At a time when tourism is increasingly demonized for its environmental and social impact, Jane Gooddall, primatologist and a lifelong advocate for both people and the planet, who died recently, offers a powerful reminder of the industry’s potential for good when managed responsibly.
“The travel industry, and especially I’m thinking of tourism….benefits in so many ways. It benefits the country because it brings foreign exchange in, it benefits the travellers because they learn about situations face to face that they otherwise might read about, but it wouldn't really get home to them, so they care more. It benefits the animals because the local people are now prepared to look after them rather than kill them, because by looking after them they know that brings in more tourists. It's basically spreading awareness about the problems, so I think you know, the tourism industry when it's done correctly and wisely, it is a really good investment for the future of conservation and biodiversity.”
In just a few powerful lines, Goodall distills what responsible tourism champions have said for years, that when done right, travel isn’t the problem. It’s the solution - a force for conservation, education, and economic empowerment rather than harm.
Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor
