Taking Responsibility for Tourism

The book is now published and you can purchase a copy in hardback or paperback, or the whole book and individual chapters electronically from the publisher's website

You can use the code GOODWEB to get a 15% discount on the list price at link

Associated with my book are two additional resources on the Responsible Tourism Partnership:

Responsible Tourism around the World
Weblinks from the book

There is a forum for discussing the ideas in the book

The book will be published in early May. A number of people have had the opportunity to read a pre-publication copy. This is what they have had to say about it:

"This is a vitally important book for academics, practitioners and policy makers. It eschews some of the formality of conventional academic publishing in order to strengthen and clarify the arguments about the concept of taking responsibility for tourism and its effects. The author uses his vast experience in this area to good effect, making a powerful argument about the ways in which we should manage and develop tourism and deal with this powerful force.

This volume represents a powerful and articulate argument about the issues resulting from tourism's expansion into all parts of the world and presents a strong case about how we might manage the challenges which result from this development. It should be mandatory reading for all those interested in, studying, and producing policy relating to tourism development. It draws on the author's vast experience in studying the effects of tourism on environments and peoples and expresses clearly his challenging views on appropriate management procedures."
Richard Butler, Professor Emeritus, Strathclyde Business School, Strathclyde University

"Harold Goodwin’s book is a much-needed piece of research that goes to the heart of the development of what has become known as responsible tourism. It combines solid research and academic precision with the fluency and persuasion that make it an enlightening and absorbing read - of interest to the travelling public and research student alike.

That an increasing number of specialist travel companies now place such responsibility as an automatic part of the commercial process is, in no short measure, due to Goodwin’s thinking."
Richard Hearn, Chair (2005-6), Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), Founder director, Inntravel, Founder director, Village Ways

"Krippendorf and now Goodwin are the architects of modern Responsible Tourism. A challenging and inspiring read that defines the agenda for the next decade."
Justin Francis CEO, responsibletravel.com

"Harold Goodwin takes us on a travelogue of a change agent who stumbled into an issue by following his delight in visiting foreign places and then learning about the complexity of the industry and what it means to take responsibility by being part of it. This fascinating story will be of interest to anyone who goes on holiday and cares about living responsibly. This humane book is also profoundly relevant to any industry, activity or academic discipline concerned about practical wisdom (what Aristotle called phronesis), the socially useful knowledge that helps us live sustainably on this beautiful planet."
Titus Alexander, Author and Head of Policy and Research,Novas Scarman Group

"Tourism is undergoing the greatest revolution since the package holiday first became popular in the 1960’s, attracting millions to seek new sights and experiences.

Hotels, resorts, airports blossomed overnight. Travel was exciting, addictive and cheap.

But how long can the march for advancement continue without thought or care? Can this brilliant, pervasive, highly successful industry continue as before without destroying the “golden goose”.

Can the industry adapt to the dawning of a vital new era of responsible tourism, where consumers still enjoy the benefits of travel but at the same time, ensure a sustainable world. Where we are held to account for our actions, ensure communities gain real benefit and where we focus - and act on - key issues such as the appalling scarcity of water, carbon emissions and poverty.

Harold Goodwin’s monster of a book, considers sweeping, life-changing decisions that affect us all. His findings are critical for the industry, our children and future generations.

This should be required reading for anyone who, like me, loves and works in the industry as well as consumers who believe a holiday is a must."
Fiona Jeffery, Chairman and Founder, WTM World Responsible Tourism Day

"In principle, the need for all stakeholders to adopt a more responsible approach to tourism is undeniable; in practice, however, the concept of responsible tourism remains highly contested. In this book, Harold Goodwin, who for many years has been at the vanguard of the responsible tourism movement, charts a clear path through the debate. Writing coherently, passionately and, at times, controversially, he presents a powerful argument in support in the case for responsible tourism, explaining its evolution, principles and objectives before exploring its practical implementation. The book is, therefore, a ‘must read’ for anyone with an interest in the responsible tourism debate and, more importantly, an interest in the future of tourism itself."
Richard Sharpley, Professor of Tourism & Development, University of Central Lancashire