Generic definitions of responsible tourism and responsible tourists were
developed and five actions representing responsible behaviour were identified
which operationalised the definitions from the specific context. Influences and
constraints on these responsible behaviours were also identified. These were
internal, emanating from the tourist and included culture; values and attitudes;
ethics and motivations; and mindfulness and mindlessness, and external,
emanating from the destination, which included marketing; visitor management;
and information and communication. Awareness was considered an important
aspect of responsible tourist behaviour yet few tourists were aware of context
specific details. Information, therefore, is considered important in achieving
responsible tourist behaviour. Information may be most effective if it appeals to
good citizenship and provides a reasoned and positive argument. A three step
model was developed to foster responsible tourist behaviour. The first and
crucial step is for the destination to set its objectives, then, to market to the most
appropriate tourists. The third step is to optimise the responsible behaviour of
these tourists once they have arrived, through visitor management which
encourages and facilitates responsible behaviour. The New Zealand context
provides a good example of this approach.