12.04.2013
Panel discussion: ‘A Shadow Over the Holiday Paradise – Human Rights in Tourism’
Günter Koschwitz (TourCert) and Petra Thomas (a&e erlebnis:reisen)
Markus Gaier (komm.passion)
Miriam Schaper, Hamburger Stiftung für Wirtschaftsethik
Relaxation, adventure and fun – these are the things we want to associate with our next holiday. On the other hand, there are the environmental and social impacts of travel on the environment and holiday destinations. On 11 April 2013, around 70 guests attended an event at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, organised by the Hamburger Stiftung für Wirtschaftsethik, HSBA and GIZ, to discuss the socio-ethical challenges facing the tourism industry throughout its value chain.
Whilst environmental issues such as water consumption and CO₂ emissions have often already found their way into tour operators’ brochures, human rights issues such as exploitation, child labour and poverty amongst the local population have so far scarcely been linked to tourism activities.
What are the most serious human rights violations within the tourism industry? Who is responsible for ensuring that the interests of the local population are respected? How can the protection of children and minorities be guaranteed even in countries without a fully functioning legal system, and which stakeholders are responsible for this?
These and other questions, as well as possible solutions offered by certification and conscious travel, were discussed by Günter Koschwitz from TourCert and Petra Thomas from a&e erlebnis:reisen and forum anders reisen e.V., with Markus Gaier acting as moderator.
In the subsequent discussion with the audience, it became clear that whilst many stakeholders have already taken initial steps, the complexity of the tourism value chain – caught between requirements and feasibility – requires continued and serious efforts on the part of industry, politicians and consumers.