Ethical thinking in the tourism and
backpacking industry is more likely to be the domain of specialist companies, one travel industry expert has said.
The World Travel Market (WTM) held its International Conference on Responsible Tourism in India recently, where chairwoman Fiona Jeffery raised the issue of ethical tourism.
She said that smaller travel firms, often favoured by backpackers and independent travellers, are more ethically-aware than larger tour operators.
"It is noticeable that much of the current examples of best practice are operated by smaller organisations and specialist operators," she commented.
It was put forward that the wider industry should make efforts to offer more ethical products for travellers and backpackers ahead of WTM World Responsible Tourism Day in November.
"Much more must be done by the international travel and tourism industry if it is to catch up with other sectors and fulfill the growing demands of holidaymakers," Ms Jeffery added.
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