Responsible Tourism requires that operators, hoteliers, governments, local people and tourists take responsibility, take action to make tourism more sustainable. The Cape Town Declaration (2002) recognises that Responsible Tourism takes a variety of forms, it is characterised by travel and tourism which:

1. “minimises negative environmental, social and cultural impacts;
2. generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities, by improving working conditions and access to the industry;
3. involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances;
4. makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and to the maintenance of the world’s diversity;
5. provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural and environmental issues;
6. provides access for physically challenged people; and
7. is culturally sensitive and engenders  respect between tourists and hosts.”

Behaviour can be more or less responsible and what is responsible in a particular place depends upon environment and culture.

The Kerala Declaration (2008) reviews progress since Cape Town in 2002 and reflects the experience gained from efforts at implementation around the world.