- Support
- Responsible Tourism
Responsible Tourism
What is Responsible Tourism?
Broadly speaking, Responsible Tourism is a way of travelling or offering tourism experiences that aim to minimise the negative impact tourism has on the environment, local communities, and the local economy.
Responsible tourism is about making our destination a better place to live, and therefore a better place to visit for all.
Responsible tourism is the umbrella under which Sustainable, Accessible, and Inclusive tourism falls, and shares the spotlight.
Why is Responsible Tourism important to Tourism in Fife?
In 2023, Welcome to Fife published our refreshed Tourism Strategy, which is built on 4 main priorities: Place, People, Businesses and Sustainable tourism, covering the essential pillars of responsible tourism.
Building on the responsible tourism practices, tourism can be a force for good, supporting communities and our local economy by:
- supporting tourism jobs
- improving the well-being of everyone who experiences it
- protecting our natural and cultural assets for future prosperity
- building business resilience
How does Responsible Tourism benefit your business?
Booking.com - Expedia - VisitScotland data
Environmental Sustainability
The entire world is currently living in a Climate Emergency, with the number of flash floods, heatwaves, and wildfires ever increasing, not only on a global scale, but also here in Scotland. In tourism, our destinations are the products we sell and promote to visitors, and any climate impact on our natural and build heritage will inevitably affect the sector. With air and road travel being an essential part of tourism, our sector is one of the largest contributors to carbon equivalent emissions (CO2e) globally.
In 2019, Fife Council declared a Climate Emergency, committing to the target of net-zero by 2045. In 2024, the Climate Fife 2024 Strategy and Action Plan provides a revised, refreshed, and focussed strategy on what Fife Council will deliver in the near future. The Scottish Government has declared the intention and commitment through Net Zero Nation to reach Net Zero by 2045, 5 years ahead of the UK Government targets.
At COP26, The united Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in 2021, The Glasgow Declaration Climate Action in Tourism was singed into existence, of which Welcome to Fife became and official signatory in February 2024.
In autumn 2025, the official Fife Tourism Climate Action Plan will be launched.
Social Inclusion
Inclusion is the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised, such as people with physical or cognitive disabilities, or members of other minority groups.
Accessible tourism ensures that tourist destinations, products, and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities, or age. This includes accommodations, transportation, attractions, and public spaces designed to be inclusive and welcoming.
Accessible tourism is not just about compliance with regulations; it’s about creating an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy travel experiences. Here, we explore the numerous benefits of making tourism accessible for all.
Great places to start your responsible journey
Fife Climate Hub
Fife Climate Hub empowers community-led action on the climate crisis. They help build the capacity of existing community groups working on climate and deliver stronger collaboration between groups and organisations.
