2002 TOURISM AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT: Interrrelationships, Impacts and Management Issues 23-25 October 2002

The future of tourism

Nearly 70 academics, researchers, industry officials and government representatives from 14 countries gathered at the Grand Hotel, Eastbourne in October for an international tourism symposium organised by the School of Service Management.

The conference theme, Tourism and the Natural Environment, was chosen in celebration of the United Nations Year of Eco and Mountain Tourism, and focused on a number of important international issues. This international theme enabled delegates to explore best-practice solutions from around the world, then apply them in their home countries.

Highlights of the event included keynote addresses by Patricia Barnett, director of Tourism Concern, and Dr David Fennell of Brock University in Canada.

Patricia Barnett's controversial presentation highlighted the issue of tourism development in relation to human rights, citing in particular the exploitation of porters on Himalayan mountain expeditions.
As a result of her work, most UK tour operators who include the Himalayas in their tourist itineraries have now agreed to follow a human rights code of conduct.

National parks came under scrutiny in Dr Fennell's address. He warned of potential hostility from local communities towards increasing tourism, but also stressed that, for many communities, the income generated by tourists was an economic lifeline.

These presentations, and sessions on the impact on tourism of recent events such as the foot and mouth outbreak and the terrorist strike in New York, led to lively debate. A number of delegates also presented study papers on environmental protection, tourism development and responsible planning in Nepal, Thailand, Libya and India.

Dr Brent Ritchie, senior lecturer in tourism and main organiser of the symposium, said: "Many delegates commented on the high value of the learning involved in the conference, feeling that they could return home with ideas and strategies that would make a difference to the way tourism is planned.

"International recognition of the value of the environment was applauded by delegates who felt that the conference had raised the profile of eco-tourism and put this issue firmly on the political agenda. All agreed that the conference was important and should become an annual event. Many delegates are already preparing papers for next year. "

Dr Paul Frost, head of the School of Service Management was pleased with the atmosphere and discussion generated by the conference. "Such an internationally-recognised event not only shows the School of Service Management as a champion of environmental tourism, but also puts Eastbourne on the international tourism map."