Alain St. Ange: “Tourism: a shared responsibility for sustainable growth”

Tourism: A Shared Responsibility for Sustainable Growth

By Alain St. Ange, Director of Saint Ange Consultancy and former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports, and Marine, Seychelles

Tourism is far more than an industry—it is the lifeblood of economies, cultures, and communities worldwide. It touches every part of our lives: from the roads we travel to the warmth of a local greeting at our destination. Yet, in many regions, tourism’s full potential remains untapped, hindered by a lack of collaboration, ethical leadership, and sustainable practices.

Having dedicated my career to this vital sector, I believe it is time to work together to shape tourism as a force for good—one that enriches economies, uplifts communities, and safeguards the health of our planet.

The True Value of Tourism

Tourism is not just hotels, airlines, or attractions. It encompasses every interaction a visitor has with a destination—the roads they travel, reliable electricity and water, clean streets, and the welcoming spirit of the local community.

Investing in these areas for visitors simultaneously improves the quality of life for local communities. It’s a win-win scenario. When we see a country as a single, unified destination, it becomes clear that every aspect of society contributes to the visitor experience—and must be ready to welcome the world.

Too often, questions arise: “How can tourism contribute more to the economy?” The answer should never default to overtaxing the industry, which risks “killing the goose that lays the golden egg.” Instead, we must foster environments where tourism can thrive sustainably, benefiting both locals and visitors alike.

Ethical Leadership and Sustainability

A tourism industry that ignores local communities or damages the environment is not only unethical—it is unsustainable. We have witnessed pristine coastlines overdeveloped without community input, eroding the very charm that attracts visitors.

Ethical leadership demands that sustainability be at the heart of tourism. This is not a checklist—it is a principle embedded into the DNA of destinations. Communities must be involved not just as employees, but as partners and stakeholders. When people have a real stake in tourism, they become its most passionate guardians.

Countries like Bhutan and New Zealand offer inspiring models. Bhutan’s high-value, low-impact tourism prioritizes cultural preservation and environmental protection, while New Zealand’s Tiaki principles encourage visitors and locals alike to care for the land and honor Māori traditions. Success in tourism should be measured not just in numbers, but in lasting positive impact on communities and culture.

Community Involvement: A Win-Win Approach

Investing in tourism infrastructure is simultaneously an investment in people. Clean streets, reliable utilities, and well-maintained public spaces benefit both residents and visitors. Happy communities create welcoming hosts, while satisfied tourists are more likely to return.

Take Costa Rica, for example. By prioritizing ecotourism, protecting rainforests, and empowering local communities to lead conservation and run eco-lodges, the country has built a global tourism brand rooted in authenticity, respect for nature, and cultural integrity.

Tourism Diplomacy and Cross-Border Cooperation

Effective tourism diplomacy thrives when governments and the private sector act as partners. The private sector, as the industry’s eyes and ears, often identifies challenges first. Governments must listen, collaborate, and support sustainable solutions.

Cross-border collaboration also amplifies tourism’s impact. Initiatives such as Southern Africa’s transboundary parks allow wildlife, cultures, and economies to flourish together. Similarly, partnerships between France and Morocco, including heritage conservation projects and joint tourism festivals, demonstrate that tourism can promote intercultural dialogue, preserve culture, and strengthen international ties.

Air Connectivity: The Backbone of Tourism

No destination can thrive without reliable air access. The COVID-19 pandemic starkly highlighted how tourism collapses when connectivity fails.

To consolidate tourism, governments must prioritize accessible, sustainable air travel—reducing burdensome taxes, fostering airline partnerships, and ensuring mobility for both visitors and locals.

A Call to Action

The path forward is clear. Tourism policies must put people and heritage first. Taxes and fees that stifle growth must be reconsidered. Local communities must be active partners, not passive observers.

High-yield tourism is not about luxury—it is about creating meaningful, sustainable experiences that optimize source markets and generate lasting benefits. When leaders embrace this vision, tourism becomes not just profitable, but responsible, regenerative, and respectful.

Tourism has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and protect our planet’s treasures. Together, we can champion an industry that enriches everyone it touches. The future of tourism is in our hands—let’s make it one we can all be proud of.

Categoría:

Turismo 

Organización:

Clevenard

Escrito por:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34631279811