Making Tourism Socially Responsible

Last week, the DAC was visited by an assessor from an international contest on socially responsible tourism. The assessor stayed for a week to get an understanding of the organisation’s work through meetings, tours, talks, and general time spent in the office. For us his visit brought up interesting topics for everyone to consider, such as how tourism be socially responsible in a society busy reconstructing itself after a long period of conflict? Furthermore, who should be held accountable for ensuring that this happens--the visitors, city government, the tourism industry, we ourselves or others? And how can we all play a part in promoting this value in such a key sector of the economy?

Socially responsible tourism is certainly an interesting challenge to take on in South Africa. In an area that is so physically and culturally attractive, yet socially and economically troubled, it is difficult to offer tourists both a pleasant stay and the opportunity to be sensitive to the more complex contextual socio-economic and structural realities. How does one enjoy the beauty of Table Mountain, the sweet taste of the wine, the cool breeze and the white ocean sands and not forget those who struggle for basic survival on the “other” side in the Cape Flats?

Discussions were held that touched on the potential role of tourism, if properly managed, to benefit the reconstruction of society after war and conflict. The potential harm of tourism was also raised. We spoke of how tourism can shape social processes of denial and forgetting. How it can entrench racial, ethnic, and national stereotypes, and can contribute as much to conflict as it can be a tool for peace and understanding. We concluded that well-managed tourism can be a vital part of restructuring the economy, rebuilding the society, and acting as a tool against ethnic, racial, cultural and class stereotyping. We specifically reflected on how the Cape Town-Journey of Remembrance and Journey of the Heart--both programs at the DACPM-- were examples of how ordinary people can shape their engagement of tourism with the necessary support.

Please post all thoughts about the challenges around socially responsible tourism below by clicking “comments.”