Abstract
The chapter focuses on reporting systems which assess responsible tourism and Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) in the tourism industry. These tools have recently received more and more attention from the international academic and professional community, given the urgent need to promote a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable development of tourism. The use of reporting systems can encourage responsible practices by tourism businesses, improving internal processes and activities along the tourism value chain, as well as enhance consumer confidence in respectful companies and in responsible tourism. Through the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the chapter develops a critical assessment of the reporting systems currently available in Europe, in order to support the diffusion of responsible policies and practices in the tourism industry and the businesses' commitment towards clients. Particular attention is paid to small and medium-size tourism enterprises, since they have more difficulties in organising their business according to social and ecological principles and to develop the conditions under which a product can be defined as “responsible”. The analysis underlines that the evaluation of these tools, in terms of their effectiveness and reliability in monitoring business responsibility, depends on the criteria taken into account for the analysis and then on the auditors' selection of appropriate variables.
TopIntroduction
The evolution of consumption beyond minimal and basic needs has led people to consume a large amount of products and resources. Even though this phenomenon is not negative in and of itself, there are some important issues that need to be addressed: how are the products actually produced; what are the impacts of this production and of certain forms of consumption on the environment, the society and the individuals; which actors influence consumers’ choices and, in particular, to what extent what people consume is influenced by businesses’ goals and advertising and not by their personal needs (Shah, 2008).
The shift from the marketing concept to the societal marketing concept has moved businesses’ focus from merely satisfying clients’ needs to also preserving and enhancing their well-being (Kotler, 1994). The consumerism approach developed by the consumerism movement and its disciples aims at harmonising the goals of businesses and the goals of society. It postulates a new ethics of production and consumption, a greater attention being paid to the quality of products, the safety of consumers and the preservation of the environment.
Contributions in the literature about ethics in consumerism have been proposed and much discussed in order to encourage ethical consumption behaviour and change in business practice (as Corporate Social Responsibility - CSR) (Tallontire, Rentsendorj, & Blowfield, 2001).
Today an increasing number of consumers seem to found their consumption decisions on ethical motivations, paying attention to eco-friendly products, respect for labour standards and human rights. Many businesses, on their side, seem to adopt green and ethical practices, producing responsible products.
However, evidence suggests that the ethical approach associated with consumerism is not put into practice as much as it is celebrated. There is a gap between opinions on green and ethical consumer values and the development of ethical products. According to some empirical findings, even though consumers follow certain values when they are shopping, there is a significant disparity between what people state to do and their actual purchases (Tallontire et al., 2001). The same applies to the industry: there are companies that integrate ethical principles in their internal processes and products and companies that claim to integrate these principles without implementing them concretely, the scope being to increase their visibility and appeal on the market.
Tourism, as a form of consumption, is directly involved in this debate. As stated by Hall (2012), tourism existed well before the onset of the industrial age of tourism. However, the industrial revolution and the rapid growth of the capitalist society changed its nature and rate of growth, giving rise to a new form of mass consumption and production with effects on both people and places. At the beginning of the 80s, the widespread concern of the international community about the negative effects produced by mass tourism and the growing attention paid to the topic of sustainability led to the development of actions aimed at promoting and supporting alternative forms of tourism. This implies the adoption of a responsible behaviour both by tourists and by tourism businesses involved in travel production and distribution.
The main issue is how to encourage ethical consumption (Sharpley, Hall, & Henderson, 2012) and the spread of responsible tourism. Although the demand for responsible tourism products is growing in Europe, we still observe a significant inconsistency between consumer attitudes and behaviour (Pomering, Noble, & Johnson, 2011) and, at the same time, between company declarations and concrete practices (Moeller, Dolnicar, & Leisch, 2011).
Despite more and more tourists are sensitive to issues related to ethics, social responsibility and environmentalism and even willing to pay a extra cost for a responsible product, they finally show great resistance to concretely change their own purchase and consumption behaviour (Weeden, 2002; Goodwin & Francis, 2003; Chafe, 2005; Sambri & Pegan, 2006; Budeanu, 2007; Cohen & Higham, 2012; Leslie, 2012).
Key Terms in this Chapter
CSR: The continuing commitment by companies to integrate social, environmental and economic concerns (triple-bottom line) in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis.
Greenwash: A phenomenon which happens when a company deceptively disseminates false information about its environmentally friendly engagement and practices, in order to promote the perception that its business and products are environmentally friendly. Evidence that an organization is greenwashing comes when it significantly spends more money or time in advertising being “green” than in concretely implementing environmentally friendly practices and projects.
Tour Operator: A company that combines and organizes two or more travel services (transport, accommodation, meals, sightseeing, etc.) in an all-inclusive package holiday which is sold through travel agencies or directly to final consumers.
AHP: A mathematic multi-criteria model, developed by Thomas Saaty in the 1970s, that compares and assesses several alternatives with respect to different criteria.
Reporting System: A system that enables a company to measure, track, manage and communicate its performance and progresses for example in terms of social, environmental and economic impacts.
Certification Program: A system that, through a logo or receipt of an award, informs and provides assurance for consumers and the industry that a company has met established minimum standards.
Responsible Tourism: According to the Cape Town Declaration (2002) AU30: The in-text citation "Town Declaration (2002)" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. , responsible tourism is characterised by travels and tourism which minimise negative environmental, social and cultural impacts; generate greater economic benefits for local people and enhance the well being of host communities, by improving working conditions and access to the industry; involve local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances; make positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and to the maintenance of the world’s diversity; provide more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural and environmental issues; provide access for physically challenged people; and is culturally sensitive and engenders respect between tourists and hosts.