the UK. In fact, many may be struggling more because they rely on tourism to keep their local economies going. They sell their eco-friendly wares to make ends meet, working harder in the tourist season because many do not get to work in the winter. Believe it or not, this is really frustrating for them because of the work ethic they’re brought up with and continue for their entire working lives. Sustaining this kind of economy is essential if the destinations are to survive and it is this point that can really encourage people to work together during trying times.

If responsible tourism is to prosper then it should be everyone’s first choice in the coming years, especially during recession. Of course, it is completely your choice as to where you go on holiday but going to a non-responsible tourism destination could bring the progress that we’ve all made in recent years to a crashing halt.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Monday, March 30th, 2009