Transcript Document

Tourism and climate change:
socio-cultural aspects
Peter Burns, University of Brighton
Lyn Bibbings, Oxford Brookes University
(members of e-clat)
International Tourist arrivals 1950-2020
(UNWTO )
OECD (2002)
“…Tourism decision-making, like
consumption decisions in general, is rarely
characterised by a rational ranking of options
based on perfect information. Many tourists
may … make seemingly irrational decisions
as emotions or other aspects of the psyche
take the upper hand to logic…”
Dynamic circle of climate change on tourism & consumption
Media,
advertising,
promotions
creates
social
pressure to
consume
Tourists get
conflicting
messages
(hyperconsumption vs.
environmental
sensitivity
Patterns of consumption
(the tourist’s carbon
footprint)
Climate change
impact on
destinations and
related activities
Clear unconflicted
message on the
relationship
between consumer
behaviour, tourism&
climate change
Changing nature of
tourist demand, ethical
consciousness, ‘the
new puritans’
Seeking resolution…
Developing cultural/ behavioural solutions
through identification and resolution of
contradictions…
Political, social, business contradictions
Multidirectional pressure for change
Muddled evidence & policy conflict
Urgent need for consumption changes
Vacillation, lazy tax policies
Growing consumer ethical awareness
Lack of trust and knowledge
Society expects choice and freedom
Growth of ‘experience economy’’
Responsibility for stewardship?
Think global
Green policies that limit choice
Energy intensive peak experiences
Fragmented, conflicting interests
Act local
Tourism contradictions
Anguished discussions on ‘tourism’
‘Tourism’ not homogenous
Incessant demand for travel modes
Roads & airports ‘unpleasant’
Continued business growth
Ecotourism in remote destinations
Need to reduce aircraft GHG
Lifestyle pressure to consume
Pro-poor tourism initiatives
Reducing demand through price hikes
Pressure to reduce travel
Ecotourism a problem not a solution
Airport owners seeking expansion
Need to reduce consumption
Pressure to reduce long haul travel
Societal need for social inclusion
example research questions
• How can the desire for leisure mobility be managed so that it
continues to be part of modern life without causing
environmental harm or social resentment?
• How can the paradox of carbon emissions generated by tourism
and its key role in achieving the MDGs be resolved?
• How can international agreements be designed so that a level
playing field for business is created?
• How can the tourism sector manage its various supply chains in
such a way as to minimise carbon footprints and maximise
tourism’s potential for environmental championing?
What we need to do…
• Define new, radical, coherent policies, and business
practices
• Influence consumer attitudes
• Create environment for innovative ways of meeting
desires for peak experiences within a low carbon
economy
• Facilitate re-emergence of ‘slow tourism’ where the
journey once again becomes an enjoyable part of the
product?
• Undertake responsible demand and consumer
expectation management
• Think laterally about resolution of contradictions