Certification Tourism is diverse and different and at the same time very similar all over the world-  and so are the different concepts of tourism. The niche forms; such as ecotourism, agrotourism, rural tourism and community-based tourism, are often proclaimed as ethical alternatives to mass tourism as they focus more on tourism in rural/natural areas integrating communities into tourism development. No form of tourism is by definition responsible or sustainable: all forms of tourism can be more responsible or sustainable.

Sustainable tourism and responsible tourism is applicable to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations, including mass tourism and the various niche tourism segments. The concepts of pro-poor tourism, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community-benefit tourism initiatives rather tend to enhance the linkages between tourism businesses and poor/rural people at micro-level.

Nicole Häusler, M.A.
Responsible Tourism Consultant
masIcontour
Berlin, Germany
haeusler@mascontour.info