deBuren

Although at first glance tourism and development cooperation would seem to be two policy areas that are not really compatible, nowadays they are often linked. The Flemish minister Geert Bourgeois is responsible for Tourism and Development Cooperation and we often hear the expression 'tourism as a driving force for development'.

The aim of sustainable travel both in one's own country and abroad is to meet local development objectives as well as to protect our cultural, historical and natural heritage. It has become a unique sector that offers opportunities and pitfalls alike, not only for policymakers and tour operators, but also for the traveller himself. Tourists may cause irreparable damage to unique natural environments or cultures and the profits often flow back into western economies.

Can travel ever be sustainable? Should we give up going on last-minute trips to the Caribbean and stay at home instead? deBuren is organising a debate that will include Geert Bourgeois, Claude Pérignon, Director Quality Management with Thomas Cook and Nico Visser, who is a professor of sustainable tourism. The travel writer Jikkie Jonkman is the moderator.