Why is responsible tourism a career with a future?

Respectful of the environment and local communities, responsible tourism has been gaining popularity in recent years. This new way of traveling limits environmental impact while supporting local communities. In 2023, 69% of tourists plan to travel sustainably. Responsible tourism therefore appears to be a sector with a bright future, offering great career opportunities while making a positive contribution to the preservation of our planet. Here are the main reasons why we believe sustainable tourism is a career with a future. 

The main principles of responsible tourism 

Responsible tourism is much more than just a trend. Its goal is to offer travelers an enjoyable and authentic experience without harming local communities or the environment. It is based on three key principles:

• Preserving the environment, natural resources, and biodiversity for the long term.
• Respect local populations, their cultures, and their identities.
• Ensuring long-term financial stability. Eco-responsible tourism must benefit all stakeholders involved, in a fair manner.

Responsible tourism addresses environmental challenges

When we consider that "traditional" tourism is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and that in France, this figure rises to 11% , it is easier to understand why change is urgently needed. Responsible tourism is emerging as a necessary response to current and future environmental challenges. This form of tourism prioritizes more environmentally friendly experiences in order to limit greenhouse gas emissions. It also includes support for local communities, based on a fair approach, including:

• the development of the local economy (promotion of artisanal products, local restaurants, accommodation run by residents, etc.).
• preserving culture (promoting local arts, traditional dances, heritage, etc.).
• collaborating with local communities to develop tourism projects that meet their needs.

Responsible tourism also encompasses several trends and concepts related to sustainable development, such as "slow tourism." This form of alternative tourism focuses on in-depth exploration rather than visiting as many places as possible. 

Responsible tourism meets travelers' expectations

The needs and expectations of tourists are changing over time. According to a recent study by Booking, 77% of travelers say they want to travel more responsibly in the future. The younger generation is particularly sensitive to the need to preserve the planet. In order to meet this growing demand from travelers, tourism companies are rethinking their offerings and making them more responsible, more immersive, and more authentic. New travel concepts are emerging and appealing to many travelers who are sensitive to environmental issues: eco-lodge stays, collaborative tours, solidarity stays, etc. This is giving rise to new professions that offer promising career prospects while responding to environmental challenges. 

Responsible tourism is supported by public authorities.

In the context of the climate crisis, governments and international organizations are developing various initiatives to promote responsible tourism. These include the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations, as well as labels and certifications such as Green Globe Travelife, Gîte Panda, Ecogîte, Via Nature, Ethic Etape, Destination d'Excellence, and more. Thanks to these various initiatives, sustainable tourism professionals benefit from a framework that is conducive to innovation and development in a sustainable manner. 

Responsible tourism is constantly innovating

Who said that responsible tourism and new technologies couldn't go hand in hand? Far from leaving them behind, sustainable tourism is adapting to constant technological advances and taking advantage of them through various tools, for example:

• Platforms connecting travelers with local service providers/guides.
• Environmental monitoring tools that enable companies to measure and limit their ecological impact.
• Educational apps to raise awareness among travelers about the environmental impact of their trips.

Responsible tourism: diverse and meaningful jobs 

Responsible tourism offers many career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Among the many emerging professions in sustainable tourism are: ecolodge hotel manager, CSR manager, ecotourism consultant, green leisure designer, sustainable travel advisor, eco-design manager in the hotel industry, sustainable tourism communications officer, eco-responsible tourism project developer, eco-responsible refuge manager, etc.

These different professions are becoming increasingly attractive and appealing because they are innovative, meaningful, and allow people to combine a passion for travel with ethical values and a positive impact on the environment. 

In addition, there are many different sectors in which you can pursue a career. Here are a few examples:

• Ecotourism
• Solidarity/community-based tourism
• Green hospitality 
• Eco-friendly educational/school tourism
• Consulting firms specializing in responsible tourism, etc. 

Training courses to access careers in responsible tourism

With the rise of responsible tourism and growing demand for qualified professionals, many training programs are emerging. Universities, specialized schools... There is something for everyone! You can choose between a BTS (advanced vocational training certificate), a bachelor's degree, or even a specialized master's degree. The Odicé school, located on The Land campus in Rennes, offers several training courses that will enable you to pursue a career in responsible tourism, such as the Master's degree in sustainable tourism project management. You can enroll after completing a bachelor's degree (for example, a bachelor's degree in event tourism project management, offered by Odicé School) or a bachelor's degree. You can also take a BTS in Tourism at Odicé School, then continue your studies up to the Master's level.

Career opportunities are numerous and varied: local tourism development officer, local tourism promotion and development officer, sustainable tourism marketing project manager, press officer for a sustainable tourism project, digital project manager in sustainable tourism, etc. 

In summary, responsible tourism opens up innovative, ethical, and committed career opportunities that are in line with consumer expectations and the needs of the planet. Specialized training is highly recommended for those wishing to work in this rapidly growing sector.