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Useful Language - Tapescript

The program discusses 'ethical' travel, which encompasses terms like eco-travel, sustainable travel, and responsible tourism, all emphasizing respect for the environment and local communities. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding these labels and verifying companies' ethical claims, as marketing can sometimes mislead consumers. Additionally, the concept of 'slow travel' is introduced, focusing on immersing oneself in the destination and promoting local culture, with Stradbroke Island presented as an example of a slow holiday destination.

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2 views

Useful Language - Tapescript

The program discusses 'ethical' travel, which encompasses terms like eco-travel, sustainable travel, and responsible tourism, all emphasizing respect for the environment and local communities. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding these labels and verifying companies' ethical claims, as marketing can sometimes mislead consumers. Additionally, the concept of 'slow travel' is introduced, focusing on immersing oneself in the destination and promoting local culture, with Stradbroke Island presented as an example of a slow holiday destination.

Uploaded by

Valentina Rispoli
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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AUDIOSCRIPT

On today’s programme, we’re discussing the whole issue of so-called ‘ethical’ travel. I’m talking to travel
journalist, Lucy Marske and conservationist Brian Eckers. Lucy, ethical travel has had a number of names
attached to it. Can you explain exactly what makes travel ‘ethical’?

B: Actually, various labels are in play here. We have ‘eco-travel’, ‘green travel’, ‘sustainable travel’,
‘responsible travel’ - the list goes on. Essentially, these all mean the same thing: the idea of showing
respect for the environment and lives of the local community in the places we visit. This underlies the
notion of ethical travel. The idea that whatever travel choices we make will have an impact and we have to
make sure it’s a positive one. To clarify some of the terms, though, ‘sustainable tourism’ focuses on the
development of a tourist area which will last, so that the intrinsic appeal of the area is not destroyed by
tourism. Responsible tourism and the newly coined community-based tourism focus more specifically on
ensuring that the economic benefits go directly to the community, rather than to some foreign-based travel
company.

A: Would you go along with that definition, Brian?

C: The truth of the matter is that green labels and terms are used rather loosely. The word ‘green’ is often
used freely for marketing purposes, and doesn’t always mean that the operator’s acting ethically – in other
words considering the needs of the local community, every step of the way. And while international
watchdog organisations like the Ethical Tourism Journal are pushing for stricter regulations, some travel
companies do manage to slip through the net. I think anyone who’s concerned about ethical travel needs to
be aware of exactly what these labels mean, so that they can make an informed decision about their
destination.

B: I also think we should mention that responsible companies generally display official certification of their
ethical status now. There’s legislation in place in several countries regarding the misuse of labelling.
Customers should check out each company’s green credentials on line, though, just to be sure they are
actually going to get what they sign up for.

A: Another label we keep hearing about is ‘slow travel’ and Brian, you’re a member of this movement. I’m a
bit confused as to what it means though. Does it mean we have to travel everywhere on a donkey?

C: No, not exactly. Though that’s a nice idea, if you fancy it! No, slow travel is really a small part of the Slow
Movement. It’s part of a general reaction against the hectic pace of modern life. By encouraging people to
go on self-catering holidays, for example, we hope they’ll become more immersed in their destination, and
have a better time as a result. But although we’d go along with that and other ethical ideas, like reducing
air miles or whatever, that’s not actually our main focus. Slow travel’s more about respecting the tourist’s
need to unwind and just appreciate the fact of being. People rarely take the time to do this anymore.
Although, yes, we do also encourage people to explore an area on foot, by bike, or even on horseback, as
you suggest.

A: And you’ve been directly involved in the promotion of Stradbroke Island as the world’s first Slow holiday
destination, Brian. Tell us a bit about the project.

C: Stradbroke Island, off Brisbane in Australia, which attracts quite a few tourists, has set itself up as a slow
community. Its aims are fairly simple: to preserve the island’s unique environment and cultural identity,
and in particular, to afford its

residents and visitors alike the opportunity to truly enjoy community life. For example, we’re trying to
enforce stricter speed limits, and our bus service stops where it’s safe and convenient for passengers to get
on and off. We also celebrate local food as something precious, and oppose the standardisation you get in
many tourist spots today.

B: Yes, I have to say, Brian, much as I really applaud what the movement’s trying to do on the island – you
know, people there really care about how their actions affect everyone else and you can’t escape that as a
visitor, it’s everywhere – much as I applaud that, I wonder if it can be sustained? Sure, even though I was
effectively working, I managed to relax and enjoy myself; everyone was really friendly, and kept feeding me
- so much so that I put on some weight whilst there! But, you know, will the exposure the island’s receiving
in the media ultimately have an adverse impact on its environment, as the number of visitors increases? I’d
rather think not, but that’s the thing to keep an eye on.

A: An interesting point to consider! Let’s stop at that point and hear some questions from listeners …

WORDS

Ethical travel: the idea of showing respect for the environment and lives of the local community in the
places we visit

Sustainable travel, green travel, eco travel: other names for ethical travel

This underlies the notion of…

The intrinsic appeal of the area is not destroyed by tourism

Watchdog organizations

And while international watchdog organisations like the Ethical Tourism Journal are pushing for stricter
regulations, some travel companies do manage to slip through the net.

Customers should check out each company’s green credentials on line

Tourist’s need to unwind and just appreciate the fact of being

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