(Posted 14th February 2026)
Tourism: a shared responsibility for sustainable growth
By Alain St. Ange, Director of Saint Ange Consultancy and former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine of Seychelles
Tourism is more than an industry; it is the lifeblood of economies, cultures, and communities worldwide. It touches every aspect of our lives; from the roads we travel to the warm greetings we receive at a destination. Yet, its potential remains untapped in many regions due to a lack of collaboration, ethical leadership, and sustainable practices.
As someone who has dedicated my career to this vital sector, I believe it is time for us to work together to consolidate tourism as a force for good – one that enriches not only economies but also the lives of people and the health of our planet.
The importance of tourism
Tourism is not just about airlines, hotels, or attractions. It is every single interaction a visitor has with a destination. It’s the public roads they travel, the reliability of electricity and water, the cleanliness of the streets, and the warmth of the local community.
When we invest in these areas for our visitors, we are also investing in a better quality of life for our local communities. It becomes a win-win. This understanding transforms our perspective: the entire country is the destination, and it must be ready to welcome the world.
However, many still ask, “How can tourism contribute more to the economy?” Too often, the answer reverts to imposing more taxes – killing the goose that lays the golden egg. Instead, we must focus on creating an environment where tourism can thrive sustainably, benefiting both visitors and locals.
Ethical leadership and sustainability
A tourism industry that excludes local communities or harms the natural environment is not only unethical – it is unsustainable. We have seen pristine coastlines overdeveloped without community input, leading to environmental degradation and the loss of the very charm that drew tourists in the first place.
Ethical leadership demands that we embrace sustainable tourism as our guiding principle. But sustainability is not a simple checklist to tick off during inspections. It must be woven into the fabric of the destination. This means genuinely involving local communities – not just as employees, but as partners and shareholders in development. When people have a stake in the industry, they become its most passionate guardians.
Countries like Bhutan and New Zealand provide inspiring examples. Bhutan’s high-value, low-impact tourism policy limits visitor numbers while prioritising cultural preservation and environmental protection. Similarly, New Zealand’s Tiaki principles encourage both visitors and locals to care for the land and honour M?ori traditions. These models show that true success in tourism is measured not just by numbers but by the lasting positive impact on communities and culture.
Community involvement: a win-win approach
When we invest in tourism infrastructure, we are also investing in our people. Clean streets, reliable utilities, and well-maintained public spaces benefit both visitors and locals. This creates a virtuous cycle: happy residents make for welcoming hosts, and satisfied visitors are more likely to return.
Consider Costa Rica, a nation that built its global brand on ecotourism. The government made a conscious choice to protect its rainforests and biodiversity, empowering local communities to lead conservation efforts and run eco-lodges. Today, tourists flock there not just for the scenery but for an authentic experience rooted in respect for nature and culture.
Tourism diplomacy and cross-border cooperation
True tourism diplomacy happens when the public and private sectors work together as one. The private sector, as the eyes and ears of the industry, is often the first to notice problems and the quickest to act. Governments must listen to and respect these stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment.
Tourism diplomacy also extends across borders. Countries can collaborate on cross-border eco-tourism initiatives, such as the transboundary parks in Southern Africa, which allow wildlife and local cultures to flourish while offering visitors a unified natural experience.
A notable example is the partnership between France and Morocco, where joint heritage conservation projects and tourism festivals celebrate shared history and promote intercultural dialogue. These initiatives not only preserve important cultural sites but also encourage deeper understanding and cooperation.
Air connectivity: the backbone of tourism
Air connectivity remains the foundation of tourism. Without it, the industry cannot flourish. The COVID-19 pandemic starkly reminded us of this reality when airlines stopped flying, and tourism ground to a halt.
To consolidate tourism, destinations must prioritise air access. This means fostering partnerships with airlines, reducing burdensome taxes, and ensuring that air travel remains accessible and sustainable.
A call to action
The path forward is clear. We must champion policies that put people and natural heritage first. Taxes and fees that stifle growth must be reconsidered, and the private sector must actively seek partnerships with local communities.
High-yield tourism is not about luxury; it is about optimising source markets and creating meaningful, sustainable experiences. When leaders understand this, they can build an industry that is not only profitable but also responsible, respectful, and regenerative.
Tourism has the power to transform lives, uplift communities, and preserve our planet’s most precious treasures. Together, let us champion a tourism industry that enriches everyone it touches. The future of tourism is in our hands – let’s make it a future we can all be proud of.
