Tourism can contribute to
development if locals profit from the income from tourism and the conservation
of nature, tradition and culture have priority over economic interests. This is
possible if the tourism infrastructure is integrated in regional economic
processes and involves local traders.
EED and ecumenical partners
are committed to sustainable, socially responsible and environmentally sound
tourism. It funds exemplary tourism projects, advises churches and partners in
developing countries and takes part in training local tour guides.
There is especially
intensive cooperation with the Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism in Thailand and Equations in India. In Germany, EED is a member
of the children's rights organisation ECPAT,
which is committed to the protection of children against sexual exploitation
all over the world.
The focuses of the Tourism Watch
Office in EED are:
- Raising tourists' awareness of responsible travel
oriented towards encounters
- Providing training for church travel offers
- Getting involved in human rights and social
standards
- Dialogue with the tourism industry
- Funding alternatives in tourism
- Cooperating with the media and political decision
makers
- Publishing the "TourismWatch" information service
(in German)
)