Responsible Tourism

One of GCT's 15 Steps to Help Save Galapagos is responsible tourism.  We are working with various organisations and experts to ensure that the future for tourism in Galapagos is sustainable.

 

Tourist © Jon d'Alessio In 2007 the Galapagos Islands were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage In Danger for three reasons:

 

  • Uncontrolled increases in tourism
  • Uncontrolled increases in population
  • Uncontrolled increases in invasive species

All of which are directly or indirectly related to tourism.

 

In 2009 the Galapagos Islands were removed from the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Danger because of the Governments efforts to address the reasons for it being added to the list in the first place.  However there is still a long way to go.

 

During this time the type of tourism available to visitors has changed with land based accommodation and activities now representing 50% of the market.  It is not yet understood what the effects of this change might be - an increase in benefits to

the local population, a reduction in the ability to control visitors and teach them about the vulnerability of the Islands - it is simply not yet known.

 

Tourists © Nick Moll The World Wildlife Fund has been working with the Galapagos National Park on creating a new model for ecotourism in Galapagos and in July GCT ran a workshop with the UK tourism industry to discuss what they need to ensure that Galapagos tourism is sustainable in the future.  A report from the workshop is now available.

 

Since the workshop, GCT has updated its position on tourism and urges anyone considering a visit to read this first to help them to make informed decisions.

 

GCT is now working on the next steps from the tourism workshop including improving communications between the Galapagos National Park and tourism industry; working to ensure that a certification/rating system is in place for all tourism activities; urging a cap on annual visitor numbers and continuing to work with the tourism industry and public to ensure that they have the materials and information they need to work and travel responsibly.