INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM IN SOUTHEAST ASIA (ICRT-SEA)

ABOUT US

ICRT-SEA is a centre to connect members that share a common purpose in developing and advocating the Responsible Tourism initiatives through research, education, training, community engagement & partnership. ICRT is based in the UK and ICRT-SEA is an affiliated centre in Southeast Asia set up by Responsible Borneo (REBORN). The overarching goal of ICRT-SEA is to bring together minds and resources of tourism stakeholders in Southeast Asia to advance the dialogues and implementation of Responsible Tourism as an effective driver and vehicle to make more destinations in the region better places for people to live in and visit.

VISION

To build and be recognised as a leading centre in Southeast Asia that advocates and mobilizes responsible tourism through partnership.

MISSIONS

ICRT-SEA is a centre that provides government agencies, academics, practitioners, community members and young people a platform to interact and advance the knowledge and practice of Responsible Tourism in Southeast Asia through individual and collective efforts. The centre aims to bring diverse expertise and resources together and facilitate domestic and international collaborations to mobilize responsible tourism through research, education, training, community engagement and partnership.

WHY
SOUTHEAST ASIA

Southeast Asia is often seen as a lucrative business market due to its richness in nature and biodiversity, diverse cultures and people as well as affordable travel expenses. While its history and modern-day politics can be complex at times, it is generally safe for tourists to travel around. Nevertheless, given the effect of globalization and the burgeoning of tourism and hospitality activities, it has inevitably had a significant impact on the environment, economy, social development, and community well-being. In addition to problems which are commonly known in tourism, such as carbon footprint and mismanagement of overcrowding in a destination, the concerns also include intricate or complex issues, such as animal and human exploitation for entertainment as well as tourism projects motivated by power play.

Responsible tourism is germane to the countries in Southeast Asia because it aims to benefit the local community, create employment opportunities, preserve cultures, protect environment and sustain economic growth, which in turn, improves the quality of life and the betterment of the society. This region has long been regarded as economically dynamic due to its rising populations and market opportunities to many developed countries. Despite the importance of various tourism aspects, such as smart tourism, event tourism and ecotourism, the sense of responsibility among stakeholders, including public and private sectors as well as the local communities, is what is largely needed to develop, recover, sustain and regenerate tourism for common good in Southeast Asia.

Source:JRTM (Ky, V. (2022). An outlook on responsible tourism in Southeast Asia. Journal of Responsible Tourism Management, 2(1), 58–78.)

https://doi.org/10.47263/JRTM.02-01-06

Responsible Tourism (RT) Awards in Southeast Asia

ICRT-SEA STORIES

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RESPONSIBLE TOURISM IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

SHARE YOUR STORY HERE

Thailand
1. Khok Salung Community-Based Tourism Village: Responsible Tourism from the Youth’s Perspectives

Malaysia
1. An Intentional Approach To Responsible Tourism In Miri, Malaysia

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SHORT STORY

Short stories serve as powerful tools for communicating the essence and impact of Responsible Tourism initiatives. They provide a glimpse into real-world scenarios, showcasing the tangible benefits of responsible practices on local communities, the environment, and the overall tourism experience. These narratives contribute to a growing repository of knowledge, offering valuable lessons and insights that can guide future endeavors in the realm of Responsible Tourism.

ICRT-SEA encourages committee members to submit a minimum of 2 to 3 short stories annually. These stories can be drawn from personal experiences, on-the-ground observations, or networks associated with Responsible Tourism initiatives in Southeast Asia. The stories should vividly capture the spirit of responsible practices, emphasizing their positive outcomes and the challenges overcome in their implementation.

Submissions may cover a wide array of themes within Responsible Tourism, such as community engagement, sustainable resource management, cultural preservation, and innovative approaches to minimizing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. The goal is to present a diverse range of narratives that collectively showcase the multifaceted impact of responsible practices on both local communities and the broader tourism industry.

ICRT-SEA recognizes the significance of the stories submitted and aims to provide a platform for acknowledgment and dissemination. Selected stories will be featured on the ICRT-SEA website, publications, and relevant events. This not only honors the contributors but also amplifies the reach of these narratives, inspiring others to adopt responsible practices in their respective contexts.

In embracing the power of storytelling, ICRT-SEA seeks to build a rich tapestry of narratives that exemplify the transformative potential of Responsible Tourism in Southeast Asia. Through these short stories, the centre envisions creating a reservoir of inspiration that catalyzes positive change, fostering a tourism industry that prioritizes the well-being of communities, the preservation of cultures, and the sustainable stewardship of the region's natural treasures. Committee members are encouraged to embrace this opportunity to contribute to a shared vision of Responsible Tourism that leaves a lasting, positive impact on Southeast Asia and beyond.

Asia.