As a general definition, responsible management can be described as seeking to balance the interests of the entire world (people, companies, environment) to prosper for the benefit of both, current and future generations.

Responsible Tourism requires that operators, hoteliers, governments, local people and tourists take responsibility, and take action to make tourism more sustainable. The Cape Town Declaration (2002) recognizes that Responsible Tourism takes a variety of forms and can be characterized as a sector which:

1. “minimizes 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 influence their lives and life chances;
4. makes positive contributions to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage and to keep world’s diversity;
5. provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists offering more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of the local cultural and environmental issues;
6. provides access for physically challenged people;
7. it is culturally sensitive and provides respect between tourists and their hosts.”

Responsible Management in the HORECA sector represents a mix between safe and responsible touristic products, such as: accommodation, transportation, entertainment, balneary and spa services or restauration.

The Responsible Tourism guidelines encourage tourism operators to grow their businesses while providing social and economic benefits to the local communities and as well respecting the environment.

The purpose of all the parties involved is to respect the regional environment laws, natural resources, to promote the culture and its traditions, to stimulate the regional products and to support and encourage the businesses that are responsible orientated. For example, if we are referring to a location (small hotel / small restaurant) situated by the seaside, we should be aware about how to keep clean the beaches and the sea, without dumping the garbage or polluting the water in that area.

Responsible Management in the HORECA sector means also offering high quality services for tourists, by respecting all the regulations regarding nature and HR management; good communication with local authorities, which will help both, local community and HORECA sector, finding the best solutions to specific tourism-related problems. It involves:

• being aware regarding main environmental regulations, laws;
• implementing and raising awareness among staff regarding what responsible management implies in the daily activity;
• facing difficult tasks and problems by offering the right solutions for the staff and clients;
• being informed of the available trainings measures and sector-specific educational trends;
• being oriented to results optimization.