Here at Epicure & Culture, we’re dedicated to educating our readers on responsible tourism and bringing to light issues and topics they may not be aware of. Now, we’re taking things to the next level and expanding our reach from our online magazine to Twitter.
Beginning June 4, 2014, we’re joining forces with some of the most passionate ethical tourism bloggers and agencies to bring you Responsible Tourism Twitter Chat, or #RTTC. These chats will take place on Wednesdays at 6pm GMT, with a new responsible tourism focused question being posed each week. The chat will last one hour, with a new question every hour, giving attendees the chance to join in on the conversation, share their insights and opinions, and learn about responsible tourism.
Over the past year, I’ve had many of you write in and mention you were thinking of things like booking an elephant trek in Thailand, but have now reconsidered after taking the time to learn about the realities of elephant tourism. It made me realize there is a real need to educate travelers about responsible tourism, as many are simply unaware that their actions may have a negative impact. It was from my conversations with all of you that I was inspired to start this chat.
I’ll be joined by a talent team of hosts, including d travels ’round, The Travelling Editor, The World Travel and Tourism Council, The Culture-Ist, Backpacker Becki, Travel Write Sing, Globetrotter Girls and Where Sidewalks End. There will also be rotating co-hosts of bloggers, travel brands and more. You can find a full list of everyone’s Twitter handles below.
I invite you all to join us on June 4 for a discussion on “What is responsible tourism?,” and to share the invitation with your friends. Together, we can make travel a more positive experience for tourists and local communities.
Host Twitter Handles
Jessica Festa: @EpicureCulture
Diana Edelman: @DTravelsRound
Dylan Lowe: @TravelingEditor
World Travel & Tourism Council: @WTTC
Backpacker Becki: @BackpackerBecki
The Culture-Ist: @TheCultureist
Travel Write Sing: @lukespartacus
Where Sidewalks End: @WSEtravel
Globetrotter Girls: @GlbetrotterGrls
I’m looking forward to these regular Responsible Tourism Chats. I’m interested in how each element of Responsible Tourism is weighted by individual travelers. For example is supporting locals more important than reducing long haul flying?
@John: I’m glad you’re excited! If you have any particular questions you’d like answered feel free to pose them on the Facebook group and we’ll add them to the list. Thank you for reading and getting involved! 🙂
Sorry Jessica, do you have the link for the link for the #RTTC Facebook Group?
@John: Here you go: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Responsible-Tourism-Twitter-Chat/212062479004252
Hope to “see” you Wednesday!