The first International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations was organised in Cape Town as a side event preceding the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. The Conference was attended by 280 delegates from 20 countries including representatives of inbound and outbound tour operators, emerging entrepreneurs in the tourism industry, national parks, provincial conservation authorities, all spheres of government, tourism professionals, tourism authorities, NGOs and hotel groups and other tourism stakeholders. These stake holders from 20 countries in Africa, North and South America, Europe and Asia sat together to consider the issue of Responsible Tourism in Destinations and agreed the Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism in Destinations.

The Cape Town Conference recognized that responsible tourism priorities will be different in different places – local Responsible Tourism policies and objectives will reflect local cultural and environmental priorities. Responsible Travel takes a variety of forms, it is characterized by travel and tourism which minimises negative economic, environmental, and social impacts; generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry; involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances; makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world's diversity; provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues; provides access for physically challenged people; and is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

Since 2002 there have been many initiatives at national and local level which have pushed forward the responsible tourism agenda. National strategies have been pursued in South Africa and The Gambia, at provincial and state level there have been initiatives in Florida, Gauteng and Western Cape. There have been hundreds of initiatives by hotels and resorts and inbound and outbound tour operators.

Read more on Cape Town Declaration here